Chapter 4

“You’re lowering your arm again.”

Buffy glared at him. “If you say that one more time…”

“I wouldn’t have to keep saying it if you would just do as you’re told,” William responded.

“Okay, you know what? I think it’s time for a break.”

William decided it was best not to argue. He did agree that she could call some of the shots, no matter how much he would come to regret that decision.

Buffy grabbed a water bottle, taking a long drink from it. They’d been sparring for over an hour, and William impressed her with his moves. It wasn’t something she would have expected from him. “How many Slayers have you trained?”

He looked pained before answering. “Only one, I quit after she died.” William didn’t think she was ready to know the whole truth yet, and neither was he.

Buffy sat down on the floor. “How did she die?”

William sat beside her, thinking of what to say. “We got into a fight one night; I can’t even remember what it was about now. It was probably something very trivial, but Aria took off after that, and I decided it was best to give her some space. Hours went by and she didn’t come back, so I went looking for. I found her in the cemetery, her throat ripped out, and I knew she was completely drained. A vampire was standing over her, I had so much rage inside of me that I took him on by myself, but I was obviously no match for him. I was beaten pretty badly, but he just left me there instead of finishing the job. Left me next to the dead body of my charge, he wanted me to suffer and death would have been too easy. Nothing was ever the same after that; I never stopped blaming myself for getting her killed. I should have protected her more.”

Buffy didn’t know what to think, taking his hand in hers. “She was more than just a charge, wasn’t she?”

William stared at her in surprise, giving her a brief nod. “I loved her. It was forbidden, of course, falling for your Slayer, but I was never one to follow the rules. I made a vow to protect others after that, but the Council made sure I was to avoid all contact with any of the girls. Giles was the only one I kept in touch with, having had enough with the Council himself. I moved to Sunnydale, hoping that with its reputation a Slayer would get sent here, but it has yet to happen, until Giles told me about you and made it possible.”

She nodded, releasing his hand. “You seem kind of young for this gig. How old are you, anyway?”

William was caught off guard with the question, clearing his throat. “Twenty-six, but I feel so much older. I’ve seen a lot in my time, more than I care to admit.”

Buffy stood up. “Well, I should probably be getting home now.”

“I hope this doesn’t make you wary of me, Buffy. I don’t intend for history to repeat itself, you have nothing to worry about.”

She gave him a smile. “Who’s worried? I’ll see you tomorrow,” and with that said, she left his apartment.


* * * * *


“Do you really think you can defeat me, little girl?”

“Maybe not, but at least I’ll die trying,” Buffy spat, hitting the dark haired vampire full force. They matched blow for blow, but he was too strong, and she was starting to weaken.

He threw her to the floor, standing over her. “I wanted you all to myself, but your Watcher apparently didn’t get the memo.”

Buffy cried out when the vampire grabbed Merrick from behind the bush, snapping his neck like a twig, and dropping his body to the ground.

“I suppose we can finish this another time. I have a feeling you’ll be a lot of fun, Slayer.”

Tears formed in her eyes as she gazed at the lifeless body of her Watcher. She didn’t even acknowledge the vampire’s departure; all she could see was Merrick as she crawled over to him. Buffy placed a hand on his face, closing his eyes. She lay on his chest, crying her heart out. “You can’t leave me. I can’t do this alone. Please, don’t leave me.”


* * * * *


Buffy awoke in a cold sweat, taking deep breaths to try and calm herself. She was hoping the dreams would have stopped by now, but there was no such luck. That vampire’s face would always haunt her nightmares. She felt sick knowing that he was still out there somewhere, wreaking havoc on the world. Buffy actually hoped to come across him again, and this time she would be ready.


* * * * *


“God, why do I have to study these? There must be a million of them, it’s bad enough I have to actually study for school.”

William rolled his eyes. “We went over this, Buffy. These books will help you learn what you’re up against. There are many creatures in this world, not just vampires. These will help you discover more about them, so you’re not completely blinded if you ever come across one.”

She scrunched up her nose. “Gross, this one’s weapon is to throw snot at you. I hope I don’t meet him.”

He chuckled. “Let’s hope not, Fyarl demons are nasty pillocks.”

“I knew she was a freak, hanging out with the librarian. What a total loser,” Cordelia claimed as she entered the library, her sheep trailing behind her. “This place is like a morgue, seriously disturbing.”

William groaned, turning his attention on the newcomers. “Can I help you with something?”

“I need a poetry book or whatever, for my English class. We’re studying that Emmett Dickinson person.”

William exchanged an amused glance with Buffy, before focusing back on the cheerleader. “I think you mean Emily Dickinson, and you can find them on the lower shelf,” he said, indicating which direction for her to go.

Cordelia looked bored, admiring her cuticles. “Whatever, I’ll meet you guys later. Owen totally eats up this poetry crap. He’ll be mine before the day is over,” she told her posse, and then made her way to the stacks.

William turned back at Buffy. “Bloody annoying bint; don’t let those girls get to you. You’re twice the woman she is.”

Buffy smiled, gazing back down at her book. She was developing a huge crush on William, and with what he told her of his previous Slayer, no good could possibly come out of it.