Devon the Protector: A BtVS Fic (sort of)

Title: Devon the Protector
Rating: Depends on my mood.
Summary: Devon has been chosen as the protector of the Changed Ones (that means Vampires and werewolves, and the like...), and must battle the Slayer should Buffy slay one of the soul-ridden Vampires, or redeemed werewolves.
A/N: Think of this as...an AU. I’m just borrowing characters from the Buffy Universe so that I may manipulate them in my own twisted little ways... That and I just really wanted to use the Angel character. He is -so- cute. This was originally going to be an original story, and then I thought...what they heck. -This is in no means Series related. It doesn’t fit in anywhere, and I’m just making up a time period in my head... Go me! Oh! P.S. I picture "Jack" as looking kind of like Spike. And Gabriel...think Hugh Jackmen in Van Helsing -only a little more modern. Oh, and this is not yet posted anywhere else, I am not finished with it yet.
Chapter One. Protector.
The door opened quietly and Devon Cary closed it with a soft click. Her sneakers made little sound against the hard wood floor of her bedroom room. Her soft brown hair covered her face. She spoke aloud to a seemingly empty room.
"What are you doing here?" She asked, flicking on the tall lamp in the corner. The girl didn’t need to look to see the fashionably attired, dark and broodingly handsome male on her bed shy away from the light.
"I think you know what I’m doing here." He said. "Could you shut that light off?"
"Just let me get this set back up." She motioned to her computer bag near her feet. "Then I’ll turn it off."
The male watched quietly as she plugged cords into sockets, and ports. After a few moments of peaceful silence he spoke up again.
"How did you know I was here?"
"Gabriel, Gabriel... I left the tank light on." She smiled, nodding towards the fish tank as she flicked off the lamp. Moonlight bathed her bedroom in a pale glow, and she crossed her arms over her chest to stare at him.
"Oh yes. Always the eye for detail, you have." He nodded, watching her, wanting her.
"You wanted to talk?"
"I’ve missed you." Gabriel saw her tug her shorts down over her hips, the long t-shirt banishing away and hopes of a glimpse of what was under them. "Where have you been all these nights?"
"Where do you think?" Devon asked.
"Ah, right...Stupid question."
Devon pushed past him onto the bed, "Are you staying, or do you have other things to do?"
Gabriel was quiet as Devon shifted under the covers, and he leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips. "I can’t. I just wanted to know how you were... check in, and all."
"Gabriel..." Devon held onto the sleeve of his leather jacket for an extra moment. "Do me a favor?"
"What is it, love?" He asked, brushing a lock of her hair behind her ear.
"If you see Jack tonight...tell him to call, or stop by. Please?"
Gabriel pressed another kiss to her lips, and nodded, "If I see him, I’ll tell him."
Devon turned onto her shoulder as Gabriel disappeared, a slightly hopeful smiled on her lips.
Her dreams were uneasy, as they often had been since she had become the Protector. She dreamt mostly of the demise of her Werewolf wards, as they were the easier targets, but once in awhile, her favorites -her soul ridden vampires were killed mercilessly by that bitch -the Slayer. Of course, as long as those closest to her were safe, the Slayer would live on. She knew not what she did, how much it hurt every time one of her redeemed died, how someone else besides the creature felt it -how she would scream in terror and pain on the shoulder one of those in her Circle. The slayer didn’t know how she wept for those she lost...and she had lost many. Many more then she should have had to.
Devon was awoken the next morning by sunlight streaming into her room. She yawned and turned over, her hand finding knee of the man who had joined her in bed.
"Good morning." The voice was cool, but kind.
"Jack...you can’t be here." Devon smiled.
"Sure I can, my sweet. The sun is well guarded by those curtains, and even then, your windows are covered in ash. I’m fine." Jack was a stunning blonde who made the tight pants, purple silk shirt, and dusty leather trench coat he wore look good.
"Thank you for coming, but-." Devon shook her head.
"I know, I know." Jack smiled. "Gabriel said you wanted to see me."
"I just wanted to know how you were. I haven’t seen so many of you in such a long time...but, I didn’t feel anything..." She shook her head.
"Ah, so you wanted to catch up with your charge. It’s a good thing you’re only Protector of the demons who have redeemed themselves -or gained their souls back..."
Devon gave a soft smile, and pressed a kiss to Jack’s cheek. "I’m sorry. I have to get up... I have to go to school...do the whole normal-teen thing."
"I understand." Jack nodded. "Is it alright if I crash around here today?"
"No, of course not. Just...stay out of trouble. I’ll see you when I get home." She gave him another kiss before setting off to prepare for the day ahead.

Not so far away, Buffy Summers was having a conversation with her watcher, Rupert Giles. Giles had just made a new discovery in one of the old Watcher Diaries.
"It says here that there is a Protector." Giles slid his glasses farther up his nose. "A girl who protects the Changed Ones."
"Changed ones?" Buffy asked. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Vampires, and Werewolves mostly." Giles gave a shrug. "Think of her as your counter part. She is the Protector, you are the slayer. The yang to your ying."
Buffy raised an eyebrow.
"Anyway, I don’t think you really need to worry about her...so long as you don’t kill anyone in her Circle."
"Circle?" Buffy asked. "How do I know if they are in her circle or not?"
"She is only the Protector of those Changed Ones who have...redeemed themselves, or had their souls reinstated. Her circle consists of five, usually men...Three vampires, and two werewolves. The werewolves, we don’t need to worry about, but the vampires...you do have a knack for getting a job done when it comes to them."
"Three vampires? And I thought having one was weird. -And how many redeemed vampires and werewolves could there be?"
"The Protector isn’t really a normal girl, Buffy." Giles slid the book over to her, ignoring her other question.
"Whoa! This isn’t a circle, it’s a harem!" Buffy pushed the book away.
"The thing is, anyway, is that these vampires have their souls intact."
"Like Angel?"
"Like Angel...sort of." Giles confirmed. "I’m hoping he could lead us to this girl. Or tell us more about her. Chances are, he is in contact with her, being that he is redeemed."
"You want to know about her so that we don’t piss her off, right?"
"In a sense, yes."

Each girl lived in the dark about the close existence of the other. Until they were brought together by unlikely circumstances.
Later, the same afternoon, the two were called into the office of Principal Snyder.
"Once again, I find myself in front of two, seemingly harmless, girls...who seem to be the worst of the whole bunch." Snyder sat on the edge of his desk in front of the pretty blonde and equally pretty brunette. "Both of you have unexcused absences, tardies, cutting classes, and of course...there is always the morbid little pasts you both have... Buffy with your pyromania, and Devon...with your escapades at the Institution."
Buffy almost didn’t see the soft smile that crossed Devon’s lips at the mention of the Institution.
"So, I’m putting the two of you in charge of Publicity for the school play. Here are the envelopes with everything you need." He handed a large manila envelope to each girl. "I’m sure you’ll get plenty done if you start...tonight."
"Principal Snyder, I really don’t think-." Buffy started.
"Don’t start Summers." Synder stopped her. "You and Miss Cary will make the time. You will make posters, publish an article in the newspapers, make calls for sponsors, create a program, and of course, do interviews with the cast."
Buffy nodded gravely.
"And if we don’t?" Devon asked.
"Then I’ll have no choice but to expell you, Cary. This is your last chance to save yourself."
The two were dismissed shortly afterward, and walked down the hall together. Devon turned to Buffy as they neared the end of the hall and would part ways.
"Are you busy tonight?" She asked. "I’ve got some time, right after school. I’ve got all of the supplies we need at home, and some great computer software for the programs."
"Well, actually, I kind of have this thing..." Buffy started.
"Even if it’s just for an hour or so, Buffy. I have a life too." Devon tucked a lock of her hair behind her hear. "This is my address. Stop by after school. I’ll be home until about six thirty or so."
Buffy took the slip of paper Devon handed to her before watching the other girl walk down the hall the opposite direction, soon joined by two unrecognizable boys.

Devon hadn’t been in the kitchen long before there was an almost hesitant knock on her door.
"Hi. I didn’t expect you so early." Devon ushered Buffy into the house. "Can I get you something to eat? To drink?"
"No, I’m fine. Lets just get started." Buffy shrugged. "Where are we working?"
"Well, the supplies are up in my room. We can work in the garage though. Could you help me carry the stuff down?"
"Yea, sure." Buffy nodded.
"Okay, it’s this way." Devon lead her up a flight of stairs, and watched her unlock the thick wooden door. "My Mom is kind of a snoop...I lock it during the day... Oh, my god." She jumped at the sight of Jack, still lounging on her bed, reading a book.
"What’s the matter?" Buffy reached instinctively into her jacket for her ever-ready stake.
"Nothing...I just...Oh, Jack. I forgot you were here."
"Well, it’s nice to see you too, my sweet." Jack looked up. "And you’ve brought a friend... Hello."
"Hi." Buffy shoved her hands into her pockets. "...Do I...do I know you?"
Jack examined her, "I don’t think so, but...It’s lovely meeting you. What’s the matter, dearest?" He turned to Devon who was pulling items out of her closet.
"Nothing Jack...just, go back to reading." Devon held out a box of paints for Buffy to hold onto, while she grabbed a stack of poster board, and markers. "I’ll be back up in awhile."
"Don’t be to long, Dev." Jack winked at her, and gave a Buffy a warm smile. "I’ve been trapped away in here all day waiting for her to come and see me...but no...no more cutting classes for my little prot-...protégé."
"Protégé?" Buffy asked.
"Jack is an...artist." Devon lied. "He’s my...mentor."

"Yes...simply brilliant she is." Jack smiled at her. "Take your time, darling. I’m not going anywhere."
"Um, lets...go." Devon pushed Buffy out of her room.
"Are you really going to leave him sitting in there?" Buffy asked.
"Oh, he’s used to it. He likes to lurk around." Devon shrugged, leading the way down the stairs, and into the meticulously clean garage. "My Dad has a compulsive disorder. Don’t let the cleanness freak you out or anything."
"No...of course not." Buffy set the box of paints and brushes down on the table in the center of the garage, and looked around. "You have a really nice house."
"Thank you."
"Have you always lived in Sunnydale?"
"No, we just moved here a year ago. My Mom got transferred here, and my Dad works from home, mostly. Getting this house was kind of a pinch of luck."
The two worked quietly for a while, before Buffy noticed the sun starting to go down.
"I should get going. Can we work on this again tomorrow?"
"Sure, of course. Just come over. I’m here until about...now, actually. Wow, I can’t believe we worked that long." Devon looked down at her watch. "It’s almost six thirty."
"Do you have a job or something?" Buffy asked.
"...Sort of. Something like that. I better go grab Jack before he goes out of his mind, bored in my room. Just leave the brushes in the sink, and I’ll clean them before I go. I’ll see you tomorrow, Buffy." Devon didn’t bother to see her out before disappearing back into the house.
Buffy cleaned out the brushes in the sink, setting them to dry on the side, and then exited the house, quietly as possible.

"Jack...No, c’mon...We have to find Gabriel and Angel... And Joshua and Kerwin." Devon laughed as she felt Jack’s tongue against her throat. "Seriously now..."
"Okay, okay..." Jack sighed. "Lets go find Gabriel and Angel, and those two little...werewolves you keep around."
"I have to keep them around..." Devon pressed a kiss to his lips. "It’s part of being the Protector."
"Oh...right." Jack sighed, rolling his eyes. "Lets go, my sweet." He put an arm around her waist,
and lead her out of her bedroom, which clicked, locked, behind them.

Finding Gabriel was easy enough. He as waiting outside for them, leaning against a fence post in Devon’s yard. Not far behind him, were the two werewolves she kept as part of her circle -the crowd she could ‘hang out’ with at school -Joshua and Kerwin.
"Do either of you know where Angel is? I haven’t seen him in such a long time." Devon had a vampire on either side of her, linking arms, while her two werewolf lackeys brought up the rear.
"Last I saw him, he was lurking about in the graveyard... He does that lot." Gabriel sighed. "He hangs out with the Slayer you know."
"Do you know anything about the Slayer?" Devon asked.
"Only that Angel fancies her...or did fancy her at one point." Gabriel shrugged. "I think they’ve gotten over it now...since he got his soul back the second time, and we all thought he was gone."
Devon groaned, remembering the pain, and the outrage that had overwhelmed her...then to have Angel return. Angel had been part of her circle since she had become to the Protector.
"I’m sorry, love... Have I dredged up awful memories for you?" Gabriel asked, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
"It’s alright, Gabriel. I just want to check on Angel...and perhaps venture out for a new ward...I’ve felt...a presence... I’m not sure who it is yet...but...someone new is out there."
"Alright, my sweet. We’ll find Angel." Jack grinned. "And have a wicked way with him before retiring again..." Jack paused to give her a hungry kiss, and sobering enough to feel Gabriel’s jealous glare. "Just because she takes to me more then she takes to you doesn’t mean you have to go all...hell-fire on me."
"I don’t fancy any of you above the others." Devon smiled at Gabriel. "And you shouldn’t favor at all." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "C’ mon, lets check out the Graveyard." She slid from their arms, and stepped up her pace.

A little ways away, in front of an unmarked tombstone, Angel and Buffy spoke.
"What do you know about the Protector?" Buffy asked, her arms crossed.
"What about the Protector? You’re not thinking about going after her or anything are you? She’s on your side..." Angel shook his head. "Just...don’t piss her off."
"Giles just read some things on her... We figured we should know more about her."
"She’s a sweet girl... She’s picked her circle well...well, the vampire side of the circle anyway. The werewolves are really just lackey’s who follow us around..."
"Us?"
"I...I’m the third vampire." Angel told her, shaking his head. "I thought you knew."
"No, I had no idea."
"How much do you know?"
"Just that she’s a girl, she protects the ‘Changed Ones’ who have redeemed themselves or had their souls reinstated. She has a circle of five men...three vampires, and two werewolves."
"Then you don’t know who the others are?"
"No...should I?"
"Okay...Maybe it’s time for the two of you meet?" Angel raised his eyebrow. "She can help you...so you don’t kill any innocents...and it hurts her like hell every time you do."
"She...she feels them?"
"She feels our pain...when we suffer... To her, we’re innocents. When we expire, she feels everything we go through -she endures our pain, our sorrows...everything."
"Oh god... I’ve really pissed this girl off, haven’t I?"
"It hurts more when it’s part of her circle...so you’ve really only pissed her off once." Angel shrugged.
"But you’re okay..."
"So she’s okay."
"Who is she?" Buffy asked.
"Angel?" Gabriel stepped out of a group of shrubbery. "Oh, sorry...I didn’t realize you were with someone."
"It’s alright, Gabe. What’s the matter?" Angel asked.
"Dev, she’s looking for you." Gabriel motioned behind him with a jerk of his head. "She’s been worried."
"Why don’t you bring her here? I think there’s someone she needs to meet." Angel looked down at Buffy.
"Right then." Gabriel nodded. "I’ll go get her and the others."
Once Gabriel was gone, Buffy became self conscious.
"Do I look okay?"
"You look fine. She’s not going to hurt you." Angel smiled. "You’re with me..."
"Right." Buffy nodded, tilting back on her heels. "So...who is this girl, anyway? What’s her name?"
"...Buffy?"
Buffy turned, taking in the sight of Devon, flanked closely by Gabriel and Jack, as well as the two unrecognizable guys she had seen earlier in the day. "Devon? You’re the Protector?"
"You’re the Slayer?"
"You two know each other, then?" Angel asked.
"We got stuck doing a...thing together, from Snyder." Buffy shook her head. "Wh...how? When?" She stared at Devon.
"I should be asking you the same." Devon crossed her arms. "I suppose this makes a lot of sense to me now."
"Yea, it really does." Buffy nodded. "But...Angel, I don’t understand. How can you be part of the Circle?"
"What do you mean?" Angel asked, moving to slid an arm around Devon’s waist. "Is it really that hard to grasp? Devon is the protector...I’m part of the Circle."
"But...the Circle...you guys like...do...stuff...together..."
Angel laughed, "Not the kind of stuff you’re thinking. Devon is still in High school, Buffy."
"So?" Buffy shrugged.
"I don’t sleep with every high school girl I come across, Buffy... That came out wrong." Angel stopped her. "What I mean is that... Oh...shit."
"What he means...is that he’s only third in line." Gabriel smiled. "He doesn’t get a go with the Protector until she turns eighteen..."
"Is that good or bad?" Buffy asked. "This is all really hard to grasp....and I really don’t want to think about anyone doing it."
"It’s not as weird as they’re making it sound..." Devon pushed Jack off of her arm. "The Protectors before me have always been older...and wiser... Sleeping with the members of the circle insures my safety and immunity. When I turned sixteen, it was Jack, the first, seventeen, Gabriel, and when I turn eighteen, Angel. ...And so on..."
"And when you’ve used all of the five?"
"Then I sleep with who ever I want." Devon shrugged. "I think that’s how it goes, anyway... And it’s only once a year... This doesn’t sound good at all does it?"
"No, my sweet, it doesn’t. You sound like a common little whore, don’t you?" Jack smiled maliciously.
"Jack." Angel put a hand on the blonde’s shoulder. "Don’t." He felt Jack move back under his hand.
"Sorry, Angel. Old habits die hard and all that."
"So...you’re the Protector... I’m the Slayer...and as long as I don’t kill any of the five in your circle, you don’t have to kill me?"
"Something like that." Devon nodded. "Try and stay away from the other soul-infested, and redeemed... I won’t have to retaliate for them, but it hurts like a bitch every time one of them dies."
"I’ll try my best." Buffy nodded. "I don’t kill your guys, you don’t kill my guys, and we all...live." She held out her hand, which Devon hesitantly shook. Buffy had just released her hand when the streak of pain shot up her arm. She groaned, falling into Jack’s arms.
"Oh, fuck..." Jack sighed. "We better get her home...Gabriel, go on ahead of us... You two...go home." He dismissed the lackeys with a wave of his hand, and then allowed Angel to lift the shaking Devon into his arms.
"What’s going on?"
"Someone is dying. It looks like it’s going fast. I better get her home. I’ll see you, Buffy. -Remember, no one can know about the Protector."
"Of course not." Buffy shook her head.
"Not even your friends, and Giles can know that you know her identity. Not yet."
"Alright." Buffy nodded, and watched Angel and Jack retreat, Devon’s body still quivering helplessly in their arms.