Of Birds and Slayers

“I always thought it was a legend...When Giles asked me to find information about the First Slayer I read things about it. It’s supposed to be a warrior who will protect the Slayer during the Great Battle. On the picture it was a tall man with wings and metal claws...” the redhead explained to everyone. They were back at the Summers’ house. Shannah, Willow Dawn and Buffy were on the couch, Spike was leaning against the door, next to Xander and Anya, and the potentials were sitting around listening carefully.

“ It was the first Phoenix, he died about five centuries ago. I’m the next one.”

“So you’re here to protect me? Against what?” the Slayer asked

“I guess it’s against the First, I heard about it a few months ago, the Council tried to contact me before the head quarter’s explosion. But I think I have to explain everything from the beginning.”
Shannah looked away for a second then started to tell her story.

“I was born in France eighteen years ago. My parents were into magic, since generations, and they knew that they were gonna have a baby who would be the Phoenix...Well in fact we were two, but several days after we were born, the Council took my brother away, and I don’t know what they did to him. Then when I was six months, they came and took me to England. Once there they did some tests on me, to know if I was the Phoenix. When I was three my claws appeared as well as my wings, and the training started. I had to fight demons and vampires ten hours a day, and learn things about them and slayers. I met potential slayers and had to train with them sometimes. One of them was called Kendra, she was a good friend...you heard about her I guess?” Buffy nodded “I learnt years after that she was the Slayer and died during a fight with a powerful vampire...” Buffy glanced at Spike who was staring back , the blond girl noticed a glimpse of guilt in his eyes. “Then they sent me away in the Amazonian forest, I grew up there with a watcher. I spent my days killing demons and training with gorillas and panthers. One day, I was fourteen, I was going back to our hut when I heard them. They were watchers, they killed my watcher in front of me. I tried to understand why, and I had the answers to my questions later. She had been too protective, too close to me. She didn’t want me to become their tool, she was always saying that I had to get free from their chains. I chased them but they disappeared before I could take my revenge. After that I went to Chicago and Los Angeles. They came to find me nine months ago, and told me I had to go to Sunnydale to help the Slayer. At first I refused, I didn’t want to help those murderers. But I remembered that Buffy Summers, the actual Slayer wasn’t anymore under the Council’s control, and after all, that was my destiny to protect her. So here I am...”

Everybody in the room was stunned by the girl’s story. They had all listened carefully each word she was saying. Buffy was the most moved one. This teenager had her whole life wasted because of a bunch of assholes and a damn prophecy. She was eighteen and still hadn’t lived her life, no friends, no family, just alone. Buffy thought about her own life. For many years she had cursed the Fate for putting her in the Slayer’s shoes. When she was a regular teenage girl, a guy came and told her she had to fight Evil for the rest of her life, which would be slightly reduced. But it was only seven years ago...Shannah knew that she was going to die for her since she was born. Buffy admired that girl and thought that somehow she had to take care of her. She decided to trust her.

“I’m glad you’re here. But you won’t die by my side, ‘cause we’re gonna win this war!” Buffy declared, smiling.

“You know...if you die, I’ll die as well. My mission is to save your ass, and it ends when you’ll be dead. So please, stay away from knives, cars or whatever that could hurt you!” the Phoenix replied grinning. She was the only one to smile. They were all shocked to hear that she would die if Buffy died. Shannah felt the tension fill the air.

“Come on guys, it’s cool, I got used to this part of my mission. That’s why I trained hard to be a great warrior. I don’t wanna die! Who would?”

“Well, Shannah, I guess you’re part of the Scooby gang. Congratulations!” The Slayer said. “Now everyone, go to bed, we’ll have a big day tomorrow.” The potentials moaned in vain, General B wouldn’t let them harass Shannah with their questions. Willow took the Phoenix by the arm and led her into the kitchen where they sat in silence, waiting for Buffy and Xander to come.

“Giles will be here tomorrow with another group of potential slayers, I think he’s gonna turn hysterical seeing you.” The redhead said

“Rupert Giles?”

“You know him?”

“He...he was a friend of Danny, my watcher. I saw him a couple of times. I didn’t know he was Buffy’s watcher.”

Buffy burst into the kitchen at that moment.

“Alright, You’re gonna sleep in Willow’s room! They are only four in it so you won’t feel too smothered.

“Okay...I-I didn’t think I would stay here...I don’t want to bother” she stammered

“ I want you here, after all you’re my guardian angel, aren’t you?” Shannah nodded “So you stay here, Willow’s room, okay?”

“I need to go pick out some stuff in the place where I crash. Nothing big it’s just...things I’m attached to.”

“Do you want someone to go with you?” the redhead offered.

“No thanks, I’ll be good.” Shannah stood up and was about to leave when she added “Thank you, all of you” she looked at the three scoobies and left.
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Kennedy went up to the bedroom she was sharing with Willow, Rona and Vi. She sat on her sleeping bag and thought about the events of this evening. Rona and Vi burst into the room and jumped on her.

“So what do you think of our new friend?” the black girl asked excited.

“What point of view do you want? The potential’s one or the lesbian’s?” Kennedy replied grinning.

“Both” Vi and Rona said in unison.

“ She’s a very good fighter, and her story is so amazing! And I have to admit she’s a babe! I’m gonna turn crazy with this gorgeous chick living in the house!” she hid her head in her pillow, while her two roommates were laughing.

“I heard that there’s a bet about tomorrow’s training session, wanna know about it?” Vi asked.

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