Creative Works   

Extra Help Needed (Part 4)
By Amy Mina

Disclaimer: Any characters that you recognize from Buffy belong to Joss Whedon, the Mutant Enemy company, and the WB. Strange characters that you have never heard of such as Amy, Beth, Angela, Mr. Kraus, Mr. Upton, and any others belong to themselves.

. . .

Chapter 3

Angela rolled her head back and forth trying to wake up. She took her time, assuming that Amy and Beth would probably be fighting over the bathroom right now. Suddenly, she felt herself bouncing on her bed. She sat up quickly and almost hit Beth's head.

"Time to get out of bed, sleepyhead. Today we find out about our importance in the world."

Angela groaned and laid back down on the bed. "I'm not getting up."

"Yes, you are," said Beth, shaking her shoulders. "We need to make a good impression on this school. Besides, we need to get ready to meet Amy."

That made Angela sit up. "Where is she?"

Beth shrugged. "I don't know. She left a note, saying that she was going to meet us at the school. She also said not to tell Mr. Kraus about Angel."

"She is getting too overprotective. Are you done in the bathroom yet?"

Beth jumped off the bed. "Nope, unless you want me to smell like a barn. I just thought I would wake you up. I'll be out in about twenty minutes."

Beth disappeared into the bathroom and Angela slowly pulled herself out of her bed. She picked up the remote and turned on the television.

. . .

Amy blew the dust off the book and handed it to Giles. He took it from her and opened it up.

"Thank you," he replied. "You did tell your friends you were here didn't you?"

"I said I had to go somewhere. I didn't tell them where. I don't think they really want to help with research."

"Maybe you should call them."

Amy sighed in exaggeration and picked up the phone. She called their hotel room, and Beth picked up the other line.

"Beth, this is Amy."

"Amy, where are you?"

"At the library trying to help Giles with research. Unfortunately, I don't understand much Latin, or any other language besides English, so do all I do is blow dust off of books and try not to fall asleep on the counter."

"Boy, I'm glad you didn't drag me along."

"Hey, it may be boring, but in some ways I'm enjoying myself."

"How?"

"I like libraries, remember. I could drag in a cot and spend my last days here."

"Amy, you're crazy."

"Thanks Beth. I have to go see if I can help Giles any more."

"Yes, Amy, go blow some more dust around the library. Angela and I will be there soon."

" 'K, bye."

Amy hung up and went back to see if she could be any help. After a few more minutes, she gave up and went over to turn on the computer. Angel was sitting across from her and decided it was time to ask her some questions.

"So, Amy, do you always give guys the impression that you're angry at them for no reason and then you're kind to them?"

Amy looked up, in a cross between shock and exasperation. "Is this the new way of trying to impress girls?" she tried to joke.

"I was just wondering if that was you're common attitude towards guys that you meet. How do you keep a boyfriend? In fact how do you get a boyfriend?"

Amy turned back to the computer, trying ignore the hurt he had caused and struck back the only way she knew how. "So, what's up with you and Buffy?"

"That's none of your business."

"You have major feelings for her. Too bad you're a vampire." Amy usually didn't get this nasty, but she wanted to wound him, badly.

"This conversation in closed."

"That's what you would like to think."

He jumped up from his chair in anger. "Do you understand the meaning of ‘none of your business'? Does that mean anything to you?"

"Sorry, wasn't trying to offend you."

Amy never even looked up from the computer again. Angel became more annoyed than ever. "You're impossible. I don't know whether you're a friend or an enemy."

Amy took that as a hint and backed off. She turned her attention back to the computer and got unto the Internet. Angel took his book and retreated to the back of the library, far away from Amy. She goofed off for the next hour, not sure of how to be of any help. Buffy came walking in followed by Willow and Xander.

"Hey Giles. Any news to report?"

"Translating is slow. I don't have the Codex ready yet and from what I know, Angel hasn't found anything."

"How about you?" Buffy asked Amy.

"Nothing. I'm not much help here except to be gopher girl. A real fun life."

"Tell me about it," said Xander. "It's a sorry life us gophers' live."

Amy tried not to smile and relinquished control of the computer to Willow. She got sick of waiting for her friends and went to find Angel. She found him buried in the dark room in the back of the library. She quietly knocked on the open door and saw his head shoot up.

"May I come in?" she asked.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever suits you."

Amy walked in and sat down next to him. "I'm really sorry about my comments out there. I often open my mouth before thinking too much." He remained quiet, so Amy decided to continue. "Listen, Angel, I know we didn't get off to the best start. The best way to meet someone is not from the pointy end of a stake. I've also probably exceeded the limit of rudeness to someone that you just meet who saves your life."

"That's an understatement."

"I know, and I'm sorry. Do you think we could try being friends?"

"I don't know. Will you bite my head if I open the door for you?"

Amy gave a small smile. "I'll try hard to control my sharp, feminist tongue."

Angel looked at her for a few moments and returned the small smile. "I think we'll get along pretty well."

Amy smiled a little more and got up. She walked back out to the library and discovered Buffy talking to Beth and Angela.

"Hey, what are you guys doing?" Amy asked curiously.

"Discussing your powers," answered Buffy. "I would like to understand your limitations before we go into a fight."

"So, Amy," started Beth. "Having fun with Angel?"

Amy shrugged her shoulders. "Why?"

"You were talking to Angel?" questioned Buffy.

"There was a few things I needed to say. Where's Mr. Kraus?"

"Right here," came the familiar voice from the door. Angela took him over and introduced him to Giles. They began talking and Amy sat at the table and relaxed.

"Amy, you need to get to class," came Mr. Kraus' voice.

"Okay," she said She grabbed her book bag and left the library.

"So, why don't you want us to tell Mr. Kraus about Angel?" asked Angela, as they walked out the doors with her.

"He could sense Angel last night. He was going to kill him. Until he proves his worth, Angel will still be considered the bad guy."

"So, you don't want us to tell him?"

"No, not yet. He has to see for himself that we can probably trust Angel."

"Aren't we getting a little over protective?" asked Beth. "He's over two hundred years old. I think he can take care of himself."

"Maybe..."

"Anyway, you can't protect him all of the time. I mean, Mr. Kraus is will him the library right now-"

"Oh, shoot."

Amy turned around and ran in the other direction. Beth and Angela followed as she dropped her book bag as soon as she entered the library. Amy ran straight into the back room and stopped at what she saw. Mr. Kraus was holding a stake in on hand, posed over Angel's heart and a cross in the other. Angel was back up against the walk and had no where to go. Angela watched as Amy ran over and jumped in front of Angel, just as Mr. Kraus was getting ready to bring the stake down.

"Amy, move."

"No," she answered her mentor defiantly.

"Now."

"You'll have to kill me first."

Angela could feel the tension in the room.

"Amy, this...this thing is a vampire. No matter what you believe-"

"This vampire saved my life, twice. Don't even think about killing him."

Mr. Kraus stared at Amy in surprise. Finally, he lowered the stake to his side, but kept the cross pointed at the vampire. Angel relaxed, a little, but Amy didn't move aside.

"Can we talk this over rationally?" asked Angela from the doorway. She walked away muttering to herself and only Angel heard her. "And I thought Beth was the one who used force to get her way." Angela was honestly surprised Amy didn't use her powers to throw Mr. Kraus across the room with the look on her face and her temper. She never seemed to do things rationally.

Amy waited for Mr. Kraus to leave the room before she even thought about moving.

"Amy," said Angel's voice from behind her. He touched her shoulder. "Amy, are you okay?"

That's what broke her out of her thoughts and made her realize that she was shaking violently. "I'll be fine. I just hate fighting with Mr. Kraus," she said quietly.

Amy slowly stood up and walked out of the back room. Walking over to the table where everyone else was seated, she took the nearest empty chair.

"So," said Mr. Kraus, "when were you planning to tell me that you were friends with a vampire?"

Amy looked at him with anger in her eyes. "He saved my life. There is no reason to kill him. He will not hurt us."

Mr. Kraus was not satisfied with this answer, but Amy refused to say anything else. Mr. Kraus looked at Amy.

"Listen to me, you can't become friends with a vampire, no matter how many times he has saved your life. You've repaid your debt to him, I'll leave him alone, as long as he doesn't hurt anyone. Don't become too friendly with him, promise?"

"You don't even know him," Amy replied, insulted that he would say anything against Angel.

"Amy, he is a vampire, do I really need to know him?" He paused for a few seconds, not getting a answer and not really expecting one. "Now, promise me," he said.

"I won't promise it, because I won't keep the promise." Amy walked out of the library, grabbing her bookbag on the way out.

Mr. Kraus stared at this girl, and was surprised that she was being a problem. In New York, she had always been very easy going to listened to everything he said. Now she had found something she believed in fighting and wasn't going to give up. He was seeing a side of Amy only her close friends ever saw.

. . .

Beth and Xander came walking threw the doors of the library at the end of the day. Beth eagerly walked over to the table, hoping that something had been found. Not seeing anything there, she went over to the Codex. There was some for of the translation, but not enough to help.

"Arggg!!!" she screamed out in frustration. "This is so annoying!! I'm supposed to be here to help and I have no clue as to what I am supposed to help with. Why is nothing be found???"

"Calm down," said Xander. "Can we say spaz? Anyway, the Codex usually works like this. Last time there was a major prophesy from there, Buffy ended up dying."

"But she's still here," Beth pointed out sensibly.

"I got worried and went to find her. I ended up giving her CPR."

"You went to find her all by yourself?"

Xander's face turned a few different shades of red. "Well, Angel helped me, a little."

Beth tried not to laugh. "You really hate him, don't you?"

"He's a vampire. The only reason he's even helping us is because Buffy has feelings for him. If she didn't, he would already be a pile of dust."

"Amy seems to trust the guy."

"Amy has no clue what she is getting herself into if she even thinks of trusting him."

Beth rolled her eyes and sat down. Just then, Giles came walking through the library door. "Oh, you're here," he said surprised.

"Where else would we be?" asked Xander. "This is the hippest hang-out in town."

"Well, fine, but I have some news."

Beth and Xander both rushed over to him. "What is it?" questioned Beth.

"I believe I know what is going to happen."

He didn't continue, so Beth urged him on. "What??" she shrieked.

"Well, a new master is coming and is destined to kill Buffy on the night of the full moon."

"New master? What happened to the old one?" questioned Beth.

"Buffy killed him short while ago, but this one is different. She is female and a former favorite of the master."

"A female vampire? Isn't that against the rules in the vampire handbook?" Xander said.

"Do you have a problem with females?" said Beth. Xander opened his mouth to retort when Giles interrupted them.

"I believe we have something more important to focus on right now."

He looked between the two teenagers and made sure that they were listening. "Now, the Codex does say that Buffy will die, but considering that we eluded a Codex prophesy once, we may be able to do it again, but we are going to need lots of help."

"Who is this new master going to be?" asked Beth.

"I'm not exactly sure. There are some hints in the texts. It will be someone that was powerful and a favorite of the old master."

"So it won't be Spike or Drusilla?" questioned Xander.

"No, it doesn't seem so."

"And the anointed one has disappeared?"

"It appears so."

"Who's left?"

"Well, there is only one vampire I know of that had real contact with the master, but I don't think that we need to worry about him."

"Him who?"

"Angel, who else?"

"Whoa, Giles," said Xander. "Why can't it be Angel? I mean he is a vampire . . ."

"He's not a female."

Beth watched as Xander fell into silence. "Who else could it be then?" she asked. "I don't know that much about the vamps around Sunnydale."

"As far as I know, everyone else has been destroyed, either by Buffy or the old master as a punishment."

"So we're right back to square one."

"Well, not really. We know there is a new master coming, we know it is a female, and we know that she is not just coming to kill Buffy. She will be coming after all of us."

Giles walked into his back office, and Xander and Beth just stood in shock, trying to register everything he had just said.

"Giles, this is an important piece of information," said Xander. "When were you planning to tell us this?"

He came walking back out of his office. "Eventually. I think that is the reason that you three have arrived from New York. In order to protect all of us, we are going to need your help."

"So, are we here to protect you guys or the Slayer?"

"I think you're here to protect us mostly, but also to help the Slayer."

"At least we have a basic idea as to what is going on," said Beth. "Does anyone else know yet?"

"No, I have just finished translating the Codex. I was about to call Angel and then your mentor. Where is everyone else?"

"Angela and Willow went to Miss Calendar's room and use the computers. I think Buffy went to the gym and Amy went with her."

"Good. Go find them and bring them here. They need to here this."

Beth and Xander began to leave when Xander remembered something. "Giles, when is the next full moon?"

Giles looked up and pushed up his glasses. "Friday--Tomorrow."

"And today is Thursday. We only have one day," said Beth.

"Apparently."

"We're going to need to hurry." She ran out of the library and headed for the computer lab. Xander ran in the other direction towards the gym.

. . .

"What were you and Angel talking about this morning?" asked Buffy.

"Oh, I was mostly apologizing for my big mouth."

"What did you say?"

"Everything I could to make him angry. I was a tad on the nasty side."

"Did he forgive you?"

"I think so."

Xander came running through the doors of the gym. "Hey, guys," he shouted. "We need to get to the library. Giles has our prophesy decoded."

Buffy grabbed the towel on the bleachers. "Let's go." Amy followed the other two out of the gym. When they arrived at the library, no one else was there yet.

"Where is everyone?" asked Amy.

"Beth went to get Angela, Willow and Miss Calendar. Giles is calling your mentor and then he is going to call Angel, see if he can come. There should be some type of tunnels under the library that he can use."

"What about Cordelia?"

"She doesn't like to be too involved with the fighting part of being a Slayerette."

"I wish they would hurry," said Buffy, once they arrived at the library. "I want to discover what sayings of dome they have for me now."

"These prophesies sound like a lot of fun," said Amy.

"Well, the last time, Buffy ended up dead," replied Xander.

"Oh, there you go."

Giles came walking out of his office. "Oh, good, you're here. I've called Mr. Kraus and he is on his way."

"What about Angel?" asked Buffy.

"He's sleeping, and with this prophesy coming up, I think it would be best for him to conserve his strength." And I really don't want him in the same room with Mr. Kraus, not after this morning, he thought to himself.

The teens impatiently for the others to turn up. Finally, Beth came in the library quickly followed by Angela, Willow, and Miss Calendar. Cordelia most have been in the computer lab, because she followed them. Within a few moments after their arrival, Mr. Kraus came running through the doors. Giles made everyone sit down and he re-explained everything to them. Buffy's face got darker by the minute. He couldn't tell if she was angry at him or the prophesy.

"So we have no clue of who this female master is going to be?" asked Mr. Kraus.

"None whatsoever."

"We need to talk to Angel," said Buffy. She grabbed her jacket. "I'm going to go see him. He might have an idea, after all, he knew about the Order of Taraka."

"What?" asked Mr. Kraus.

"Long story," answered Giles.

"I'll go with you," said Willow. She grabbed her jacket, followed Buffy out of the library, and began walking towards Angel's apartment.

"What should we do?" asked Angela.

"Research. Everyone grab a book and start looking up information about a possible female master."

Everyone left in the library followed Giles' orders. Willow and Buffy quickly walked into to the library, and found everyone there, but now looking through books to see if they could find any information on vampires. Buffy walked over to Amy and looked over he shoulders to see what she was reading. It wasn't on the prophesy, she was reading about Angelus. She saw that Amy was completely absorbed in what she was discovering.

"Amy," asked Buffy. "What are you doing?"

Amy was silent for a moment. "You know, Buffy, it took me this long to put together that the vampire I have studied in New York was the same one that saved my life. How could Angelus be so awful and vicious and Angel can be so kind and gentle?"

"That's the way this world works. Nothing is quite the way it seems."

Amy sighed and slowly closed the book and picked up another one. "There are only a few female vampires that I have discovered that would be strong enough to take over the position as the new master. One of them is Lenia. She was a favorite of the masters for a time, but fell out of favor when another vampire appeared. She left and forged her own course. I have no idea what happened to her."

"What about the other vampire?"

Amy picked up a second book on the table. "A vampire named Darla took Lenia's place. She was recorded to have changed Angel into a vampire and they reeked havoc in Europe for over one hundred years until Angel regained him soul. There is nothing recorded on her in this book after the 1940's."

"She's dust," said Buffy. "It's a long story I'll tell you some time, but she's gone."

"Okay, that's one off of your list. Those are the only two females that I have found to have been exceptionally close to the master."

Angel appeared from the stacks in the back of the library. "Any luck?" He asked.

"There may be a lead, but I'll take more research," answered Buffy. "With these prophesies you can never be sure."

Mr. Kraus and Giles came out of the back office. "We have a problem," said Mr. Kraus. "Mr. Upton is on his way over. He said he needs to talk to us."

"Oh boy." asked Amy. "What are we going to tell him?"

"Nothing," Mr. Upton said from the doorway. "I already know."

. . .

"So let me get this straight," said Buffy. "You knew that these three," she said, pointing to Amy and her friends, "needed to get out to California, so you make a deal with the principal to go to a conference and then attend Sunnydale to when?"

"Till further notice," said Mr. Upton. "I didn't know when exactly they needed to be here, but I knew it was soon."

"Is that why you asked me to choose who I wanted to come with me?" asked Amy.

"I knew you would choose Angela and Beth. I also talked to Mr. Snyder. He has agreed that you three with move in with students until we decide to leave, Mr. Kahler will let up stay longer if we leave the hotel."

"You seemed to have this all planned out," said Mr. Kraus.

"What about Bob, Peter and Brad?" asked Beth, wondering what would happen to the three guys. "They really shouldn't be here when all of this happens."

"I can't send them home early. What am I supposed to say--Hey, Mr. Kahler, a vampire is going to rise, so the three girls need to stay out in California to fight him . . ."

"Her," interrupted Angel.

" . . . Her," corrected Mr. Upton. "They are needed to fight her, so I am sending the three guys home. Yet if this vampire master walks, the whole world will be destroyed anyway. We just need to make sure that they stay inside and don't invite anyone in."

"Enough with the trivial matters," said Giles. "From what we understand, next Friday, this female master is going to exceptionally strong powers to kill Buffy. The only lead we have is a vampire named Lenia, a former favorite of the late master that fell out of favor when Darla showed up."

"Darla, I remember reading about her," said Mr. Upton. "She and Angelus were two of my favorite vampires to research."

Buffy could feel Angel tense up next to her.

"How do you know all of this?" asked Amy.

"I teach European History, and being my student for two years, you should know I always dig deeper than needed."

"But, vampires? Why not choose something normal?"

"Never mind that," said Buffy. "Even though vampires is an interesting hobby."

"What else do we know?" asked Mr. Kraus, getting fed up with the interruptions.

"That's about it. It is also said that the master will go after all of the Slayer's friends. I do believe that is what these other three are here for," Giles informed him.

"So, it will be me, everyone in this room against a master and anyone else she decides to bring with her?" asked Mr. Kraus.

"Yes, I do believe so."

"So this will occur tomorrow night?" Buffy continued once the interruptions were over.

"That's what the Codex says."

Buffy sank down into the nearest chair. Angel came behind her and laid his hands on her shoulders. Angela could tell she was nervous.

"We don't have enough information," said Angel, voicing the obvious.

"That's true," said Mr. Kraus. "but we know more than we did before research. True, we don't know who this mystery vampire is, but if they told us that, there would be no reason for the three Fems to be here. It also seems that Mr. Upton has a very unusual interest in vampires, so he might be able to help."

"We need to do more research," said Giles. "Buffy, you and our new friends should work on training."

"All four of us against you?" questioned Buffy. "This I want to see."

"No, actually I was thinking that you four could pair off and two could stay here with me and two could go with Angel, if that is alright with you," he ended, addressing Angel.

"Fine with me," was the answer Giles received. "Buffy and someone else can come with me."

"Oh yeah," said Xander. "How much training did you actually want to get done Giles?"

Willow picked up a book and threw it at Xander at the same time Buffy threw a cross at him. He dodged both and sent everyone an innocent look.

"I'll go with Angel," offered Amy. She had the feeling that Beth and Angela weren't sure whether to trust him or not.

"I would prefer it if Amy, Beth and Angela stayed to train with you," said Mr. Kraus. Amy had to force herself not to throw up her hands and let out an exasperated groan.

"I assure you that Angel will do nothing to harm her," said Giles.

"He's had more than enough chances to," said Amy, glaring at her mentor, again.

"Fine," replied Mr. Kraus. "But any bite marks on her . . ."

"I'm not going to bite her," said Angel, annoyed. "But you're making me annoyed enough to bite you."

"Okay, that's it." Mr. Kraus moved towards him with fury in his eyes. "I am really getting sick of this."

Amy jumped in his path. "You promised not to hurt him."

"He's threatening to bite me."

"You're accusing him for no reason. He won't lay a hand on anyone," said Buffy.

Mr. Upton walked over and placed a book in Mr. Kraus' hands. "We need to start researching."

Amy sent him a grateful look. Beth walked over and laid her hand on Amy's shoulder. "Be careful."

"I will. Have fun."

Amy followed Buffy and Angel out of the library. Giles walked over and laid a hand on Mr. Kraus' shoulder.

"You don't need to worry. Angel won't hurt her. He has proven himself a trustworthy friend and defender time and time again. He will take care of her."

Giles began by helping Beth, and Angela sat down next to Mr. Upton to help with research.

"So, why does Mr. Kraus dislike Angel so much?" asked Mr. Upton.

"Angel's not your typical guy."

"How old is he anyway? He looks to be around twenty or so. And why didn't he use the front door?"

"Angel's a 240-year-old vampire. He had to used tunnels to get back to his apartment"

Mr. Upton looked at Angela in surprise. "I thought vampires drank blood and tried to kill the Slayer."

"Angel's a special case. From what Amy told me, he regained his soul eighty years ago. He's been around awhile."

"Amy seems awfully protective of him."

"You should have seen her this morning."

Mr. Upton smiled. He had seen her a few times when she had lost her temper and patience. She could be very convincing.

Beth was fighting Giles in the middle of the library. He was surprised at how strong and focused she was.

"I grew up on a farm," said Beth. "You have to be strong to carry around hay and take care of the animals."

He kept working with her and taught her some of the Slayer's moves. Once he was done training her, he began training Angela. She was not as strong or well trained as Beth, but she caught on very quick.

Angel and Buffy were very busy at his apartment. They were sparring, and Amy was staying hidden in the corner. They really got into it. If she hadn't known what was going on, she would have thought this fight was for real.

"Had enough yet, Slayer?" asked Angel teasingly.

"Not on your life, vampire," she replied with a smile. She rushed at him, but within a few minutes she had succeeded in getting knocked on her back. She tried to stand up, but he stopped her.

"Hey, Angel. Let me up."

"Not yet."

"Why not. Do you enjoy seeing me helpless?"

"Something like that," was his reply. He quickly and gracefully bent down to kiss her. Amy had to stifle a giggle. When they broke apart, they just stared at each other for a few seconds.

"We're supposed to training," said Buffy.

Angel backed up and reached down to help her up. Buffy refused his hand and got up on her own. She turned to look at Amy. "You're turn."

Amy's mouth dropped. "I can't do those moves," she replied.

"Of course not," said Angel, "but you need to start somewhere."

Amy slowly walked out and Buffy went to get some water from the fridge. "Hit me," commanded Angel.

Amy hit his shoulder, not hard enough to do any damage and he rolled his eyes. "Amy, that isn't going to stop a vampire if they are trying to kill you."

"I know, but I don't like fighting, well, not physically anyway and I don't want to hurt you."

"You couldn't hurt me very easily. Let's try this again. Amy, hit me."

When the second try was just as bad as the first, Buffy stepped forward. She laid her hand on Amy's arm. "Amy, you're not going to be much help to us if you just tap the vampire."

"Buffy, all I have to do is see this master and she would probably be able to knock me over with a feather."

"You need to get over that."

"I will usually."

"You had better do it fast," said Angel. "This master is supposedly going to walk tomorrow night."

"I know," said Amy.

"So, hit me," said Angel. Amy closed her eyes and tried to pretend there was a vampire in front of her. It didn't work. She changed tactics. She pretended it was her sister in front of her, and she was being given the chance to hit her without getting into trouble. Amy let her hand shoot out and felt it connect with something. She opened her eyes and Angel was holding his jaw. Buffy had a very amused look on her face.

"Oops?" said Amy. Buffy laughed and Angel gave her a small smile.

"Nice shot," said Buffy, still laughing.

"Now," said Angel. "Try that again."

Amy groaned and let her hand fly. Angel blocked her attempt effortlessly, but it was harder than earlier. They fought for awhile, and once it was over, Amy found herself wondering how Buffy did this every day. By this time the sun had set, so they all headed towards the library together.

. . .

Angela wiped her forehead with her arm. She was surprised at how quickly she had caught unto these moves. They were difficult, but she kept her head and gave it everything she had. Beth handed her a large glass of water and she drank some of it.

"The others should be returning soon," said Giles. "Buffy needs to go out and hunt."

"Are we going with her?" asked Beth.

"Yes, that would be a good idea. You need to see some vampire action."

"Cool," said Beth. "I've never seen a nasty vampire before."

"It's not as much fun as you might think to be fighting for your soul."

"What are we going to do tomorrow?" asked Angela. "We need to protect everyone."

"I'm not sure."

"Do you guys always go into fights this unprepared?"

"No, we just like to see how fast we can plan when our lives are already in danger," said Xander.

"Does anyone have a picture or drawing of Lenia?" asked Mr. Upton, coming out of the stacks.

"Here," said Xander. "Found it in Demons, Vampire and Other Paranormal Beings. Not the best title for a book."

"It could have been worse," said Beth.

"Beth," warned Angela. "No sick jokes."

"I wasn't going to say anything bad."

"Yeah right."

"We're back," announced Buffy. "I was wondering if we should make an appearance at the Bronze before I go hunting."

"Uh, Buffy," said Giles, "I think that Amy, Angela and Beth should go with you."

"You're kidding right." Giles pushed up his glasses and opened his mouth to answer when Buffy continued. "Why don't I just put up a neon blinking sign-Hey vampires!! Over here!! Free meals!"

. . .

"I can't believe we're doing this," said Amy to Beth as they walked through the cemetery. "Was I feeling sick at that meeting?"

"If you were, so was I. I hate being bait for vampires. It sucks!!!"

"Beth, watch your mouth."

"Well, it does. I am not a helpless female for the vampires to come and devour."

"Could the walking meals be a little quieter?" came the hushed whisper from behind them. "The object of the plan is to get the vampires to come to you. They can't know we're here."

Angela, Angel, Buffy, and even Mr. Kraus were hidden behind some tombstones and bushes in the cemetery. "They aren't very good bait," said Angela.

"They're making enough noise for the vampires to notice them. That's a plus," said Buffy.

"They already have two following them," replied Angel.

"You're good," Buffy said to her boyfriend.

"It comes with the territory."

"What should we do?" asked Mr. Kraus.

"Ambush them," said Buffy.

"But there's only two," said Angela.

"More will be here soon. The only thing that attracts them more then 'helpless females' is flowing blood."

"We're not cutting them," said Mr. Kraus.

"Of course not. It was just a fact."

"Now would be a good time to ambush them," said Angela.

"Why?"

"They're attacking Amy and Beth."

Buffy and Angel quickly ran into full view with Mr. Kraus and Angela right behind them. A few more vampires had appeared and they were trying to keep up the act of being the helpless females. Buffy took out a stake and went at the vampires. Angel picked one and made him his punching bag. Amy took out the stake inside her jacket and aimed for one of the vampires. Beth did the same, and Angela went in to fight with her. Mr. Kraus took the last vampire. Within a few minutes, Angel had destroyed his vampire and went to help Buffy when he heard Amy scream and try to race in a different direction. He looked to where she was trying to run and saw Mr. Kraus being held by two vampires and almost being made a meal. He ran over and staked one of the vampires. Mr. Kraus reacted quickly and took out his stake and staked the other.

"Thanks," he said quickly to Angel.

Angel nodded his head and ran in the general direction of the girls. Everything was under control though, so he went to offer Buffy an extra hand. Mr. Kraus went to help Amy, and within a short period of time, the vampires were destroyed.

"Everyone alright?" asked Buffy. When she got nods from the group, her humor kicked back in. "Everyone enjoy the crash course in vampire slayage 101?"

"Oh yeah, it was a blast," replied Amy.

"Will it be like that tomorrow?" asked Beth.

"Mostly likely more vampires that just keep coming at you."

"What now?" asked Mr. Kraus.

"I think we should go to the Bronze."

"Okay," said Beth. "But first, we made need to change."

"Mr. Upton and Miss Calendar moved all of your luggage to the library," Mr. Kraus informed them. "We needed to be out of the hotel rooms."

"Who is going to stay where tonight?" asked Angela.

"We'll work that out later," said Angel. "I'm going straight to the Bronze. I'll meet you all there."

"Okay," said Buffy. She reached up for a quick kiss. "Be careful."

Angel left and Amy saw the surprise on Mr. Kraus' face. Oops, another thing she should have told him.

Everyone that was left headed back to the library. Within a few minutes, the girls were ready to go. When they re-entered the library (they had changed in the bathroom), Angela noticed that Mr. Kraus had changed also.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked them. He was in black jeans and his bright yellow shirt.

"You're coming?" asked Beth, voicing the question.

"I'd like to check out this place and see what it is like."

"Lead the way," said Amy to Buffy. They all followed her out the library to the Bronze for a night fun before the prophecy.

. . .

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