{"id":13392,"date":"2024-04-07T12:31:59","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T11:31:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/?p=13392"},"modified":"2025-06-27T09:26:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T08:26:54","slug":"mercenary-hearts-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/07\/mercenary-hearts-8\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercenary Hearts 8"},"content":{"rendered":"

University Library<\/em><\/strong> (the following night)<\/span><\/p>\n

A few small groups and lone students were scattered around the huge library tonight. Unlike Sunnydale High, it wasn\u2019t closed off from the rest of the University, being a separate building and on a campus.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Head Librarian, Giles\u2019 time there was pretty flexible as there was always a member of staff around. Some nights, talking freely was difficult- but doable if they kept their voices low.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tucked away from the main area, the Scoobies huddled around a table waiting for Giles, who was currently ensconced in his office. Willow, who was still chaffing over the scene in the car with Cordy and Tara, had decided to broach the subject.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buffy instantly made sympathetic noises, but Xander was for once, a bit quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI always imagine witches doing their thing away from the front lines,\u201d Oz responded after a bit of thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Willow was a little taken aback. Shouldn\u2019t he be defending her? Girlfriend here, buddy.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, maybe that\u2019s the just way Tara has been taught to cast magic spells,\u201d he elucidated. \u201cIs it easy to concentrate when a lot\u2019s going on?\u201d Oz seemed genuinely interested \u2013 and not judgey, which instantly nullified her imagined offended feelings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. I\u2019ve never done\u2026\u201d Cordelia had asked a similar question. Darn!<\/em> Hung by my own petard<\/em>. It was true, Willow had never magicked on the run, so to speak.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then she remembered Cordy\u2019s words when first introducing Tara to the group.\u00a0 \u201cBut what about that night, you know, when Tara saved Cordy in the parking lot?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Xander piped up, \u201cMaybe it\u2019s easier to do when you\u2019re not the target?\u201d Too busy trying not to get killed, he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

What little wind was left sucked out of Willow\u2019s sails at his surprisingly sensible response. Starting to feel more than a little bitchy over the whole thing, she decided to change the subject. \u201cWonder what the plan is tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care as long as it doesn\u2019t involve research.\u201d\u00a0 The others were quick to agree with Xander.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Giles joined the others armed with a book and a thick wad of notepaper. He placed them on the table and pulled out a chair next to Buffy. He was about to take a seat when the member of staff on duty tonight, called his name. \u201cExcuse me a moment,\u201d he muttered and headed over to converse with her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting bored with non-action, Buffy rapped fingers rhythmically on the table-top; halting when the librarian broke off her chat to send a stink eye her way. She really missed the days when they didn\u2019t have to worry about \u2018normal\u2019 people interrupting their meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n

She watched as Giles ended the conversation and made his way back with a mixture of relief and mild irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProblems?\u201d Buffy asked, as he sat down next to her. She hoped their talk hadn\u2019t been about her. It wouldn\u2019t be the first time she\u2019d attracted that woman\u2019s ire.<\/span><\/p>\n

“No. Ms Carling wanted reassurance that I would be present for the large book delivery due tomorrow. As if I\u2019d forget,” he grumbled. “Now, let\u2019s begin-“<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy and Tara took that moment to burst in through the main doors.\u00a0 \u201cSorry we\u2019re late,\u201d called Cordy, who then paused when Ms Carling, who\u2019d instantly turned to glare, shushed her.\u00a0 Cordy silently mouthed \u2018Sorry\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking quickly over to the others and taking their seats, the brunette continued on, her voice dutifully lowered. \u201cRehearsals went on a bit longer than expected. He\u2019s so persnickety!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard on the grapevine that Barnsey\u2019s a real stickler,\u201d Xander commented. \u201cLikes to make life difficult for you poor college saps,\u201d cringing with a cheeky grin when the others instantly reacted with \u2018Hey\u2019s, and got a slap on the arm for his trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike the others, Xander hadn\u2019t gone to university, opting instead for the same career choice as his dad & uncle: construction. Although presently, still at the bottom of the ladder. But with his uncle as foreman, who was a decent guy – unlike his dad, he enjoyed the job.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, he got to drive a truck, and often finished his shift around the same time as his friends. Growing up in a small town meant you knew \u2013 or knew of, practically everyone living there. So it wasn\u2019t much of a surprise for him to have heard of Mister Barnes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giles cleared his throat and looked around the table, waiting for everyone to settle and fall silent. \u201cI had a bit of spare time today, so put it to good use.\u201d He shuffled his notes, then opened the heavy book he\u2019d brought. The others wrinkled their noses in disgust at the strong, musty odor emanating from its weathered pages.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI managed to isolate the species. The descriptions you all gave led to a demon called Shousace.\u201d He revealed. \u201cAlthough they are – as you\u2019ve personally experienced, especially strong, this seems to be their only advantage.\u201d He added that while it was fortunate when it came to Buffy- or even the recently arrived vampires, that sheer strength was extremely disadvantageous to the \u2018normal\u2019 humans in the group.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInterestingly, this particular species has never been sighted in the Americas before, preferring the temperate climes of Eastern Europe. Hungary to be precise,\u201d he added and went on to explain that was also the language one of the demons had used. When Buffy asked if he’d found out what had been said, Giles nodded and translated: ‘shut your mouth, idiot.’<\/span><\/p>\n

“At least I got the ‘idiot’ part right”, Xander immediately responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo why are these shoesize demons showing up now?\u201d Cordy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giles patiently pronounced the name with the use of phonetics. \u201cShoo-saySe\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I said, duh,\u201d Cordy rolled her eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuite. Unfortunately, at present I have no idea why they\u2019re here,\u201d he admitted. Glancing at his notes, then to the open page of the book, he continued. \u201cThe oldest recorded Shousace was said to have been around 250 years of age.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, it got friendly with a guy and told him it was his birthday?\u201d Xander joked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giles cleared his throat. \u201cNot exactly. One was captured in Hungary in the 17th<\/sup> century and interrogated. Can you all try to leave questions until after I\u2019ve finished summarizing?\u201d He looked over the top of his glasses, reminding the youngster of an old geography teacher he once had.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShousace are not a sociable species \u2013 even towards each other. They\u2019re loners. With their unique strength, I doubt they would need backup in their endeavors,\u201d Frowning. \u201cWhich tends to make the current circumstances all the more disconcerting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstatement much?\u201d\u00a0 Willow shifted uncomfortably in her seat, shuddering as she recalled their earlier scary confrontation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giles went on to say that so far, all they really knew at this point was that they were intent on acquiring at least one human for sacrifice. For what, they again had no clue. How many victims were they after? Was it age or gender-specific? He could only assume, at present, that their preference seemed to point towards young females.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oz frowned a little. \u201cWhat is it with demons always going after girls? Doesn\u2019t seem fair.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it makes me feel glad to be a man,\u201d Xander replied with relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cordy gave an inelegant snort. \u201cA man<\/em>? Who told you that lie?\u201d Even Willow snickered behind her hand at that. Buffy, on the other hand, suddenly became overly interested in her hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be so judgmental if I were you, Cor. Skeletons and closets.\u201d A fake glower darkened Xander\u2019s face, which turned into a cheeky grin when she stuck her tongue out at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we can get back on topic, children, I\u2019d be most thankful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the ensuing silence, Giles continued on. \u201cThe demon has a thick and rather scaly skin, which makes it almost impossible to pierce – for those without some form of supernatural abilities.\u201d Not that they really needed reminding of that fact.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn the plus side, there are several weak spots we can all take advantage of.\u00a0 Non-Slayers with crossbows only,\u201d he warned before listing vulnerable areas: eyes, neck and joints.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least we know what they are, and what bits to slice-n-dice\u201d Buffy flashed an upbeat smile in an attempt to disperse the glum expression on her Watcher\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

He graced her with a faint smile. \u201cWe still need to find out if this\u2026 ritual or whatever it is that they are planning is something ongoing or new. Will it be advantageous to all demons, or specific to their own kind?\u201d he wondered aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd more important, what will a successful endeavor mean for mankind? Or, if local, how will it affect the residents of Sunnydale \u2013 or indeed, the Hellmouth itself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026 What\u2019s the plan for tonight?\u201d asked Buffy in an attempt to rid herself of the doom and gloom that hung like a pall above their heads. A bit of fighty action right now would shake it off, she thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t mention books,\u201d Xander begged, groaning under his breath when Giles confirmed his fears.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Xander. You\u2019ve just reminded me of one in particular that would be most beneficial\u2026\u201d Unfortunately, it was currently at his home, Giles remembered and frowned in annoyance. “But that could be remedied. Um, Cordelia?”
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

After handing over his house keys to the brunette and suggesting she take Xander with her, but under no circumstance let the boy into his house. Xander graced him with a puzzled and slightly hurt look. Giles reminded him of his annoying habit of carelessly handling his precious artifacts, and of what could possibly happen – yet again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was an accident!\u201d Xander whined. \u201cHow was I to know it was an incantomethingy?\u201d The Faery vase had luckily been short of a few of the required ingredients; otherwise he\u2019d have had a vicious and uncontrollable imp running rampage through his house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is precisely the reason you will<\/em> wait outside.\u201d He turned his attention to Buffy. \u201cYou\u2019ll go out on patrol as per normal – but alone,\u201d he added as both Willow and Oz had instantly risen to their feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Giles had no need to explain, it was still depressing to be stuck in all night. It was just too risky for the others until they knew more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMake sure to head back immediately if you come across anything relevant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Buffy nodded. \u201cI might pop in to see Willy after I\u2019ve swept the cemeteries. Maybe see if I can find out where those two new vamps are hiding out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t do anything rash.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I was only …\u201d She relented after facing just ten seconds of Giles\u2019 stern, unblinking stare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re no fun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Outside Giles House.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Angel and Spike had come up empty after searching for the demons that ran off the previous night. As soon as the sun went down, they\u2019d left the confines of the mansion and followed every lead until the trails went cold. No luck. After an hour, they decided to split up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel had decided to make another trip to Willy\u2019s Bar. After discussing at length his last visit, Angel came to the conclusion that he hadn\u2019t expressed his need for information strongly enough. Roughing up humans wasn\u2019t something he did nowadays, but considering the little weasel owned a bar specifically for Sunnydale\u2019s demon population, he figured what the hell. Not like he didn\u2019t know the risks of hanging around with creatures like himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he cut through the residential areas, he sighted two of the humans who\u2019d been involved in the fight at the clearing on the outskirts of Sunnydale, the crossbow-wielding dark-haired kid, and the gorgeous brunette who had impressed him on so many levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019d just exited a bright red Chrysler Cirrus. Angel\u2019s lips quirked in humor on catching the personalized license plate: \u2018Queen C\u2019. Very appropriate, he thought as he took in her regal bearing as she walked gracefully from the driver\u2019s side and joined the whelp on the pavement.<\/span><\/p>\n

They were completely oblivious to his presence as with silent speed, he slipped into the shadowed grounds of the house opposite, using an ancient maple as added cover. Then he watched.\u00a0 Angel wondered for a second what the \u2018C\u2019 stood for: Christine?\u00a0 Carol? Hmm, maybe not<\/em>, he thought, guessing that her name would probably be something \u2026 unique?<\/span><\/p>\n

Hands on curvy hips, she icily berated her companion for some slight, who instantly backed off, raising his hands in the air with a grimace. \u00a0He then leaned against the side of the car as she turned and walked towards the small condo. Straightening up when ordered to, \u201cGet your fat ass off my car, Xander Lavelle Harris!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was an air of too-close familiarity between them that surprisingly irked Angel. Were they a current item? On watching their interaction; their body language, he reckoned that was a definite no, but there was no denying the hints of a past relationship. The idiot must have done something objectionable to cause the edge of real anger threading her voice; the disdain barely hidden in her expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel wondered why it bothered him either way. After all, he\u2019d only seen her twice. Not a stranger to brief flings with human women in the last 90 years. When opportunities arose to lose himself in the delicious warmth of their welcoming bodies, he rarely had a reason to deny his needs. In his line of work, he travelled a lot, which meant freedom to casually hook up then move on without looking back.<\/span><\/p>\n

But this one\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

He questioned the depths of his sudden interest. She was beautiful, yeah. He\u2019d seen many equally so in his lifetime. Her fiery temperament and almost fearless character drew him in.\u00a0 Their shared moment a few nights before had been stuck on a loop in his mind since.\u00a0 Especially after seeing the unsuccessfully hidden disappointment in her face when realizing he was a vampire. But earlier, when her copper-rimmed hazel eyes had first met his, instant attraction flared despite her obvious chagrin, and the slightest hint of musky arousal when he\u2019d briefly touch her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Everything about her drew Angel in like a moth to the flame. Was he willing to get burned? Hell, yeah!<\/span><\/p>\n

If she was even willing to let him get that close.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel reckoned he just needed to find the right moment to test her barriers.\u00a0 When it came to the inner workings of the gentler sex, his gut instincts were usually right.\u00a0 Humans were generally oblivious to things that went bump in the night. Monsters only existed in movies and TV shows. But her awareness that vampires actually existed, and that he was one, made for a difficult sell.<\/span><\/p>\n

What if he did succeed in getting the girl? He had a strong feeling that this particular brunette would be a hard act to follow. Would he be able to walk away when his job here was done?<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a question Angel needed to get his head around before even thinking of pushing this impulse further. Because this time it actually mattered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel hung around a little bit longer, curious as to why she was there. Was it her home? That surprised him. He couldn\u2019t imagine her living in that shabby looking building. It didn\u2019t gel with the \u2013surprisingly, demure cut of her obviously designer-labelled dress and the expensive car with customized plates.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a few minutes, she emerged, quickly locking the door behind her. When she turned to walk back down the path, he noted the tatty weathered book gripped carefully between fastidious fingers, and held it as far as possible from her as if it were a bag of dog crap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWatch you don\u2019t drop that.\u201d Xander Harris had quickly straightened up from his slouch, moving his resettled ass off her car. \u201cGiles will have a cow if you damage it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPfft. How much more damaged could it get?\u201d she replied tartly. \u201cAnd God knows how many disease-ridden paws have touched it before he even bought it.\u201d The youth let out a resigned sigh before taking it off her and pulling the passenger door open.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angel watched with an amused grin until they\u2019d both climbed in, and the car peeled away from the house, and then he continued on to his original destination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Back<\/a> \/ Part 9<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

University Library (the following night) A few small groups and lone students were scattered around the huge library tonight. Unlike Sunnydale High, it…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-to-be-continued-fic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13392","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13392"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13392\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13453,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13392\/revisions\/13453"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13392"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13392"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goteamfiction.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13392"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}