The Resurrection Gambit

Part eleven: Intellect

Los Angeles, 2003: Angel moved first, leaping from the lectern toward the Juris with preternatural speed. Spike was right behind him, leaping over the row of chairs as though it were a subway turnstile. Wesley and Gunn rose quickly, drawing their weapons, as Fred, Xander and Giles fell back, preparing to see how best they could help.

“Stop,” said the Juris, and a wall of force buffeted the heroes. Spike—in mid-air—was slammed straight into the wall. Angel was knocked backward and stunned.

Wesley aimed his pistol for the Juris’s head, to no avail. Gunn charged the monster, only to find its hand wrapped around his throat. The Juris hefted Gunn above his head, strangling him. It began to open its lips to speak, when suddenly, an ear-piercing shriek filled the room, so jarring that the Juris dropped Gunn, who landed with a thud on the ground.

The Juris took its eyes off the heroes to see Lorne, whose voice was scrambling the Juris’ ultrasonics. Angel wasn’t sure if that trick would work, but it seemed to be at least buying them some space. Unfortunately, Lorne couldn’t do anything but scream as the vampire glided toward him.

But he had taken his attention off Angel, who body slammed the Juris with enough force to knock him to the ground. Angel landed punch after punch on the monster, but to no avail. Within moments, the Juris had gotten its bearings back, grabbing Angel by the shirt and tossing him into Lorne.

The others had recovered, too, and had surrounded the monster. They all knew they couldn’t win, but were determined to try.

“This is pointless,” said the Juris. “I have not come to fight. I have come to bring you a warning. War is coming, but our wars are fought in shadows. We are immortal. Our wars are fought in glacial time.”

The monster’s head then turned toward Giles.

“Four tied to the Slayer line are destined to hold our fate. If I could, I would kill you all and be done with it, but the strands of destiny instruct me otherwise. You must all be judged in your turn.”

Without another word, the Juris turned and left.

oooooh.

Victor, it needs a paragraph break or three in there, I'd say.

Yay, high class lunch time reading! Very nice Victor.

Spike was right behind him, leaping over the row of chairs like it were a subway turnstile.

Shouldn't that be "like it was"?

The "were" is right, but the "like" should be "as though" or "as if" &c.

Subjunctive, man. Beautiful mood.

Yup, it's an "as if" rather than a "like."

And damn, does it rock.

The subjunctive always gets the better of me. It's my Achilles heel.

The "were" is right, but the "like" should be "as though" or "as if"

Yep. This is the right one. And it's fixed.

Spiralling down. Finally. Glad everyone's enjoying it, but man this is taking forever.

My slashfic assignment is soon ready for a second round of betas. Anyone interested in doing a quick and dirty beta? I'll send it out later tonight.

So my "Willow, the Vampire Slayer" drabble kept shouting at me and telling me it HAD to be a story, and I made the mistake of listening.

For four hours, while I was supposed to be working.

It's at 2,200 words now which I *think* is chapter one, and I have a sense of what will happen next -- I just need a break, and to assure myself I'm staying somewhat true to Willow's voice.

Is it okay if I post it?