Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy and Co. they are the property of Joss Mutant Enemy and/or the WB. The immortal concept and the immortal watchers are borrowed from Highlander which is the property of Rysher Entertainment. Katherine Goddard and Martin are mine as are any unrecognized characters.
***
Jenny did not know what to do. This had happened too fast Buffy was already immortal, but for the life of her Jenny could not figure out how. The fall had been bad but not enough to kill her, especially with her natural Slayer abilities. Jenny needed time to think and to contact headquarters. She was a researcher now and no longer an active field agent, but time for that to change. Jenny would need to be assigned to Buffy as her watcher to protect her secret. Jenny had been sent to watch Buffy by the Watchers because it was believed that she was a preimmortal and therefore a great opportunity for the Watchers to study the transition of an mortal into an Immortal. Jenny had been surprised to find out that she was also a Slayer. Jenny had always been fascinated with the supernatural, which in her mind went hand in hand with Immortals, but knew she had to use some spin control if need be to keep things under raps for now. Another problem was training Buffy to protect herself from other Immortals, she would need a mentor. Jenny new just who, but would need to break the noninterference policy of the Watchers to get it done. These thoughts raced through Jenny's mind in the time it took for Xander to go and return with the towels and shortly thereafter Willow's return with a change of clothes for Buffy.
Jenny made Giles and Xander stay in the main part of the library while she and Willow helped clean up Buffy in Giles' office. While they were doing that, Giles decided to try to research the reason behind Buffy's miraculous recovery. Xander just sat down and looked off into space, reliving over and over what he had done to Buffy. Giles looked up references to past Slayers' abilities. While all Slayers seemed to have excelled healing abilities and recovery, he had never heard of that strong or fast of healing abilities.
In the office Willow and Jenny were helping Buffy clean off and take the bloody clothes off so she could change into the clean ones. Buffy was still having problems focusing because she was trying to figure out what had happened.
"Willow, what exactly happened?" asked Buffy.
Willow told her, and Buffy commented, "I remember doing the flip and then the an awful pain in my head, then nothing. Right now I feel fine no pains not even a headache."
Willow looked her over and suggested that she might be in shock and therefore not feeling the pain because it was being blocked by the shock.
Buffy was finishing getting changed when she replied: "But where would I have pain that the shock would block? Check... no cuts, no bruises, or even a bump on the head."
Jenny decided that until she could speak to Buffy in private and fill her in on what she was, it might be better that she pass the occurrence off as a possible plus from the Slayer aspect of her abilities. Jenny looked at Buffy and said, "Well don't you normally heal fast as the Slayer?"
"Well ya usually not this fast," answered Buffy.
"Well maybe it's the Hellmouth," interjected Willow.
Bless you Willow Jenny thought and out loud said, "She could be right. Your naturally augmented Slayer healing could have received an unexpected boost from the Hellmouth's energy."
"Well maybe, but lets see what Giles says." acknowledged Buffy. Buffy gathered up the bloody clothes and stuffed them into the empty trash bag from the trash can by Giles' desk. Then she led the others out into the library where Giles and Xander were waiting. When Xander looked up and saw Buffy, he ran over to her and apologized profusely.
Buffy stopped him and told him it was okay, it could have happened to anyone and that apparently she was no worse for the wear. Buffy then asked Giles what he thought about what happened. He was at a loss to explain what had happened, though after hearing Jenny's idea, he believed that it was a plausible explanation, Although he would still research other possibilities. Giles suggested that Buffy go home and rest for the night and, sent Xander and Willow with her. He then suggested that Jenny have dinner with him. She accepted but told him that she had things to take care of first and that she could meet him there. Giles agreed and then walked Jenny to her car, then as she headed home he got in his car and also went home to get ready for his *date* with Jenny.
***
Jenny entered her house and immediately went to her computer. She booted it up then connected to the regional Watchers headquarters in Seattle. She entered her update and the request for the change in status for Buffy and her request to be assigned to Buffy on a permanent basis. She then accessed the Immortal Database on file. She was looking for the location of an Immortal that she knew about, who knew about watchers, and was trusted to be honorable as well as was a friend of hers. She found the person she was looking for. Luck was with her because the person currently lived in Los Angeles instead of New York as they had the last time Jenny saw them. She could probably get them to move here and help Buffy.
Jenny looked up the address and then dialed the information for the number. The screen on Jenny's computer showed the picture of a tall late twenties or early thirties looking woman with dark blonde hair and an athletic build. She had a history beginning in 1027 when she died her first death at age thirty. Her original name was Elisabeth Hunter currently going under the same name only shortened to Beth Hunter. Jenny dialed the LA number but received only Beth's answering machine. Not wanting to leave any thing incriminating on her machine, she just asked Beth to call her at home later that night when she got the message or Jenny would try back the next afternoon. Jenny then changed her clothes for her date with Rupert.
Jenny met Rupert at the restaurant. She had a great time. She realized that she was starting to fall for his *British* wit and charm. The meal was excellent and the chocolate fluff desert was perfect. Giles escorted her out into the parking lot and to her car. Before they parted, they shared a long good night kiss. Jenny walked into her house as the phone was ringing. Jenny rushed up to answer it after verifying that it was Beth from the Caller ID.
"Hi Beth," answered Jenny as she picked up the phone.
"Jenny what's the matter, your call sounded urgent but you were so cryptic on the machine?" asked Beth.
"Well I have a problem," started Jenny then she paused.
"What kind of problem?" asked Beth.
"Well I don't want to say over the phone, but it's a about this teenage girl I 'watch'. She just had a unusual event happen and it is the kind of event you know well." stated Jenny ambiguous.
"Oh yeah that type of problem, well you know I love kids. So I guess I could come help out for awhile," replied Beth happily.
"Thanks, do you know where Sunnydale is?" asked Jenny.
"That's south of here isn't it?" asked Beth.
"Yeah about two hours, and Beth you can room with me so we can catch up on things," said Jenny.
"Sounds good with me but I have plenty of money for a hotel room," responded Beth.
"This way would be easier and safer, plus the only thing Sunnydale has is a couple of fleabags anyway," laughed Jenny as she exchanged byes with Beth and hung up.
***
The next day Beth arrived just after lunchtime. Jenny called in sick at school so she could have time to talk with Beth before she introduced her to Buffy. Jenny showed Beth in and after getting her a coke, preceded to tell her what had happened. But first she wanted to get a feel for Beth's belief in the supernatural.
"So now that I told you about my problem maybe I should tell you about Buffy's situation," said Jenny hesitantly.
"What do you mean?" asked Beth.
"Well you have been alive over 900 years, so I'm sure you have seen some strange things, but how open minded are you?" asked Jenny.
"I am Immortal I keep an open mind," replied Beth.
"Well Buffy has a special situation," Jenny started then paused for a couple of seconds, she continued, "Buffy has special abilities, she is a Slayer."
"Oh..." responded knowingly Beth.
"You mean you knew what a Slayer was?" Jenny asked surprised.
"Well yes, like you said I have lived over nine hundred years, I have meet a couple of Slayers in my time. Remember I was born in a time that the supernatural was more prominent than in day to day life than it is now," replied Beth.
"Besides I have traveled the world and mysticism is not the novelty it is here in America. Not all rabbit foots and love potions," stated Beth.
"I know, when I studied the supernatural, the other watchers did not understand why I did it. It was partly because an interest of mine but also, to understand any of the older Immortals, I needed to know more about things like the supernatural. Because they grew up in times that had a lot of those events and that had to effect their beliefs and values," said Jenny.
"Well like someone once said 'The journey to knowledge starts with learning'," said Beth.
"Also the watchers in my opinion have become a little to snotty and careless. They are several Immortals that know about you, mainly because their watchers are getting more and more lazy. Not taking care to hide well or even learning anything about us. We don't live for centuries without gaining an awareness for the obvious," informed Beth.
"I agree. The counsel has become lacking in its recruitment and training," replied Jenny.
"I know. By the way who is my new watcher?" asked Beth.
"Well I'm not suppose to tell," said Jenny.
"I know we aren't suppose to know about you and you about us. Seriously though this new person is terrible. I pegged him following me as I left LA. I mean he stayed only a couple cars behind me and all I did to lose him was speed up and go top speed until I got far enough ahead to get off and then back on the freeway behind him," laughed Beth.
"Well Jack was not the best we had to offer but they thought that since you knew about us anyway they would not waste anymore good ones on you," said Jenny.
"Like you my dear, it took me over a year to figure out my new tenant was my watcher," said Beth.
"Well the best way to hide is in plain site, I still don't know how you found out about me," replied Jenny.
"Well you know when you took your vacation and your 'sister' came to stay at your apartment to watch over things..." asked Beth.
"Yes."
"Well she was not as good as you, she let me see her tattoo. I should have wondered why you wore such a large banded watch," said Beth.
"Well they say we need the tatoo, but not that we have to show it to everyone," replied Jenny.
"Well back to business then. Does the Slayer have her own *watcher* and does that person know about your watchers?" asked Beth.
"Rupert, nope he just knows the supernatural stuff, I am Buffy's watcher now," said Jenny.
"Good I don't think the others are ready for that kind of watching," replied Beth.
"Well I was assigned to her before she become immortal," replied Jenny.
"Before, how did you--know only we can sense Immortal-to-be's," said Beth.
"Well one of the watchers intercepted a conversation about a preimmortal between two Immortals. One of them had found a girl and was watching her, waiting for her to change so he could train her. He unfortunately lost a fight soon after but not before we found out who it was," replied Jenny.
"Well that answers my question," said Beth as she got up.
"Well if you are ready then lets go meet this Buffy girl and let her know about her destiny,"
"Okay she's probably at school with Rupert and her friends," Jenny said as she went to get her purse and keys.
"A Slayer with friends?" questioned Beth.
"Well Buffy is not the normal Slayer," replied Jenny as she locked up and then headed for her car.
***
Buffy was, as usual in the library after school. If she spent as much time studying class stuff as Slaying stuff in the library, she'd have straight A's not borderline C's. Buffy was doing some warmup exercises while Giles looked over some more of his *beloved* books. The strange thing was that Xander and Willow were not present in the library. Xander had a dentist appointment and Cordelia had conned Willow into helping her with a computer project that was due.
Buffy knew that after the warmup Giles planned on having Buffy run through the usual paces: Practicing her kicks punches and other defensive moves, before continuing with some offensive practice. Buffy was just getting warmed up when she suddenly felt the strangest sensation. It felt like electrical charges had started at the base of her spine and traveled up it to her neck and head. It was almost a buzz. She shivered momentarily then started looking around hunting the source because it felt a little similar to the sensation she had around vampires. The feeling felt strongest toward the door but it was still daytime so not a vampire. She didn't like it, she called out for Giles just as the doors opened and Ms. Calendar and a woman walked in.
"What is it Buffy?" asked Giles.
"Something is not right with that woman with Ms. Calendar. She is sending out major vibes," replied Buffy quietly.
"Okay be on guard," warned Giles in a whisper.
Then he said in a normal voice, "Jenny wonderful to see you, and who is your friend?"
"Hello Rupert, this is my good friend Beth Hunter. Beth this is Rupert Giles and his charge Buffy Summers," Jenny said introducing Beth to the two.
"Hi" replied Buffy as she eyed Beth suspiciously.
"Hello Ms. Hunter, what can I do for you?" asked Giles.
"Hello to both of you, but I have some business with Buffy," stated Beth.
"About??" asked Giles and Buffy together.
"It's okay Rupert nothing is wrong Beth just needs to talk to Buffy about some things that she will have to go through," interjected Jenny diplomatically.
"Well I must insist on knowing what it is," replied Giles.
"It's okay Giles, if vibes lady wants to talk then let her talk," Buffy said impatiently.
"Well 'vibes lady' thanks you, but this matter is best discussed in private," Beth responded.
"Anything you need to tell me you can tell Giles and me," said Buffy.
Jenny looked at Buffy and Giles then looked at Beth and in silent communication let her know that the truth could not be helped. She trusted that Giles would not repeat anything that he heard if for no other reason than to protect Buffy. However he need not know the whole truth.
"Okay well when the incident with Buffy happened yesterday I realized that something was up. I knew that the Hellmouth could have done something to accelerate Buffy's healing ability. However, I also knew of another reason that could account for it. I needed Beth to confirm it for me which she has," finished Jenny as she looked at Beth to actually explain what Buffy was.
"Buffy have you recently had an unusual experience, besides yesterday, where you where hurt--so bad that you thought that you died but didn't?" asked Beth.
Buffy looked shocked but replied, "Kinda I drowned but Xander revived me." I was only gone for a second but apparently all hell broke lose while I was gone thought Buffy to herself.
"Well this Xander need not have bothered, you died and would have comeback once removed from the water anyway. You are immortal," stated Beth.
"Immortal" said Giles unbelievingly.
"Immortal huh, well I think it's about time for a Prozac," replied Buffy unconvinced.
"Yes I agree nice meeting you but time to leave," informed Giles as he started to escort Beth to the door.
"Rupert, Buffy, wait, listen to what she has to say?" asked Jenny.
"I will do know such thing," said Giles sternly. He did not want Buffy to get any ideas it could make her sloppy and a danger to herself.
Beth looked at the two and decided that they needed some drastic measures to believe her. She let Jenny begin to argue with Giles to distract him and Buffy. When this was accomplished she quickly unsheathed her sword and ran forward to attack Buffy. Buffy was used to the unexpected happening and faired better than Beth expected. Instead of Beth's sword sinking into Buffy's stomach and 'killing' her, Buffy was able to side step most of it. The blade cut her side but other wise did no damage. Buffy although well trained did not have the experience at defending against an armed opponent. Also she did not have Beth's centuries of experience in attacking. While Buffy sidestepped, Beth followed through with a quick thrust to her side that caught Buffy in the ribs and pierced her heart. Buffy looked down stunned as she looked into Giles eyes as she fell forward.
happened He moved to help Buffy but knew it was to late. The look she gave him as she fell forward nearly killed him. He gently let her down as he watched the last bit of life leave her eyes and her body relaxed in death.
Giles looked up at Beth and said, "You bitch you killed her."
"Just wait," Beth said coolly.
"Giles..." started Jenny.
"Don't," Giles said loudly as he laid Buffy on the floor then jumped up and ran to the weapons locker. He retrieved a sword and rushed back toward Beth.
"You killed her. She was defenseless. I'm not," Giles said murderously.
"Giles don't you don't understand," Jenny said as she tried to stop him.
"Move," Giles said as he shoved her out of the way and lunged at Beth intending to kill her.
Beth looked on as Giles came at her and thought to herself as she parred his lunge. He must have love her like a daughter, but he is mortal so I don't want to hurt him. She said to Giles, "I don't want to hurt you so stop now."
"But I want to hurt you," replied Giles as he attacked.
The fight did not last very long but in the time that it did Giles got in several good hits. Beth truly did not want to hurt him so she held back. Although she thought that for a mortal without her centuries of practice he could fight well. He started to break her defenses and inflict some damage when he was brought up short by a sudden gasping and sound of Buffy's voice behind him.
Jenny looked on as Rupert and Beth fought. On a technical side Rupert fought well, on the emotional side it pained her that her friends were fighting. She hoped that Beth did not have to hurt him. She looked down at Buffy and wished she'd recover soon to stop this needless battle. Just as it looked like Beth would have to go on the offense, Buffy suddenly revived. Buffy gasped and raised up. She quickly called out to Giles as she felt for the injury that was not there.
Giles turned and could not believe his eyes. Buffy was alive. He dropped the sword and ran to help her up and hugged her. He then looked her over. The wounds had disappeared. He then looked at Beth. While she was bloody all the gashes his sword had made in her skin were gone.
"Believe us now Rupert," asked Jenny as she looked at Slayer and Watcher.
Giles looked on speechlessly.
"Immortal? Cool factor ten," said Buffy.
"Immortal but how?" asked Giles as he finally regained some of his composure.
"Well I suggest we sit down and talk about this calmly. I am Elizabeth Hunter. I was born in England in 1027 A.D. and I am an immortal..." said Beth as she explained what immortals were and about the *Game*.
"So I can only truly die if my head is separated from my neck?" asked Buffy after the explanations.
"Yes, you will not age or get sick, you will be forever young," said Beth.
"Well that's a plus," Buffy said.
"But remember this immortality comes at a price, you cannot avoid the game unless you stay on holy ground..." Beth said.
"Not likely," interrupted Buffy shuddering with visions of living as nun flashed through her mind.
"Like I started to say there are good and bad immortals just like people. Most let each other alone, but there are headhunters out there. Some also don't have scruples. They would sooner shoot you then take your head that do the honorable thing and fight for it. You will also need to train to defend yourself. Newbies are easy targets," warned Beth.
"Okay but that could be a problem," Buffy said as she looked at Giles.
"I know but why don't we make it part of your regular Slayer training," replied Beth.
"My what," Buffy said innocently.
Giles looked at Beth worriedly as she repeated the statement. He looked at her and said, "She just does her aerobics in her." as he tried to cover for Buffy.
"Come on, even if Jenny had not told me about you being the Slayer, which before you get mad at her about, I would have found out about it anyway. I have met a Slayer or two in my nine hundred years. Also in my youth the supernatural such as vampires and witches were common as Jehovah Witnesses are now," said Beth.
"Okay so you know," Buffy said.
"Yes and for you it will be an advantage most Newbies don't have. The extra skill and strength as well as knowledge with weapons," stated Beth as she stood up.
"Ready to begin lesson one?" she asked Buffy as she unsheathed her sword.
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