Chapter 6
Giles called to tell her about her mother's picture and other property. Buffy cried and then got angry. He listened patiently to her until she ran out of wind. After hanging up with Giles, she started thinking about Sunnydale. It just wasn't home anymore but neither was Scottsdale. Maybe she shouldn't live anywhere that ended with a 'dale.
Two weeks later, Buffy was working out with one of Robert's swords between classes. Her body spun, twisted and stabbed with the sword. Her feet were in constant motion whether they were moving or kicking. Buffy threw her body forward and back. The sword was always moving smoothly. She was heavy into the workout when she felt someone watching. Her spidey sense didn't go off so she knew they weren't evil. Robert was in the back but no one else should be here. Buffy did a full front aerial spin landing across the dojo. She was in a ready stance with the sword ready.
There was a tall dark haired man, with a long face, sharp chin and a large mouth, standing there watching her. "Damn girl, you are awesome. Where was Robert hiding you the last time I was here?" He smiled at her.
"I've been here about three months now. Robert, someone is here to see you. Get your lazy hinny out here," Buffy yelled.
The man's eyebrows went up at that. Robert walked out smiling at the man. "Quentin, when did you get into town? Do you start shooting soon? Oh, sorry Liz Summers this is an old friend, Quentin Tarantino. Come on back to the office we can catch up. Liz, are you staying or going?"
"I'm going to go and catch some dinner. Be back before class, Rob; nice to meet you, QT." Buffy grabbed her bag walking out the front door.
Quentin watched her go then turned to his old friend. "Where did you find her, Robby? She's a little dynamo."
"She just walked in one day. Best bit of luck I ever had. Girl can do anything. You name it she can do it, including weapons as you must have seen." Robert and Quentin had been friends since they were in high school. Robert used to advise on movies and do stunt work. Health issues forced him to move to Arizona. They still kept in touch and met whenever they got a chance.
Quentin was in the several months ago on a location hunt. He was back now to start shooting but after seeing Buffy, he was getting a brilliant idea. "Rob, Robby baby, tell me more about Liz." He grinned and followed his friend back to his office.
"Quent, what are you up to?" He knew his friend when he got that gleam in his eyes. "You think she'd advise and stunt for me? Maybe even do a few small scenes?"
Quentin decided to stay and watch Buffy's evening class. He watched her handle them with ease from big guys to older teenagers. She was easy going but meant business. At the end of class, she accepted challenges from three different students.
Robert came out to stand beside him. "I love this part; they never learn."
"What?" Quentin asked. "Just watch Quent." He assumed she would spar them one at a time. Then he saw she was going to take them all on at once.
Buffy stood still and centered herself. Closing her eyes, she listened for the first move. She ducked a kick from behind, caught a blow from the left while kicking out on the right. After that, she seemed to be everywhere at once, using her opponents' bodies as springboards. Buffy lashed out with feet and fists, until several minutes later, they were all down on the floor looking up at her. Robert and Quentin clapped and whooped. Buffy bowed to her opponents then helped them up. She talked to each one with a word of encouragement or advice for improvements. The students left the dojo with smiles on their faces.
Chapter 7
Buffy began to straightening up when Robert called her over. "You need something Rob?" She smiled at her boss; they had quickly become friends.
"Liz, Quent would like to talk to you about something. It is an honest offer and I can help you out if you're interested."
Buffy looked over at Quentin. "Well, what is it?" She watched the other man carry on an inner dialog.
He knew he had to pitch this just right. "Liz, I am shooting a movie called 'Kill Bill Vol. II.' I would like to hire you to work on the movie. Robert used to do stunt work and advise on the martial arts stuff. I'm making you the same job offer. You would also work out perfect for a surprise twist in the story. It you would only be a small part, mostly action and you would be perfect for it." Quentin rushed out in a single breath.
"Why me? There are hopefuls that would kill for a shot to be in a movie. Certainly, women who are beautiful, unless that isn't important. But I thought everyone had to be a knock out in the movies." Buffy looked at him confused. The picture Buffy still held of herself was how she looked after returning from heaven. She had been so busy working on learning how to live in her own skin again she hadn't noticed all the differences in her appearance.
Quentin and Robert looked at her in astonishment. She didn't know that she was beautiful. "You don't know? You are priceless where, the hell, have you been hiding all this time." Quentin laughed.
"Exactly," Buffy whispered.
"Huh." He didn't think he heard her correctly.
"Nothing, go on," she prompted.
"You are absolutely gorgeous. I know women that would kill for your hair and skin but when you add in those unusual eyes. Well, Lizzy, then add to that a killer bod and the fact you can kick about anyone's butt. Believe me, you are one beautiful woman. Tell her, Robby." Quentin pushed his friend.
"He's right, Liz, you are beautiful. Quent left out the most important thing of course. Your heart, you care about people, really care. You take time for everyone but yourself. Why not do this for you. It was fun when I was doing it. The money is great, right Quent, the money 'will' be great," his voice stern.
"Of course Robby, you can look over the contract yourself."
"If you don't like it, no harm, no foul; there is something to put in your diary. If you do then maybe it is what you are looking for or lead you there. I know I can't keep you here much longer. Scottsdale isn't the place you are looking for, so use the money you make to find it."
"I'll give it a shot but there are a few rules up-front. I want to teach my classes still so you have to work around that. The other is let me see how I like it before you decide about your twisty plot. Then you have to explain to me why I'm the right person. I don't want a part that someone who wants to be in the movies could or should be doing. The stunts and the martial arts support should be fine though." Buffy waited for his reply to her demands.
"Are you sure you've never negotiated a contract?"
"Let's just say that I've dealt with people who like fine print."
"Deal." They shook hands smiling at each other. "Why don't you come out tomorrow and check it out? I will have the contracts faxed to Robby and we will get this party started."
"I have to clean up. Just write out the directions and I will come by about 9:00." About twenty minutes later Buffy called out. "Rob, I'm going now. The class is already set up for Ted in the morning. QT, I'll see you in the tomorrow. Hey, I can even read the map you left on my bag. Bye guys."
"Be careful, Liz." Robert called after her.
"Yes Daddy." She shot back.
"That girl has more energy than all of us. I don't know where she gets it. She could probably run this place herself and teach every class at once." Robert shook his head in wonder. An idea was starting to form in the back of his mind. "Quent let's go back into my office and talk some more business. I want to talk to you about an idea I just had."
Chapter 8
Buffy drove to the set the next morning. It was an organized chaos. QT explained they shot scenes out of order. Today's shooting was from the middle of the movie. Buffy signed in and parked. A young guy about twenty met her at her car. He said his name was Rick and he was an intern. In other words, a slave he joked with her.
He led her over to Quentin, who was sitting in a chair under a tent. "Oh, Liz watch this scene and tell me what you think," he smiled at her. Buffy sat down to watch a tall blonde and a beautiful black woman fight with swords. She watched them with a critical eye and began to frown. "Take a break, girls. So, what did you think?"
"QT, what are you trying for here? A fight that looks good, is technically correct or both." Buffy watched his face closely.
"I want it all Liz. The fights have to be tighter, better but I want them to be correct."
Buffy's head tilted as she walked through the fight in her head. "Then they are doing several things wrong. You have a good idea but it doesn't flow as well as it could because of their stances."
"Well what are you waiting for blondie, go show them," he challenged.
"I don't work for you yet, QT. If I do this today, you will owe me for it. I'm sure I can come up with a proper price for you not screwing this up," she laughed at him.
"Come on and I will introduce you to the girls." Quentin pulled her out of the chair, all but, dragging her across the set. "Uma and Viv, I want you to meet Liz. She is the stunt and martial arts adviser I told you about," he gave them his trademark grin.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you. Sorry, I didn't get to see the first movie. I'm sure it was great." Buffy smiled at the two actresses.
"Liz, you seem awful young to be as good as Quentin bragged. How did you get into this line of work?" Uma asked. They looked at her expectantly, waiting for her story.
"I've never done any stunt work but I've been involved with martial arts and gymnastics for a while now. I even did some security work but got burned out on that quick."
"Um, hun, just how old are you?" Viv asked.
"I'll be twenty-one in a couple of months," Buffy told them.
"You're just a baby. Well, Quentin said you were like Bruce Lee and Xena all wrapped up in an itty-bitty package so let's see what ya got." Viv gave Buffy a huge bright smile.
"Who wants to go first?"
"I will," Uma stepped up.
"I can tell that you have practiced a lot with your sword, it shows. The problem is that you're holding it wrong and your weight is on the back of your feet. You should have it more toward the front so you can move easily. Think of it like ballet or a dance. If you step too heavily, you miss the beat of the song. If I can borrow your sword; I can show you?" She put her hand out to Uma.
Uma reluctantly parted with her weapon. She enjoyed the fight scenes and planned to continue working with a sword after the movie finished.
"I'll give it back, don't pout; that is normally my job. Now, if you wouldn't mind going through the fight scene with me, Viv?" Buffy looked at the other actress expectantly, Viv smiled moving into position. Uma stepped to the side with Quentin to watch. Buffy moved easily through the sequence remembering the entire scene.
"Damn girl, you are good," Viv smiled, "you remembered the whole fight."
"When you have done as much sparring as I have it is easy to do. Uma, did you see the difference in the way my body moved?" Buffy looked at the other blonde hoping that she hadn't pissed her off.
"Can you show me how to hold it properly? I could see the difference in your stance and the dance idea makes sense." Uma waited for Buffy to give her more detailed instructions.
Buffy walked over to stand beside Uma; she held the sword in front of her. "You should hold it firmly but not have a death grip on it. If you were to take a hit wrong, you could damage or break a wrist that way. Not that a person ever goes into a fight expecting to be disarmed but if you are don't make it worse."
Uma shook her head taking in every word Buffy said. She liked the tiny girl already; there was something about her that just made her feel comfortable. The fact that she didn't kiss up to anyone impressed Uma.
Buffy handed over the sword and ensured that Uma was holding it properly. "Now remember you should be able to move easily." She moved back to watch them step through a part of the scene.
"That was much better Uma, great job. Now Miss Viv it's your turn." Buffy said, looking at the beautiful actress with a serious look on her face.
"What? Was I doing something that bad?" Viv sounded worried.
"Nah, not much," she grinned at her, "had you going though."
"Ooh, I will get you little girl you, just wait."
"You were just too easy. The problem I see with your technique is that you are over extending. It is throwing you off some. It also leaves you wide open, if you were in a real fight or match. The sword is an extension of you. You shouldn't use it to keep you out of reach from a blow completely. If you square up your shoulders and move your body with the sword, you should be good. I'll walk through part of your sequence with Uma and then you can both do the whole thing while I watch."
Buffy was finally watching the final walk-through on the fight and smiling at Quentin. She didn't realize that he was filming the whole time. "Much better what do you think, QT?"
Quentin threw an arm around her shoulder. "I think that I am going to get my money's worth with you."
"Send the paperwork over to Rob so that he can take you for a ride. I can't wait to spend all of your money QT," Buffy waved as she got in her car.
Chapter 9
Buffy called Giles when she got home, excited about her new extra job. He was happy to hear from her but concerned about her forgetting her strength and hurting someone. "Don't worry watcher mine, I just pretend they are you or Xander without the puffy suit."
"Why thank you Buffy, for pairing me with Xander."
"How is it going? Did you think about what I said about getting Faith out of jail? When I talked to Angel at the funeral, he said that she was doing well and had made major changes. I will be here at least another month with the movie. Giles even after that, it just doesn't feel right to me about Sunnydale. I'm feeling a lot better, happier, and I do miss you, all of you. There is something pulling at me and I don't understand it, but I will eventually," Buffy said wistfully.
"I am already working on it Buffy. She should be here by the end of the week. You were right I was being foolish," Giles grumbled.
"Can I have that in writing please?" Buffy laughed. "I will talk to you soon. Giles I love you. Tell the others I said hi."
Buffy enjoyed working on the movie. Her few scenes were fun but not something she would want to do again. The stunt work and advising on the martial arts was fun though. The people were nice and accepted her right away. She was going to miss several of them especially QT, he was like a big brother to her now. She, Uma, Viv and Lucy were all friends now. There was a wrap party later tonight, out where they had been shooting.
She stopped in to pick up Rob and was surprised to see QT there. "What cha doing here QT? Aren't you supposed to be getting the party started?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him laughing.
"Robby and I wanted to talk to you about an idea we have."
"Shoot big guy." Buffy had adopted Rob as a surrogate father and now QT was her big brother.
"Liz, I know that you have been getting restless lately. Scottsdale isn't the place for you but you did enjoy the work that you did on the film. Quent and I want to make you a business offer. What would you think about opening a dojo in LA, to train people to do stunt and martial arts choreography for the movies? They are always looking for good people. Quent even has a building that would be perfect. You would run the whole show and we would come in as equal partners. Later when it shows a profit, you could buy us out. I still have some old buddies that would help you. We used to work as a team before I moved out here. What do you say?" Robert asked. The two men waited for Buffy to say something.
"I hadn't planned on going to LA but there is nothing keeping me away either. How long before the place will be ready to open? I need to finish up some things here and find a place to live." Buffy smiled at them waiting to see if they realized that she was accepting.
"You mean you'll do it? You aren't going to fuss or ask tons of questions?" Robert asked.
"Caught that did ya, nope I really liked the work. No QT, not the acting and I won't do anymore, so don't ask. I like the action though." She stuck her tongue out at Quentin.
"You wait Liz. I will find a way to get you behind a camera, wait and see. The place will be ready in about two weeks. There is an upstairs loft that I had remodeled. It will be complete by the end of the week. You can move in right when you get there. Then all you will need to do is furnish from the top to the bottom, name and open the doors. The people will be lining up to get inside," Quentin smirked.
"Pretty sure of yourself weren't you QT. I should be able to have everything wrapped up here by the end of the week. Oh! Rob I'm sorry I can stay longer, if you need me to until you find a replacement," Buffy offered, worried to leave her him short-handed.
"No honey, we have that covered. You are on your way to LA to make me a lot of money, so I can retire to Tahiti. I want to sip rum and leer at island girls," he winked.
Buffy laughed at him. "Now I'm ready to go to a party with my two fellas. Let's go celebrate since you found a way to spend all the money I just earned," she pouted.
"I had to get my money back, someway." Quentin shot back.
She drove to LA, one week later, with everything that she owned in the back of her SUV. Driving into LA felt strange to her, even though she had lived there for fifteen years. Buffy found the dojo easily. It was in a large airy building with lots of light. The location was only a block off Rodeo Drive. She hated to think of how much QT had paid for it.
He was waiting for her inside with a bottle of champagne with a big red bow around the bottle. The cork popped as she walked in and she caught it on reflex. "Welcome to LA and your new home Liz." He smiled at her handing her a glass.
Buffy sipped it slowly, remembering the cursed beer. "Now, show me around partner, chop, chop."
He raised his glass drinking down the fine wine then sat aside his glass. "This way milady," he bowed.
The building wasn't excessively wide but it was nice and long. Buffy was already setting it up in her head exactly how everything should go. She followed him to a hidden door that led to the upstairs loft. It was wonderful with two bedrooms, a study, living room, kitchen, dining and two baths. There were large windows across one side and he had put in hardwood floors. It was airy, bright and beautiful. Buffy loved it, already knowing how she would decorate it. She turned throwing herself into Quentin's arms.
He hugged her laughing. "I take it you like it. I tried to make it match what made me think of you. Now after you rest for a little while, I am taking you to dinner. You can spend the night at my house and shop for furniture tomorrow," he told her.
"I don't have anything to wear out with you in LA, not anywhere that you would go QT. Don't want to ruin your rep being seen out with a grunge girl."
"Listen grab some jeans or something and we will go casual and then celebrate our new venture. You can sleep in and I will go with you to all the stores," he pleaded.
"All right but if you get written up for this don't blame me," she shook her head.
They had a nice dinner and went to a club to celebrate. Quentin introduced her as his cousin to several of his friends. She laughed at his big brother routine. There were lots of celebrities, some she recognized and others she didn't have a clue who they were. Buffy danced with several that Quentin said were decent enough. She laughed as she went out on the floor. Buffy didn't know it but she had been photographed several times and not only with Quentin. People were asking everyone who she was thinking she was the latest new discovery.
Chapter 10
Buffy let Giles know her new address and phone number. He promised to come for the grand opening and possibly earlier, if he could get away. Giles told her about the Council finally coming through and getting Faith out of jail. She was now the slayer for the Hellmouth. Buffy wasn't jealous. She still had some unresolved feelings but she was trying to let them go.
As soon as she decided on a name for the dojo, they would be ready to open in another week or two. Buffy had started to patrol at night and felt good about it. She had missed it and not even known it. Her patrol was almost over when she heard a scuffle in an alley. Buffy ran to see whom she needed to help. Turning the corner a man was fighting with several vampires. He was dark haired and slender. He knew what he was doing but was outnumbered. Buffy jumped in with both feet as she dusted her last vamp, she turned. The man dusted his opponent as well. "Are you okay?"
"Buffy, is that you?"
"Wesley?" Buffy couldn't get over all the changes in the man she had known.
"Yes, it's me. Thank you very much for your assistance. I thought I was going to be able to handle it myself but, I guess, I underestimated the situation."
"You look different Wesley and from what I saw, you've changed a lot. Angel told me but I didn't know that it was this much. You look good and I bet the gang is proud of the way you handle yourself," she smiled. Wesley's face closed down and his eyes became hard. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No Buffy there is no way that you could have known. I don't work with Angel anymore, we have had a parting of the ways," he said tersely.
"I was finished with my patrol. Would you like to go get a cup of coffee or tea? We can catch up, talk or not talk about anything you want; you decide."
"That sounds nice. There is a diner around the corner not far from here." He offered her his arm and they walk off talking like long lost friends.
They talked for several hours then agreed to meet later in the week for dinner. Wesley had started slowly telling her about the events that led to him becoming this way. He told her of Darla returning pregnant, Connor's birth, the prophecy and Daniel Holtz. His voice became a whisper when he talked of the events leading to his throat being cut by Justine and then Angel's attempt to kill him. "Connor returned about two weeks later a young man of almost twenty, as far as we could determine. Now Angel and Cordelia have gone off somewhere together, I guess. Fred called me the other night to ask if I had heard from either of them. I told her that we hadn't spoken since they had all turned their backs on me." Wesley looked away remembering his feelings of hurt and abandonment by his supposed friends.
"I'm sorry Wesley. Sometimes having friends is great, other times it sucks," she smiled at him sympathetically.
"Buffy what happened? Why are you in LA?"
"Well a funny thing happened after Angel came to see me. I just couldn't return Wesley. It wasn't my home anymore. I didn't even know who I was. I didn't feel right. Giles knows where I am, but he is the only one I have been in contact with. When we get to know each other better, I will tell you the gory details. I had better get going; I have a lot to do at the dojo tomorrow. When we are ready to open, I'll make sure you are on the invitation list. I think you will like it. Thanks for the coffee here is my number call me." Buffy leaned down kissing his cheek before she left.
Wesley walked away feeling somehow lighter after talking with Buffy. He was amazed at all the changes she had gone through. Buffy had always been a pretty girl but she was now a blindingly beautiful woman. There was something about her he couldn't put his finger on it. An innate strength that had only grown over time. Her compassion and empathy were quite amazing.
Buffy was about a block from her car when she heard music and some kind of screeching or roaring. She followed the sound to a club named Caritas. Lorne's head was buzzing loudly as something was coming into his club. He looked toward the entrance watching a beautiful blonde walk in hesitantly. Lorne put down his drink and went to meet her. "Welcome, my little gumdrop. What can I do for you? I'm Lorne, the owner of this humble establishment." He bowed his head elegantly.
Buffy looked up at his smiling face. "What kind of a place is this?"
"It's a karaoke bar, cheese doodle. I'm anagogic," he answered.
"Bless you," she said.
"Well if you aren't the sweetest thing. See, I read people's auras when they sing. What is your name, sugarplum?"
"Liz, so they just go up there and you tell them the 411?"
"That is pretty much it; want to give it a try? I gotta say, sugar, you are putting off some heavy vibes already. Go on up and let Uncle Lorne have a peak." He walked her toward the stage.
"You don't want me to sing. What if I make all the customers leave?" Buffy tried to convince him without hurting his feelings.
"Sweetie pie, you could never be as bad as a friend of mine. He makes your hair ache. I bet you sound like an angel." Lorne smiled at her. Buffy stopped to look at him closely but saw only kindness. "Go on I may have more for you after you sing for me honey" Lorne gently pulled her onto the stage. "Ladies and Gentlemen a little piece of heaven on earth, Liz singing 'Wild Angels'."
Buffy almost missed the first note of the song. She watched the prompter then realized this was one of her Mom's favorites. She smiled brightly and began to sing with everything she had. "There must have been Wild Angels, Wild Angels watching over you and me. Honey what else could be." After the first note, the whole bar went completely silent. Then she smiled and they couldn't take their eyes off her.
Lorne's heart broke as he watched and listened. Who could have done this to her? No one deserves what she has been through and he had a feeling that Liz least of all. Her voice was beautiful and clear, grabbing each note. How could she even stand being in this world, especially now? It must be killing her. All the hate, greed and anger and that's the humans.
The crowd jumped up to clap loudly and stomp their feet. Buffy bowed and walked over to the table where Lorne waited for her. "I never thought I would meet an actual angel. I have a friend named Angel but that was as close as I figured I'd get. You already knew though didn't you, sugarplum?"
"I had guessed but it's nice to know for sure. Didn't figure I would remember everything otherwise. Plus the way I was feeling was a big clue too." Buffy shrugged her shoulders and looked out over the crowd.
Lorne looked at her face. There was just a calm acceptance. "Well honey I'm not sure how you got here but how are you holding up?"
"I'm doing okay, much better than several months ago."
"You must have a titanium skeleton inside that teeny tiny body then. Most people would be pulling out there hair and for you that would be a sin." He eyed her golden locks then noticed her eyes now that he was used to her aura. It was as plain to see as the horns on his head. Her hair was a pale brilliant gold that shown even in the low lighting of the club. Her eyes were unusual; the color closest to the iris was a warm honey color that faded into a deep rich emerald. She was a beautiful woman, breathtaking really. "Liz, your aura is almost completely healed. Whatever you have been doing just keep on doing it and you will be there in no time. May the Powers watch over you little one."
"Oh no Lorne, the Powers quit watching over me a long time ago. I just have to do it myself with a little help from some friends a long the way."
Buffy kissed his cheek and left. He watched her wondering what could have happened in her short life to feel that way.
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