Before this argument could get any more heated, you suggested something that no one could quite believe.

“What if we just…left him alone for a little while?”

Everyone turned to stare at you. Some fell silent, while others either berated you openly or privately criticized your intelligence. You pushed on, regardless.

“Okay, hear me out!” you said, holding your hands up in a placating gesture. “He already knows we're coming, and he knows all of our plans. We've lost the element of surprise, here. If we can't catch him off guard, then he'll just keep laying traps and making plans.”

“What exactly are you suggesting?” Shaggy asked.

“You said that Varnae's controlling Simon through that amulet, right?” you said, glancing between the dog and your grandmother.

Grandma Young nodded slowly.

“That's right.” she cautiously agreed.

“Then that means we might be able to hit him with a curse, or a hex or something. That amulet is an open line to Varnae, and we should really take advantage of it.”

It didn't escape your notice that the background chatter involving your name suddenly became a lot less derogatory, and a lot more contemplative.

Shaggy flashed you a toothy grin.

“Now you're thinking like a hunter, lass! You really are your grandmother's flesh and blood.” the dog said, in what might have been the most direct compliment he's ever given you.

“What did I tell you? Smart as a whip, this one.” Grandma Young agreed.

There it was. That warm and fuzzy feeling again. Was this what it felt like to receive compliments from your grandmother? Because, if so, then you thought you could really get used to this!

“What’s happening? Is the Slayer Girl’s plan actually going to work?” you heard a minotaur ask.

“I think so.” a nearby lizard man answered. “It sounds like Young agrees with her too. Maybe she’s right about the prophecy being fake.”

Your ears perked up at that.

“I heard she saved the council from being eaten by zombies.” said a small rabbit girl. “If she’s Young’s granddaughter, then maybe she really is here to protect us.”

Yes! Your reputation’s finally starting to improve!

“Are you kidding?”

This voice had come from a particularly pale and thin male vampire.

“None of this started happening until she showed up. Who’s to say that she isn’t the cause.”

It was all you could do not to scowl at him. Snapping at him wouldn’t help anyone at this point. You just had to grit your teeth and-

“Who said that!? Ungrateful sons o’ bitches!”

That outburst had come from Deadhead.

“After I’m done kicking Varnae’s ass, I’m coming for you too.” he declared.

Ben looked like he was trying to stop him, but he also didn’t look like he was trying very hard. In fact, it almost looked like he was trying not to laugh.

(Cont.)