The winter storm rattled the windows of Jack’s room, startling him awake with the white flash of lightning arcing across his ceiling. He blinked at the dark then suddenly bright night.

At first he thought he heard incessant thunder, then realised someone was hammering on the front door. He swore beneath his breath and glanced at the clock. Who was knocking at such an ungodly hour? He padded downstairs, hauling his robe about him against the chill. He passed the lamp-lit library and resisted the temptation to growl at Spike. The vampire and Jenny had been spending time together recently.

He hurried to the door, his feet chilled by the flagstone floor. He drew the bolts and opened it into the howling storm. The lashing rain obscured his vision briefly. Two hooded figures stepped over the threshold and Jack slammed the door shut with a shiver.

"Master Giles?"

Jack turned on the hall light and stared at his mysterious visitors.

"Yes,"

"Forgive our intrusion at such a late hour. My daughter and I have travelled many leagues to visit thee, Master Giles. My name is Gorgon; I am a friend of thy father and mother."

Jack thrust his hands into the pockets of his robe to mask his astonishment. Damn! Where is a blasted stake when you need one!

"I’m sorry, but they’ve both passed on. My father died about this time last year. My mother five years before that."

Gorgon slipped his hood down, revealing a full head of snakes hissing and writhing in Jack’s direction. The Watcher leapt back in alarm. He stared at his own horrified expression in Gorgon’s mirror shades. Then Gorgon’s daughter stepped forward and slipped her hood back.

Jack stared at the young woman, her shoulder length bronze curls framed her heart shaped face and set off her luminous green-gold eyes. Jack lost his breath and his heart beat madly in his chest.

"Mum?" He gasped.

Spike and Jenny appeared at the Library door, looking a little dishevelled. "What’s up, Watcher?" Spike asked good-naturedly just before he noticed the young woman.

"Shit!" The vampire exclaimed.

End of part 1

Site Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc. own the Buffy characters.
All products, movies, books, songs, etc. are owned by their respective owners.
No copyright infringement is intended.
All ORIGINAL plots and characters on this site are owned by their respective authors.