TITLE: The Train Job (#2 of a series)
AUTHOR: kerk hiraeth
FANDOM: Buffy the Vampire Slayer (AU: set in the 22'verse)
CHARACTERS: Neither has revealed their name as yet, but one will become significant in this 'verse. One is a Slayer; recently empowered, the other; very much older, is her lover and (unofficial) watcher.
LENGTH: 100,
A/N: This drabble is part of two series; this series of unconnected, but thematically linked stories, as well as to the 22'verse. It follows the last story written in that 'verse, which was set on Buffy's birthday.
WARNING: Not for this story, but the ones connected to it. There are implications, but no explicit references to what is, in most of the world, an illegal relationship in the sense that when it became sexual one of the couple was underaged. By the time this first story in their story is set though that person is older; just, than Buffy was when she graduated from Sunnydale High School. It should be noted that the relationship was always consensual, if reluctant on the older partner's part.
Also the younger partner is Hermaphrodite, which I know is regarded as an outdated; somewhat frowned upon term, but I personally do not like the term intersex, and that is reflected in her feelings on the subject. I considered, from the creation of these characters; more than three years ago, using more modern terminology, but she; my muse, as well as the character, wouldn't let me. If that offends, I apologise, but only out of respect for your; you the reader, feelings.
All this is well longer than the story itself, so I'd better get it down.
“Do I what?”
He grinned, biting back whatever response he'd planned; coughed, making her frown. He looked very old of a sudden, as if The Great Spirit wrested vitality from him. His pride refused assistance, so it wasn't attempted.
She helped him on to the footplate though.
She knew such pride; it fueled her very spirit. Such pride prevented her abusing this power that suffused her every sinew nowadays.
Usually.
Despite him, she felt such terror it killed him.
What poisoned his blood had done so before they met.
Praying, she followed instruction and slowly took the train west.
Goddess watch over us all in these dark times,
Kerk Hiraeth