Disclaimer: I own nothing in the "Buffyverse" (but I can dream, can't I?). Thank you, Joss, for allowing me to put your marvelous characters in the stories I design.
Distribution: Ask and ye shall receive:
Feedback: always appreciated…
catalysts@home.comFor more of my work:
http://jane.crimescene.org/~wench/Dedication: To everyone who loves and/or is a part of "BTVS" (especially the talented actors)
Heart and Soul (part 1)
By C.D. Hackett
The days had been empty and quiet, as if evil had gone on holiday and left Sunnydale for a new home. The nights had been almost dull and mundane compared to the heyday of the Slayer and her friends. This night, however, was darker than the Scooby gang could remember.
How strange the world feels when tragedy strikes. As if life were a piece of tissue paper, easily shredded and discarded. Colour stained the pavement as the rain spilled down upon them.
Buffy Summers-Finn looked up with eyes so full of despair; it was if they were the gateway to Hell. Her pink mouth moved and trembled. No words were released. Her throat closed upon the words. She swallowed the anguish and cradled the lifeless head in her lap. Emoting nothing.
They were in a tableau. Frozen actors awaiting direction. Not knowing their lines. Not aware of the final page of the script.
A trim figure moved quietly towards Buffy. Gentle hands turned the Slayer's face upwards. Locking eyes with her.
"We have to get out of here. No one can help him now."
Riley pulled his wife to her feet and she swayed into him, screaming against his broad chest. He clutched her to him, feeling the incredible pounding of her heart as she screamed and keened like a wild animal.
The rest of the gang came closer, moving like zombies. They were all in shock, but they huddled close to one another, seeking comfort in this terrible time.
A name was cried out by them all. A last salute of love, the first acknowledgment of the truth they could not deny.
"Giles!"
******
Buffy made the arrangements. Giles had wanted to be cremated and so she followed his wishes. It was the most difficult thing she had done in her 28 years.
They all spoke of their love for him. His extreme intelligence and his loving nature. He had been a father to all of them.
Afterwards, they had a gathering at Giles' -- no, it belonged to all of them now. Surprisingly none of them had known of Giles' wealth. He had left it all to them. His beloved children.
Buffy. The first daughter of his heart. His last Slayer.
Willow. The sweet Witch with the knack for research that he spoiled rotten without anyone knowing. If he had only been younger or she had been a little older…
Anya. The former demon had grown on him and found her own place in his soul. Maybe somewhere around his spleen, but she was there. Her bizarre combination of naiveté and ancient knowledge had always fascinated him.
Cordelia. How he had missed her version of the Chase charm when she had left for L.A. However, he'd kept in touch with her. Always encouraging her to live to her full potential. He had sensed what a well-rounded woman she could grow to be and he was proud that his prediction had been correct.
Xander. As much as he had grumbled about Xander, Giles had a soft spot for him. Xander tried so hard for so long to be what he thought everyone wanted. When he finally stopped, he began to feel pride in himself. He gained more respect from the gang because he deserved it.
Wesley. The man who had started out as an annoying twit had grown to be one of Giles' closest friends over the years. Once they had worked through their prior ex-Watcher issues, they had delighted in besting one another. Though Giles usually let Wesley win.
He hadn't left anything for Spike or Angel knowing that they had their own means for caring and providing for themselves.
They gathered and spread his ashes over the remains of the old Sunnydale high school library. As shattered as they were, they stood there, as steadfast as soldiers as the wind whipped his ashes away. They believed he was at peace.
How wrong they were.