Welcome to the New World (OPEN?)

[BUFFY SUMMERS]

Buffy kicked a clod of dirt a few paces ahead of her and sighed a deep, mournful sigh. She had no idea where she was: only hours ago she had been at slayer central talking to Xander. Then she went to sleep and woke up here, in some freaky forest. The whole thing was giving Buffy the wiggins; she wasn't used to just ending up somewhere. And she knew it wasn't a dream, too, because there was no way a dream was this vivid.

Buffy pulled out her stake that, thankfully, had came with her in her back pocket. Mr. Pointy was the only friend Buffy had now in this strange place and she was sure she would need him. Even if there weren't vampires is this place, Buffy counted on their being some sort of supernatural magic stuff. After all, how else would she have gotten here.

"Willow?" Buffy said softly, hoping her friend was tuning in and could hear her. Willow was a powerful witch and if anyone could help the situation, it would be her. But after waiting a few minutes and getting no response, Buffy knew that she was on her own. She walked in what she assumed was a northern direction, her boots crunching against the leaves and grass that blanketed the forest floor. While Buffy did wish that someone would appear, she wasn't sure if, on this new place, the something would be a good thing or a very, very bad thing.

[ERIC DRAVEN]

Eric just stood there next to the window, as he looked out side it and his crow set on his shoulder as he too looked out. After a few minutes he walked over and took his guitar as he then set on the steps and started playing it for Shelly, as he hoped that she listened to him play as she did before that. Just then over sudden he disappeared and appeared somewhere he never been before, all he knew was that he felt weird as he showed up elsewhere, he knew it was a forest but that was all that he knew, no more nor less. Eric sighed to that as he walked around, as he tried to figure out where exactly was he at, and how did he possibly got there.

Eric wasn't sure what to think but since he never slept, ate or drank he knew for sure that it wasn't a dream nor his imagination, but that was all he knew. Yet, other then that he wasn't sure of anything, except the fact that it wasn't done by the Lazarus group, since he haven't seen them nor a sign from them in a long time now and somehow he doubted that he ever will. However except that he was completely at lost, not scared so more confused and surprised as well as worried, but that was all. The fact that it wasn't the Lazarus group made him wonder who was it then, even more then it did before, if that's evil ;possible.

Eric wasn't going to give up on finding who did that to hi, yet he had no idea where to start. Because he really had no idea where to look for the one who send him there, that is if it was done in the place he came from. Then again he had no idea where to look in the place he were at now, since all was the same to him, and he was still new there after all. Anyway, either way Eric kept on. He knew rather well not to stay behind and just stand there. The good thing so was that he wasn't alone, because when he looked for one second above his head he saw his crow, and that told him that he definitely wasn't alone at all. Anyway, Eric stopped over sudden as he saw someone not to far away from him. "Excuse me, can you help me?I am new here and Want to know where am I"

[BUFFY SUMMERS]

Buffy looked at this stranger who stood before him. He didn't seem all that threatening but, then again, looks could be very deceiving where Buffy was from. He asked her where they were so Buffy assumed he wasn't the one behind sending her here. So far he just seemed like a stranger who was in the same position as she was.

"Excuse me, can you help me?I am new here and Want to know where am I"

"Join the club," Buffy said. "I just got here, wherever here is."

Realizing that she came off a little rough considering she just met the guy, Buffy tried to smile, "I'm Buffy and you are?" She asked. She didn't trust this guy at all but the least she could do was be friendly; Buffy could use allies, especially if her friends weren't here.

Buffy thought about the Scoobies with a pang of pain. She hoped they weren't here and in danger but, at the same time, she longed for a familiar face. The best she could do was see how much she could trust whoever this guy was and go from there.

[ERIC DRAVEN]

Eric watched as he gave her a smile, so that she won't think he was bad or anything like that. After that he just sighed. Eric wasn't a bad guy and he was sure that she wasn't evil, as she didn't look that way but he couldn't be too sure, at least not in this strange place so he was on guard just in case. When he asked her where they were he wasn't sure that she knew but he asked her anyway, just in case she knew. When he heard her reply it confirmed it.

"I see, so you are new here too, huh? Well then I suppose we should look around together to be on the safe side" Eric looked around then back at her, as the crow still flew over their heads. "Well then it's more then enough reasons to try and figure it all out together! The question is so where should we go, as in direction wise"

He watched her as he smiled back at her. He wasn't angry or hurt by the way she spoke before as Eric understood that she was no doubt as frustrated by the situation as he was, which was no surprise, to him it wasn't anyhow. "Nice to meet you Buffy, I am Eric" he extended his hand to shake hers. Eric believed that if not good or best friend then at least they could be allies which was better then nothing. Even if his friends were there and even if not because the more the better, or so he thought anyway.

Eric missed Sarah Mohr the 13 and a half year old girl who happened to be his best friend, like a sister or a daughter he never had, He also missed Daryl, Hannah Foster, Shea and more which included his love Shelly it hurt him to think a bout them without seeing them, as he was sure it hurt and upset Buffy to think about the people she cared for and he had no doubt that she missed them too. He hoped that none of them were there except of Shelly as he was sure that Buffy hoped that none of her friends were there, as who knew what dangers were there. The only reason he hoped that Shelly would be there was because they both died and even so he was brought back and she wasn't, he still wanted her but he wasn't sure he wanted her solid there not because he didn't wish to touch her but because he didn't wish her to be in danger. However, if he saw her solid or others he won't be pissed but Eric would definitely try to protect them, no questions asked as that was just the way he was. If he and Buffy could be friends it would have been great but even allies was fine, as it was better then nothing or so he thought anyway.

[BUFFY SUMMERS]

Buffy felt her edge disappear. This guy obviously wasn't out to get her or anything; in fact, he seemed friendly. She hesitated when he suggested that they work together; Buffy wasn't used to alliances forming so quickly. But she really felt that she could trust this guy, whoever he was. He wasn't a vampire, the sunlight kind of gave that one away. He didn't look demon-y so Buffy figured that she was safe on that front. The only weird thing was that Buffy couldn't help but notice a crow circling above her head ever since she had started talking to him. But seeing as she had never heard of crows and humans having some sort of linkage and Giles certainly would have told her about that sort of thing, she figured it was just a strange coincidence.

"I don't know which way is out of this forest. I sort of ended up here but I'm guessing if we keep walking in one direction we'll find a way out of here," Buffy suggested.

When Eric told her his name and extended his hand Buffy reluctantly shook it. She wasn't much of a hand-shaker but she figured that the best thing to do was to follow Eric's lead on this sort of thing; Buffy wasn't exactly sure what the rules were on this place, anyways.

The more she observed Eric the more Buffy decided he was truly not going to harm her. He wasn't responsible for putting her here and, as far as Buffy could tell, he was just as lost as she. It made her feel slightly more comfortable, knowing that she wasn't the only one here that was lost, confused and wary. But she wouldn't let down her guard just yet, not until she found out more about him.

"So, Eric, where are you from? Originally I mean, since you're obviously not from here, either," Buffy said. She usually was more of a hitter than a talker but Buffy could do small talk. She hadn't made a lot of friends that weren't in the demon business, at least not lately but she could try, right?

[ERIC DRAVEN]

Eric looked around as he noticed that they were still alone, he sighed as he looked back at her. He was fine because at least it didn't seem like people were in danger which was a good thing. Also he still missed the people he cared for but knowing that they weren't in danger was a plus, for sure at least for him anyway. Eric hoped that she knew that he wasn't bad nor that he was going to hurt her because it wasn't like him to be bad or hurt people, so there was no way that he would. As well as he definitely wasn't planning on that which was a plus as well, yet again he was sure that she noticed and understood that. He did understand if he was hesitant about his offer to work together to get out as he would have been too, as it seemed weird but he figured that it was a good idea and much safer then always working alone, that was no doubt, at least that what he thought anyway. Eric had a feeling that she knew that she could trust him which was good, because it was true, considering he didn't do anything to show that he was but then again he wasn't even planning on it anyway, so if she understood that it was a good thing. Anyhow, Eric smiled at her and then looked at the crow who flew around them then set on his shoulder. He watched the crow a bit longer then looked at her. It meant that the crow trusted her enough to stay. Eric of course trusted her too but then again he and his crow were connected so it made sense to him, however he really wasn't sure how to explain that one. So he considered showing her what he showed Daryl and another person or two before that, but not just yet so. However Eric for a fact that she wasn't like him, which was something. As she spoke however he just listened to her, before he spoke again.

"That's the question, isn't it? Since we both are new here we really have no idea where to go but we will find away, one way or another. I see, figured that much hence before that I said that's the question, since we are both not from around and all it's harder to understand and know the directions. That's true but it needs to lead somewhere where it's more or less safe then anything else." he definitely agreed with her as Buffy seemed to make sense just as he did. However, it was still hard to pick a direction, to him it was at least, and he was sure that to her too, it won;t surprise him if he was right about it.

When he told her his name and extended his hand to shack hers he noticed hoe reluctant she was about it as he sighed to that, it was fine by him as he understood her. In her place Eric would be too, he knew that much. He figured that she wasn't much for a hand shake, then again neither was he, not always but he did so anyway, when he could. Like that moment, besides he figured it would be just polite and he was a polite guy after all. As they shock hands so he saw only her with her mother as well as her mother's death and few other things but that was all that he saw. Eric felt bad for her as well as he related to her as he knew exactly how it felt like losing people you cared for. Yet, he said nothing about that, at least not yet.

Eric however could tell that they could trust each other and be really good friends and allies, which was a good thing and he was sure that she thought and felt the same, or so he hoped anyways. He could tell that they didn't send each other there as it was obvious, to him at least as he was sure that to her too, no doubt. If so it was a good thing for sure as it was the truth after all. It was good to know that he wasn't the only one there confused, lost and wry as he had no doubt that she thought the same. Eric could tell that somewhat she was still hesitant to trust him which was understandable but he hoped that she eventually would notice that she definitely could trust him completely. He planned on proving her that.

"I am from America, Port Columbia. I am a bouncer in a club there. The club is called blackout! If we ever get out of here and all then I could show you around town, if you would like that that is. Anyway, what about you?" he replied as he smiled at her. Eric could tell that she wasn't good with talking to new people but it was fine as he understood how it's like, he used to be that way too. Now he was less but he still was just now it was all different then before.

[BUFFY SUMMERS]

Buffy grew even more puzzled when the crow landed on Eric. It seemed to know him and that made Buffy uneasy. She didn't know of anyone having a crow for a pet and this definitely seemed...magic-y. But she trusted Eric enough at this point to know that the crow was probably just another quirk that he hadn't told her. It wasn't as though she could talk, really; Buffy had major secrets, too. And, besides, the crow didn't look like it wanted to poke out her eyes; in fact, it almost looked...friendly.

Buffy frowned slightly. "You're right," She said. "We can't just go walking off in one direction or we could end up at a hellm--...messy situation." Buffy looked at Eric nervously to see if he noticed the slip. She wasn't used to having to change her vocabulary; it had been a long time since Buffy had had to hide her secret from anyone. And, somehow, Buffy didn't think Eric would have any idea what a
Hellmouth was so that probably wasn't the best place to begin.

Instead, Buffy decided to scan the area around them for clues of which way to go. She walked a little in each direction, surveying what she saw. Finally, she noticed some trampled grass and broken branches down in one way and she nodded to herself.

Buffy thought about her momentary slip up. Would it really be that bad if Eric knew what she was? He probably didn't even know what a vampire slayer was and it would be nice to tell someone in this new place. This whole situation was getting freakier and all Buffy knew was that she felt that she could trust Eric. His handshake, while uncomfortable, had also been warm and reassuring. And Buffy knew that she would need friends here. Eric seemed like he would be a good place to start with that. Still, she figured that she better hold off on telling him about identity, at least for now. She could just hear Giles scolding her for telling yet another person her secret. Especially in times like these where slayers weren't exactly the people of the masses, at least not anymore.

"That would be fun. When I was in high school my friends and I used to go to a club called the Bronz so it would be nice to go to another club again, it's been awhile. If we ever get out of here, that is," Buffy replied. When Eric asked where she was from she found herself hesitating, again. This time, though, it wasn't because she didn't want to tell him. It was because she didn't honestly know. The last place she had really called home was Sunnydale but that place was kinda...kablooey.

"I'm from California. But I move around a lot so that's not where I was most recently, before here. I was in Rome, sight-seeing." Buffy felt bad about the lie but what else could she say? That the last thing she remembered was training thousands of slayers on an island near Scotland that was cloaked by magic? She knew that one of her doppelgangers was in Rome, pretending to be her, so the lie wasn't all that un-true. A "Buffy" was in Rome, just not "the" Buffy.

When Buffy had decided that the trampled path looked like the best and, really, only option, she turned to face Eric. "I think we should go this way," She said. She felt her general instincts kick in and that only made her miss her friends even more, especially Xander. Xander had been her number two on slayer-base and she only hoped that he was OK.

"This path looks like it's been walked on and, while it could lead to a trap, I think we can handle it, don't you?" She asked. Buffy was primed for a fight, she had her stake in a holder on her ankle and she was itching to punch something. Even if it was misdirected anger she had to be angry at something for putting her here.

Buffy's thoughts returned to that question: who put her here? And why? At first she thought that it was a ploy by Twilight to separate her from her friends but what did Twilight have to do with a guy like Eric? Buffy felt like all the pieces were scrambled and she was too confused to even begin to understand them all. She wished Giles was here to research and find out what exactly this place was and why they were here. But, at least Buffy had Eric and while he wasn't one of the Scoobies, Buffy knew that, in the end, he would make a good friend to have.

[ERIC DRAVEN]

Eric nodded the way she reacted when the crow landed on his shoulder, as he sighed to that knowing that she was confused by that. He had a feeling that sooner or later he will need to show her everything, which he wasn't sure that he could but if he had to he would. Eric couldn't do that not because it wasn't his power as it was his power but because it was a painful memory and it could and mostly like give her a headache and knock her back slightly if not completely, which he didn't want to happen. Anyway, he tried his best to avoid it all at all cost, besides he had no idea how to explain it all to her, but somehow he doubted that he would have to. The crow and Eric were close because of the connection they had as well as the fact that the crow was his guide and the fact that if not for the crow he would have still been in the land of the dead. Yes here and there he resented the crow from taking him from there because it meant away from his love Shelly Webster, which hurt him but the thought of setting things and moving on with her cheered him up, even if not by much but it was better then nothing that was for sure. Eric did know that the crow seemed like he was a pet or something but he really wasn't, since the crow's eyes were Eric's eyes and senses were his too, as well as hearing among others things, considering they were completely connected and couldn't be too far away from each other as it was risky. Also the crow in away was magical and he had no doubt that she noticed that but he also had the feeling that she thought that the crow was his pet but he planned to explain that to her a bit later. Eric hoped that she trusted him well enough to know that they weren't their to hurt her but he had the feeling that she knew that very well. He also had the feeling that she thought that the crow was just part of the things he hadn't told her for a good reason which was true. Eric knew he could have been wrong by it all but somehow he doubted that so. He had a feeling that they both had secrets they kept, in fact he knew that because of the visions he saw. Eric didn't plan on it but it only happened because her emotions triggered it, however he didn't plan to tell anyone, because it wasn't like him, as well as it was rude. Also it was true that there were few things he didn't know but still. It was true that it took him a bit longer to let go of her hand but it was because he was too shocked, but he doubted that she would hold it against him as he didn't hurt her and didn't even plan on it. His crow like him wanted to be her friend, considering Eric and the crow shared feeling and such so it made sense to him anyway.

Anyhow, he watched her frown t? and sighed. "So you agree? That's good and it's just makes sense that would be that way, doesn't it?" he said to her. "Yes that's correct and don't worry I got you. You mean hellmouth, right? It's fine we both are different. Don't worry about it I won't tel anything, your secret is safe with me."Eric said to her. True it meant he let her know that he knew but it wasn't like he sad it in a threatening way, as he won't so he doubted it would be all that bad. Anyway, also he noticed her slip up he didn't think she was crazy or weird, hell his own life or death weren't so normal either, so he didn't judge her, nor planned on it even. He could tell that she wasn't used to changing the subject, as there was no doubt that most people she talked to knew about her, with him it was different as not all his friends knew about him. Also some of his friends only found out, then again he didn't have all that many friends so that was a different story. Eric had a feeling that she thought he had no idea what hellmouth was, or at least she used to think but he doubted that she thought so now but it was fine, as he thought that it wasn't a big deal because they were in away a like, and besides he was good with secrets and he was sure that she was too, if she kept it for that long. If she couldn't then all the world would have known about her and her life which wasn't all that great of an idea, that was for sure. He knew that because of his own life, well death anyhow since he too was different and couldn't tell everyone just the ones he could because it wasn't going to end well if he did and he knew that rather well. Only his friends and family(aka brother), new about him, well Shea Marino only lately because he saved her and for that he had to change to the crow, so she saw it all but she was good with secrets so that was a plus, as far as he was concerned anyway.

Eric watched her as he followed her gaze as did the crow. The crow then flew off to scan the area as Eric here and there looked threw it's eyes. Eric followed her as he looked around too to find what direction should they go by. Not long after he saw too what Buffy saw, also it was threw the eyes of his crow but still, as he turned there then he turned back towards Buffy.

Eric watched her as he looked down then back at her and sighed. He had a feeling that she wasn't sure if to tell him her secret or not but he was about to let her know everything he knew about her as well as he planned on telling her about himself as it was only fair and all. He had a feeling that the situation seemed to get freakier for Buffy but she could trust him, then again he felt some of her stronger emotions as he couldn't help it, since he wasn't a regular person and all. Eric had the feeling that she trusted him more and more which was good. Besides they needed someone to keep their secret in that place or they would be alone for as long as they were stuck there which wasn't an option. Since if they were going to became allies and friends then it made sense. They both needed friends and if they already met and know that they could trust each other then might as well. Besides it surely won;t hurt that was for sure. He had a feeling that something held her back but it was fine as he knew somethings about her because of her emotions, as he saw that while they shock hands and all.

"Yes it would, glad you think so too! In Sunnydale huh? Don't worry I know about you now but it's OK, no one but us will know that. I just have away of knowing, not that I planned on it, I am just different like you! It's a deal then once and if we ever get out of here I will show you the club. You will love it I am sure, used to perform there with my band but not anymore so!" he said to her as he watched her reaction to his question as to where she came from. Eric noticed that it took her a bit but eventually she told him as he listened to her.

"California? I heard of it a little, it's nice there, isn't it? I see and cool. Look I know you are a vampire slayer and you were training other slayers, it's fine so as your secret is kept with me! I am not a regular person myself either. I see things and feel things from other people. I am still confused by it all myself! I can't stop it as it comes when it pleases. I mean my powers, I can do a lots of things I couldn't do before and I still can't explain how. So we are on the same boat but also same side. As if I wanted to tell your secret it would mean first sharing mine too which isn't an option and second of all it would change me too much, which isn't an option since I am not like that and am not going to be like that" he said, also he didn't knew about Buffy burning her other school before she and her mother moved to Sunnydale, as well as he didn't know about her parents divorcing and some other things. About the clone/doppelganger part he knew but a little bit so.

He looked around then back at her and sighed. As he smiled at her and listened to her. "Good idea, Buffy! I think so too" Eric replied to her. He knew about her friends too, also not much as he knew that she hoped that they were OK, ass he hoped so too, just as he missed his friends and Shelly, and hoped that they were OK too.

"Yes we sure can as we both know how to fight, also you were trained but not me so! When I came back I found out that I can do things that I couldn't before, as well as I found out that I am different and Was different as soon as I came back . I was brought back from the dead, long story" Eric could feel that the crow wanted out to party but for now he held it in as he didn't need him just yet, but when it's time then he will, as he won't have a choice but for now he planned to keep the crow in him. Also he accepted the crow as part of him, even if it was hard but that was it, for now anyway.

Like her Eric too wondered who put them there and why, none of his enemies had that kind of power. Except maybe the Lazarus group but they were either dead or in jail. Also their labs were destroyed so he doubted that it was them, besides his enemies didn't know or hate Buffy. So the question remained who did it to them. Eric hoped that they would find the answer soon, as it had to be somewhere. It was just a matter of time and time was all they had anyways, or so he thought. So far it was all puzzles wit no connection but he doubted that it will stay like that so. It was too bad that Sarah Mohr wasn't there as she could try and find out things for them, since Sarah was way smarter to her age. He was sure that she as in Buffy wished Giles to be there to search things for her like he, Eric wish for Sarah to be there as both of them were good with research no doubt. However, like Buffy Eric too was glad that they weren't alone and that they had each even if they only met, but he could tell that they could be friends which was good.

[BUFFY SUMMERS]

Buffy eyed the crow with interest, as it appeared to be looking directly at her. In fact, the crow seemed to be giving her a friendly stare and it gave Buffy the "wiggins". She looked away from the crow and tried to piece all of the knowledge about Eric together. He was from the United States though he spoke a little differently than she did, that was probably just a regional thing. He had some sort of pet crow though, at this point, Buffy wasn't sure if pet was really the right word. Friend seemed closer, though being friends with a crow did make Eric a little weird in her book. Then again, she was friends with werewolves, had dated vampires and her best friend was a witch so Buffy figured she couldn't really judge Eric for this little weird-ness. She also figured that he was sent here, just like her, by an enemy. But they didn't have a common enemy that Buffy knew of.... The whole situation was making Buffy very confused; it was always Giles who gave the answers that she was looking for.

When Eric said he knew what a hellmouth was Buffy took a step backwards and away from him. Most people had no idea what a hellmouth was even if they did know about demons and vampires. "How do you know what a hellmouth is," She demanded abruptly. It made her uneasy, knowing that someone whom she had just met knew about something that was so specific to who she was. She made sure to distance herself from him a little and prepared to fight. She didn't honestly think that he was evil but, in Buffy's world, you could never be sure. People who looked good turned out to be creepy vampires or incarnations of the First, whatever the case may be. And Eric might just be a whole new brand of evil, he might even be Twilight. Buffy felt stupid even thinking it; obviously, Eric was a good guy, but she wanted to know why he seemed to know so much about her life. Hellmouths weren't something that you would find if you watched the latest show about vampires. It was something very specific to Sunnydale and being a slayer, a part of only her mythology, as far as she knew.

"Who the hell are you?" She asked angrily. She knew that she was probably getting a little too annoyed at one little thing; after all, she was the one who had slipped up and said hellmouth. But she was too on edge right now to deal with people who seemed to know things about her that she hadn't said. She watched as his crow flew off and, moments later, he agreed with her plan to head in the direction of the trampled path. It was all a little too eerie, there was definitely something freaky and supernatural going on around her. Buff had sort of a sixth sense for these things ever since becoming the slayer and, even more so after she died the second time.

As Eric continued to tell her more about her own life, Buffy officially began to freak. She reached down toward her leg to grab her stake...then stopped. He could read minds?

"You can read my mind?" Buffy asked. She frowned and took her hand off her stake as he continued to explain himself. "So there's no way you can...not do that? And that's what the handshake was about? What are you, exactly?" Buffy had so many questions, she had never met anyone like Eric. The only time she had ever been able to read minds was when she temporarily obtained the power from a demon and that was no cakewalk. Buffy wondered what it must be like to know things about other people without meaning to. Especially if that were to happen everyday for...well, forever.

When Eric said that he had died and came back to life she smiled, "Me too," She said. Her trust in him had returned now that she knew why he knew so much about her. As an additional bonus she was glad that someone else knew about her secret and she hadn't actually had to say a word about it.

"So, what's the deal with the crow," Buffy asked. She felt more comfortable asking Eric all of these questions now that she knew that he was weird also. Granted, he seemed wayyy weirder than her but Buffy didn't mind that. She was glad that, for once, she didn't win the freakiest of the freaks award.

So Buffy began to walk down the trampled path, her head hurting from all of the new information she had absorbed in a matter of minutes. Sure, it meant that she could trust Eric to keep her secret but could she really, completely trust him? He knew what everyone was thinking and feeling but no one knew what was going on inside his brain and that was an advantage that Buffy was sure couldn't have a good outlook for her.

[ERIC DRAVEN]

Eric looked between Buffy and his crow as he sighed to that. He had a feeling that the crow surprised her, then again it surprised him too even if in a different way. He watched her a he smiled at her and sighed to that. Eric had a feeling that the crow surprised her as it surprised him, as well as he had the feeling that she tried to piece all she knew about him, as he sighed to that. He himself had not enough knowledge about the situation, as well as it still confused and scared him, even now. Especially the crow part, among other things. Eric had a feeling that one of the things she noticed that seemed a bit different then others was his voice, which was true but probably not the way he thought, Eric was young kid when he came to America but he did grow up there so. Yet his voice had a different tone to it, it was true and he had no idea why but he assumed it was just because everyone was different, and so was he. He didn't pay much attention to that so because he was used to that by now. Eric had no doubt that she tried to figure out the crow and him, which was no surprised but he doubted that she would find the answer, as not many could. In fact even Eric himself wasn't 100% percent sure how it worked, yet he was rather used to that by now. He had a feeling that she thought that the crow was either his pet pr friend, which the crow was more a friend then a pet, even so he wasn't used to that himself, so he was sure that it would take her time to get used to that too. Some things he had no idea about, like this because it seemed to be kept well or so he thought, which was something yet it was no doubt because she had no memory or emotion with memory a vision. for that he will have to touch her again and even then he couldn't be sue he would know the answer, but then again he didn't plan on doing that so yeah , or anything like that that would give him a vision and such. Eric wasn't surprised that she thought he was weird, if she did because he thought that too about himself, then again both were weird so that made sense. Anyway, Eric wondered who was their mutual enemy who brought then there but nothing came up, as he didn't know anyone like that. It was mostly Sarah who found the answers for him, even in school or anywhere else. At times Eric wished that she concentrated more on school then other things, also he was very grateful for her help but he thought she was too smart not to learn and get a good education and a good job. In many ways his best friend, Sarah Mohr reminded him of himself which was a good thing and a bad thing, but that was besides the point. He tried to get that thoughts out of his head and think about something else, wasn't easy but he pulled that through.

When he told her that he knew about hellmouth he watched her reaction and sighed, as he shrugged. Eric expected that, even so it upset him, but it didn't surprise him at all. He didn't blame her for reacting the way she did, as in her place he would react the same way. He looked down then back at her and sighed. Eric partly felt that maybe he shouldn't have said anything, but partly was glad that he did so. When Buffy demanded to know how he knew that he just watched her and sighed, not sure how to explain to make it to make more sense. Also he was going to try anyway possible to explain that, yet he wasn't sure how good of an explanation it would be so. Eric knew it made her uneasy that he knew that as it made him uneasy too but he was rather used to that by now. It made him uneasy too, knowing that he had the ability that he did but he accepted that, as it was part of him. Also this time he wasn't fighting himself anymore, as he accepted what he was. Also he could avoid changing to the crow then it was good, however he had his powers and abilities still, as he didn't fight himself at all, just tried too keep everything under the control, without depressing his other part of course. Which was hard but he did it anyway. Anyway, he watched her do so and sighed to that. Eric had the feeling that she was ready to fight him but he didn't wish to fight her, he would if he had to but somehow he doubted that he will have to. He knew as much as he knew because of his abilities and all. Also there were time when it was a good thing and other times where it was bad, and that moment wasn't any different. At least a far as he was concerned anyway.

Eric listen to her ask the next question as he just watched her, he noticed the tone of voice she used as he didn't blame her for it at all. He looked down then back at her and sighed to that. He had a feeling that she wasn't sure what to think to him before and even after the crow flew off but not to far, as he ended up agreeing with her, and if it was the case he wasn't surprised but then again he was used to that too, even if she wasn't. Eric himself had no clue as to how it was all possible, even after finding out the small information that he did found out. "I am supernatural" was his simple reply.

When Eric continued to tell her about her life he watched her reaction and sighed, as he kept telling her things. He really had no idea how to explain it all, especially since he himself couldn't understand it much at all. It was still odd, confusing and scary for him so there wasn't a good way of explaining things to others in that situation, that was for sure.

"Not exactly, I don't read minds I read and feel emotions of people and a times like right now they give me visions, while other times I just sense things. It is complicated thing" was his simple reply as he looked down again then back at her. Eric watched her do that as he continued to explain himself to her. "Not really, as it is part of me now. If I fight myself then yeah, but then I can't do what I need to do and then I can't be with my love Shelly, ever again which isn't an option at all! And no, not exactly, well it wasn't mean to. As not always when I shack hands with someone I see visions of them or sense things about them. It was just to be nice but things don't work as planned, evidently" Eric replied and sighed to that. "I am supernatural, I am not exactly dead and not exactly alive either." he added and sighed once more. Eric had a feeling that she had a lots of questions for him as no doubt that she never met anyone like him. Then again he never met anyone like her so they were on the same boat, so to speak. Eric was the way he was for a reason and he knew that, even if he didn't really like same as Buffy was who she was because of a good reason, even if she wanted that or not, and by that they definitely related, that much he knew.

Anyway, Eric watched her reaction to what he said next as he picked up an eyebrow and smiled back, slightly confused by that as he listened to what she said next as he saw it then, as he didn't always see or sense things just by touching people, even just by being next to them and talking to them he saw and sensed things. Like that moment and as she said that he looked to the side and closed his eyes seeing that, then a bit later he opened his eyes again and looked at her. "Yeah I know, sorry that you had to go through that, that sucks. Also I fell from a 16th floor window, of my loft" he could tell that she trusted him again, now that she knew more about him as it felt good telling her as he could tell he could trust her which was good. Now they both knew each other's secret and they knew that they could trust each other, which was good but then again either way Eric was a trust worthy before he died and came back and even after of course.

When she asked the next he smiled, and giggled slightly as he expected that question, as in her place he would have asked the same thing too. "The crow brought me back, we are connected in every way. We are one and at times I see through his eyes, we can communicated with each other, as well as we can't be away from each other. Not to mention he is my guide! The crow is one of the known resurrection birds!Don't you know about the crow myth?It's known in most places if not all! If the person dies and carries a great sadness in them then the crow comes carries then to heaven to say goodbye to their loved ones then brings them back to set things right then carries them back to the land of the dead to move on." he felt that now she seemed more comfortable to ask him all the questions because they were a lot a like and all, as well as he could tell that she had no trouble talking to him now, even if he was weirder then her but he was used to being the way e was so he didn't pay much attention to that.

Eric watched her and then followed her as the crow flew back on his shoulder. It was good that he had an Allie and a new friend as he needed it. Eric however hoped that she understood him even so he had no doubt that it was a lot to take in. It was a lot to take in for him too, so it wasn't any different now. Only now he talked about it to someone else, not reading about it or getting explanations about it from someone else, but it was still confusing to him no matter what.

[BUFFY SUMMERS]

Buffy listened to Eric's responses and was feeling much more trusting of him. She didn't really like that the first person she met on the island knew who she was. Then again, it was sort of a blessing; Buffy wouldn't have to keep her identity a secret, at least not from Eric.

When Eric said it was just to be nice, reading her emotions or whatever he called it, Buffy smiled and rolled her eyes in jest. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it's weird to read people's emotions?"

Eric wasn't altogether bad. He was pretty good company and while the crow thing definitely gave her the wiggins, Buffy enjoyed talking to him. It was nice to meet someone supernatural. When he said that he wanted to return to his love, Shelly, Buffy sighed. Buffy and love were two, un-mixy things. The last man she thought she loved was dead and had burned in the hellmouth saving the world. Now, Buffy was just trying to move on and get past the questions she had for herself. Like if she had ever really loved Spike or if he was somehow a place-holder for her true love, Angel. Buffy didn't know how she felt about any of that anymore, which didn't seem to matter considering that she was here and they, well, weren't.

Eric explained the crow myth and Buffy raised one eyebrow. "Yeah, I think my watcher, Giles, would have told me about that if he had known," She said.

"So, this Shelly? What's she like?" Buffy asked. She wanted to hear more about Eric's life and, hopefully, keep him from asking too much about hers. Her life was much too confusing to explain to anyone, even if said person could read her thoughts, emotions, whatever.

Buffy continued walking, with Eric, for a short time until they saw a glimmer of light ahead. Buffy smirked, glad that she had chosen the right path to get the out of this forest. When she saw the ocean, however, she had a feeling that they weren't out of the woods just yet, even if they were, well, out of the woods literally.

[ERIC DRAVEN]

Eric watched her closely as he had a feeling that she trusted him more,, which was good if that was the case, since he was a good guy and all. He trusted her more too, even completely since she wasn't like Daryl's girl Cordelia or like Daryl's boss, nor like anyone like that who saw him as who he wasn't, Buffy like many others saw him as who he really was, which was a good and caring guy, which was a good thing. Eric was glad that there were more people who bothered to get to know him and understand him. He had a feeling that she didn't like the fact that he knew her secret, but also he had a feeling that she was glad that he knew her secret because she didn't need to hide it from him, then again he felt the same way too.

Anyway, he watched her and smiled as well as giggled an shock his head, as it was clear that she didn't get him at all. Then again it was OK, As Eric was pretty much used to that by now, so he was used to that by now and all. "No, I mean it was just to be nice I told you, but it's not always like that. I just didn't want you to think that your secret would be told. It is good at times to see this vision like that because then I can stop bad guys and help good guys, but at times I see things about people that am not meant to! All in all so it is weird"

He had the feeling that she liked his company, like he liked hers. Also Eric had no doubt that the crow scared her but then again it was obvious that she wasn't used to it, then again he wasn't used to that either. It was rather interesting to him that they were both supernaturals, but also it felt nice to him to know that he wasn't the only one. He watched her reaction when he said that he wanted to return to his love, Shelly he sighed and looked down, then back at her as he wondered what she thought about. Eric felt a bit better being able to tell someone the truth, without being laughed at, or anything, he was glad that she didn't judge him and all that. He was grateful that they could be friends and really be able to trust each other, as they both could use a friend right now, besides more friends then the ones they had won't hurt, and he knew that rather well.

He watched her as he explain about the crow myth and sighed, as he shrugged. "I see, well not many knows then. It's all over the net so, you just need to know where to look, that's all. I had no idea until my love Shelly told me and my friend, a 14 year old girl named, Sarah. They know about it, I found out last year when I was back, but am back for over year now" he said then added. "It's for real, no joke or a lie or anything. It's a real myth only not really a myth but reality and I am the proof to that"

"Shelly, She is a sweetheart, a true angel. She is now 24 years old, while I am going to be 30 soon. Well am almost back for a year, but anyway. Shelly is my love for a long time. We met when she came to the club when I performed. She was harnessed by some jerk so I helped her and we became friends, flirted a lot I guess you could say and eventually started dating. I fell for her the first day I lay my eyes on her! She is my life, she is everything to be. I never thought I will meet such an angel, until the day that I met her! I was 5 years older then her, am still 5 years older then her but she was the one who kept me sane, who made me complete. Since we died and I came back without her, I can't do anything because I feel all alone, a part from the few friends I got! But I still see her and feel her presence in the loft, as well as hear her but not a lot. Which is too bad. She is so beautiful. I love her, all of her, she is my everything. When I had to say goodbye to her, it was the worst thing ever. Believe him" He said as he took out her photo from the pocket of his pants and showed it to Buffy. "That's Shelly"

He kept walking with her, as he smiled at her then looked forward. When the saw the glitter off light, Eric smiled relived until the saw the ocean and he frowned, "OK, it's official, now we know we are on an island but that doesn't hep so. We aren't going to walk on water, are we now?" he said and looked around. "Wait a minute" Eric said as he realized something as he turned left and pointed her to follow him. They were on a beach in front of the ocean, so there was something to do, walk on the beach until they get somewhere, like a town or something. Also it meant going threw the woods again but it was just fine so.

[BUFFY SUMMERS]

Buffy was still trying to figure Eric out. He was nice and overall seemed like a decent person but Buffy knew that she couldn't always trust appearances. So many times she had been wrong when it came to judgment; Buffy was especially off on her judgment of men. Still, she respected Eric and trusted him somewhat. After all who else did she have on this island?

Buffy nodded, "I don't really get it but I think I understand. I definitely understand having things not in your control." Buffy felt like that all of the time; her life had always been out of her control. She couldn't quit slaying; it was as much a part of her as breathing.

Buffy felt like she could, at the very least, relate to Eric more than most anyone else. He couldn't control what he saw in his vision thingies and she understood that feeling of helplessness. To be so powerful and yet have no control was frightening.

Buffy listened as he told her about Shelly. She understood soulmates better than anyone and was sad to hear the pain in his voice. He obviously missed her a lot.

"Five years is nothing. My ex, well, two of them, actually, were over a century older than me. Trust me, age is so not an issue."

Buffy thought about Angel and Spike with a pain in her gut. She wished one, or both of them were here with her. Eric was good company but she could really use a vampire or two. Then again, the sun was out so Buffy wasn't sure if she wanted to put them in that kind of situation. Still, Buffy missed them both so much and just wanted someone to be here that she knew and cared about.

Buffy looked at the picture of Shelley, "She's beautiful," She said.

Buffy looked at the ocean and sighed. She figured that it was an island but a small part of her had hoped that it would be much easier than this. When Eric started toward the forest she sighed.

"Oh no, I'm not going back in there. I'd rather walk around the whole perimeter of this dumb island than get lost in the woods."

Buffy started walking towards the ocean. Even if Eric didn't follow her she knew that she didn't want to go back in the woods.