Hey, glad you chose to read my story. Just a quick note before you start; I do not own BtVS or any of the characters or plots belonging too it. They belong to Joss Whedon. Though I'm sure I'd have much more fun with Spike and Angel than Joss would. ;D ... Enjoy!

Beginning of the End

Seven years after the destruction of Sunnydale.

The Slayer stood gazing out of the large window in her office. It was just after dusk, but the little light there should have been was blocked out by heavy gray clouds. The weather, however, didn't detract from the beautiful Scottish landscape. Buffy sighed, stunned as usual by everything she had achieved; Slayer Academies around the globe with headquarters here in mystical Scotland, reinstating the Watchers Council with Giles' help and current leadership, a home and as much safety as she could give her Slayers, friends, and family.

"So soon..." Buffy's spoken thought trailed off, and she felt her eyes tearing up, her lips trembling. No. Not now. She needed to get a hold of herself; they would be here soon.

As if on cue, the Slayer heard the door knob turn. The door opened without permission, and steps walked into the room. Buffy chuckled, still facing the window. She knew who was there, no just because her Slayer-senses told her, but because she knew the other person so well.

"Xander, you're early, as usual," Buffy said, turning to face the room, the smile still on her face. Xander returned her greeting with an easy smile, making him look younger, but leaving the maturity in his face untouched. Since leaving Sunnydale seven years earlier, Xander had really grown up. He'd become a support, not just for Buffy, but for all the mini-Slayers. He was also in his first serious relationship since Anya. Chelsea was the half-demon daughter of a local witch, and a rather powerful psychic. Buffy hoped she'd be able to see what came of their relationship.

"So, Buff," Xander looked up at Buffy from one of the overstuffed chairs in her office, which he was currently lounging in. "What's up with the super secret, extra exclusive meeting?"

"I'll tell you soon; once everybody gets here." Buffy leaned against the wall behind her, the coolness soothing her.

"Oh, come..." Xander's voice trailed off when he looked at Buffy, something about her expression making him stop. His eyes narrowed as he searched her face, studying it. But it was too late; Buffy's face had already settled into calm, neutral lines. She knew he wouldn't be able to read anything off her, but he still watched her. He was so concentrated on her that when Dawn, followed by Giles, open the door, he jumped.

"Jeez, couldn't you knock?" Xander said angrily.

"What, like you do?" Dawn calmly replied. She walked over and sat in the matching chair next to Xander, grinning at his resigned expression.

"You always were too smart for your own good," he mumbled.

"Yes, and it's proving to be most advantageous for her," Giles commented. He was standing off to one side, examining the bookshelves that covered and entire wall. Since starting the Slayers Academies Buffy had collected a number of books. You couldn't be the head of an international school and organization and not know what you and your students are, or what you're up against. She had recently purchased a new volume, the 913 year old Appendix of Ancient Daemons and their Rytuals, which Giles replaced on the shelf as he turned and looked at Buffy.

"She's going to make an excellent Watcher."

Dawn had been training to be a Watcher for the past four years, and Buffy was extremely proud of her. Soon, Dawn would be in charge of someone else's safety, yet Buffy still worried about her. Dang sisterly instincts.

The door opened for the third time. Quietly this time, but still without knocking. Willow walked into the room, smiling in greeting when everyone looked at her.

"Seriously, what is it with you guys and knocking?" The slayer said jokingly.

"Sorry," Willow grinned. "And please, let me apologize for my friends' horrible manners, too."

Dawn laughed, but the sound was cut short when Xander interrupted.

"Everyone's here, Buffy. What were you going to tell us?"

All eyes looked at Buffy. She took a deep breath and pushed away from the wall. Standing tall, the Slayer clenched her hands at her sides to keep them from trembling. Composed; on the outside, at least. She had faced down so many, much more terrible things, so why was she so afraid to tell them?

"I'm dying."

Thanks for reading! It's my first fanfic, so I'm just trying to figure out how everything works here... So please review! If I don't get reviews I'll assume nobody likes my story, and then I'll stop writing. So R&R! Thanks,

3 Belle