A Higher Plane

"He has been cursed with a soul to show him the errors of his ways. He was sent to the Slayer to be her partner and protector, yet he forsakes his duty to cater to his own selfishness. We sent him a seer to direct him to those in need, yet he charges them money for his help. He refuses to see his own responsibility for his actions prior to his curse. By insisting he and his soulless self are different entities, he can never truly atone for his crimes and makes a mockery of his 'Champion' status. The time has come to choose a new champion."

The assembled higher beings could do nothing but agree with their companion's assessment, still one voiced his concern.

"He is the only vampire with a soul. Who else could possibly be considered as the Cursed One's successor?"

"Leave that to me," Joyce Summers told them. "I know exactly who to choose."

On a highway north of Los Angeles, a former watcher headed back to the Hellmouth.