DISCLAIMER: I own nothing! {Except, of course, the story idea} The rest belongs to Josh, Mutant Enemy, and the WB network. AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story idea hit me after reading several in the future and what if Buffy fan fic, so of course I have to thank those many writers. But for now, here's the summary! SUMMARY: After killing Angel, the seventeen year old slayer runs away from her problems in hopes of a new life. Now, 8 years later, the slayer must face something left behind...a slayerette... TIME LINE: THIS STORY TAKES PLACE AFTER THE SEASON FINALE " BECOMING" PARTS ONE AND TWO. IT MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE PAST EPISODES, ESPECIALLY "BECOMING".

PROLOGUE: NOWHERE ELSE TO GO

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"You get used to it," a deep voice said from behind her.

Buffy quickly turned to see...nothing.

"What?" Buffy thought to herself.

"Looking for something, kid?" lighting his pipe, the man continued," If I'm fortunate enough for it to be, I'm over here."

"You're a real charmer, but didn't you ever learn not to pick up little girls?" Buffy inquired, turning towards him.

Sitting across from Buffy, the man replied, "Yes, but you're no ordinary girl...Buffy Summers."

Now Buffy was nervous, "How'd you know my name?"

Exhaling smoke, the man answered, "That's not important...at the moment. Anyhow, I've come to help."

"I'll pass, I can take care of myself."

Rolling his eyes, the man commented, "Oh, come on! You're weak, tired, depressed, and to top it off, in New York! If you weren't the slayer, I'd doubt your survival."

{Buffy wasn't in the mood to argue on the slayer matter.} Crossing her arms, Buffy protested, "Yeah, well I've got news for ya buster, I am the slayer! So let me do things my way will ya!?!"

Shaking his head, the man responded, "Isn't that how you got here in the first place?" Buffy glared as he continued, "Listen kid, I don't like this anymore this anymore than you do, but I was sent here, and right now...I'm the only one you can trust."

Refusing to let her guard down, Buffy questioned, "Who sent you here?"

Frustrated, the man answered, "Look kid, I can't tell you all this now, but once we get out of here , I'll explain everything."

Nothing, including Buffy's expression, changed. The man decided to give it another shot, as he continued, "If it's any consolation, it's 8:00 A.M. and I'm not bubbling."

Taking a deep breath, Buffy reacted, "Okay, okay. Let's go. But one last thing."

Annoyed, the man impatiently turned towards Buffy, "Never, and I mean never, call me kid."

For the first time the man actually smiled, and they began to walk off. Buffy didn't know where she was going, but she knew it was better than where she had come. She was looking for a fresh start...a new...beginning.

"Summers, calm down will ya? Besides," Nick began, laying back in his seat, "This will definitely be worth your while."

Crossing her arms, Buffy responded, "Yeah, well it had better be a short while, I'm already 20 minutes late!"

Crossing his legs, Nick informed, "Don't worry about the meeting, you're being re-assigned."

Astonishment spread across Buffy's face, as she protested, "Re-assigned! What do you mean re-assigned? I put 6 full months into this case, and now you're re-assigning me?"

Sighing, Nick explained, " Look Buffy, I know things are difficult for you right now, but you're one of our best agents and...we need you on this case."

"What case?," Buffy asked demandingly.

"This case," Nick responded, tossing a file towards her.

Buffy gave him a look as she proceeded to study the file. Nodding, Buffy announced, "Not bad," Nick gave a silent prayer as Buffy continued," But who's this 'partner' you've mentioned?"

Sitting up, Nick began, " Oh, that..."

He was interrupted by the intercom, "Mr. Mackenzie, your appointment has arrived."

Mackenzie pushed his chair in, as he announced, "Well, he should be here any second."

Not moments later, the door slowly opened to reveal...

"Xander."

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"Buffy," Xander responded, formly.

"I assume you've met," Nick asked perplexed.

"Yes, years ago," Buffy started, distantly, "Xander, excuse me, Alexander and I went to high school together."

"Oh," Nick responded, suspiciously.

"Something's wrong here, I can feel it," Nick thought to himself.

It was silent for a while, until Xander finally choked out, "Long time no see, Buff." Taking a seat, Xander finished, lying through his teeth, "Almost forgot what you looked like,"

{ To be honest, he had a picture of her in his wallet.}

Shrugging, Nick said, "Well, I guess you guys have some catching up to do so...why don't we meet at the 9th street cafe in?" Checking his watch, he continued, "In about an hour?"

They both nodded uneasily. Silence grew until Xander opened the door for Buffy."'till then." With that, the door shut, and they were off.

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Silence flooded the car as Xander drove. Buffy didn't know what to say, and Xander wasn't sure whether to be angry or glad. { Though he was leaning towards angry}. Suddenly, Buffy couldn't take it anymore. The silence was eating her up. So, out of the blue, Buffy spat out, "So, how's Willow?"

Buffy soon regretted her question, as anger grew on his face. Glaring, Xander replied,"She's dead...vampires."