Buffy laughed derisively at the inane posturing of the vampire. “Well, if you enjoy turning to dust, I’m sure you are going to love this.” With a casual flick of her wrist, Buffy sent a thin, carved piece of wood flying through the air.

The vampire who had challenged Buffy, stood with a stupefied expression on his face, he was not used to people, especially little girls, who didn’t run or scream (sometimes both) at the sight of his face. He barely had time to become aware of the thin stake Buffy had flung his way, before it became imbedded in his heart.

“One down, four to go. Are you boys going to play nice and leave the girl alone, or do I have to dust you all as well?” Buffy inquired casually.

The smallest of the remaining four vampires darted glances at his companions. “If we loose the girl, the master won’t be pleased.”

“Yeah, but if SHE kills us…” one of the others started to say but was interrupted.

“At least we’ll die quickly,” the new apparent leader said.

At some unseen and unheard signal, the vampires rushed Buffy as a group, hoping to catch her off-guard.

Buffy stood her ground, a stake clutched firmly in her right hand, waiting for them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Xander and Cordelia burst into the library, carrying boxes of donuts and a carry-tray of drinks. “See Cordy, I told you they’d still be here.” Xander said with a small snicker.

“Yeah, well, you need to be right once in a while Xander Harris.” Cordelia said with ill-disguised sarcasm.

“I’ll have you know that the Xan-man is always right,” Xander said with some indignation, placing the boxes on the long table.

Willow’s whispered comment was barely heard, “Except when he’s wrong…”

Xander stopped and stared at Willow in feigned shock. “I heard that missy. No jellies for you!” Xander declared in an authoritative voice, pointing his index finger at her.

“Seeing as she doesn’t like jelly donuts, Xander, I’m sure it’s no big hardship.” Cordelia said with a put-upon sigh, placing the drinks tray on the table.

Joyce looked up from her perusal of the parchment, a motherly smile on her face. “Thank you Cordelia, and you too Xander, for the donuts and drinks.”

“Not a problem Mrs. S., glad to do it.” Xander grinned sheepishly as he passed out the drinks to everyone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As the quartet reached her, Buffy struck out, punching one in the face as she darted past them, to place herself between them and their intended victim. She spun around to face the group once more and a small smile played across her lips. “Well boys, what are you waiting for? The sun to rise?”

The dark haired girl collapsed to the pavement, moaning under her breath.

“I don’t care who you think you are bitch, but we are taking that flake,” and he motioned to the young girl behind Buffy, “back with us. Now you can either step aside or die.” The vampire tried to sound menacing, but the effect was ruined as he was dusted at the end of his speech by another one of Buffy’s slender thrown stakes.

The figure behind Buffy giggled and uttered in a low voice, “What once were four is now to two, and soon those two shall be none.”

The softly spoken words seemed to cause the remaining two vampires to make up their minds to run, as the both darted for the end of the alley. Their progress was halted rather abruptly by Buffy.

“Running away so soon? And here we never got a chance to introduce ourselves.” Buffy quipped as she slammed her stake into the heart of one of the vampires. She then directed her attention to the last, and said with a grin. “Say goodnight Gracie.” She backhanded him hard across the face, and shoved him into a pile of broken crates, dusting him immediately. “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”

Buffy turned her attention to the young girl she had saved, and was astonished to find her on her feet, giggling softly.

“Sunshine has saved Princess from the bad men.” The girl then started to sway and moan weakly. “So tired, so cold. Will Sunshine warm me?”

Buffy shook her head in amusement as she approached the confused and confusing girl. “Come with me, okay? You’ll be safe.” Wrapping an arm around the girl, Buffy started to lead her out of the alley. “What’s your name, Princess?”