To Mr

To Mr. Alexander Harris:

Xander,

My dear boy. Goodness knows what you must be feeling right now. No doubt a profound and overwhelming grief since if you're reading this both Buffy and I have passed. I suspect that also angry with us for sending you away and denying you the opportunity to fight and die along side of us. It may appear that we may have acted selfishly to you, but we have a very good reason for doing so. However, let me explain a few things first in the hopes that it may help you to understand.

Buffy and I both had a vision just before Evelyn was born. In this vision we brought about the end of all darkness. I know that it seems like we've done this all before but this was truly the end. Evil had hidden itself away, in the Master, Glory, the First, every apocalypse we averted weakened the darkness, all it needed was one last fatal blow. Right now I imagine you think I've lost my wits and have been reading too much Harry Potter. Well my dear boy those books were remarkably close to the point. We had to do it for Evie, to give her the peaceful world we never got. There will still be vampires and murderers and probably even slayers, but darkness will no longer be able to infect the world the way it has for millennia.

We saw the only way to kill it was with the blood and possibly the life of a good person, willingly sacrificed. We could've chosen another slayer, we didn't go into the battle alone, but you know Buffy. If it meant keeping others safe she would not entrust it to someone else. I would not allow my darling girl to fail so I was given the job of ensuring success. The plan is not for me to die, but I suspect I will and if you're reading this our plan has been altered. Don't blame anyone because no one else knew, not even Willow.

Do not fear for our souls, we've died doing good and have gone to our peaceful and eternal rests, no one more deserving than our Buffy. I have no doubt that she will continue to watch over you all, as will I.

Which brings me to my real reason for writing this missive; although I hope what I've written so far has brought you some small measure of comfort. Our darling daughter Evelyn Joyce.

Let me tell you I had given up on ever having children. At first I was certain I didn't want them, then that I'd never find the right woman to have them with. Even after Buffy and I entered into our relationship children seemed unlikely due to her calling. I recall your surprise at find us not only involved but Buffy with child, but believe me when I say that your surprise could be no bigger than my own surprise or my joy. Thank you for standing by us both and helping us. We could never show our appreciation enough.

You know we made you Evelyn's godfather, just as Willow is her godmother. Our reason for this was our love for you, the son I never had, the brother Buffy always wanted. However we also made you her guardian in the event of our deaths because we knew that you would love her and cherish her as if she were your own.

I know we should've told you and that this won't be easy for you but I know that you'll accept this task with your characteristic courage and humor. Be good to her or I'll have no problem with haunting you for all eternity.

Your Friend,

Rupert "G-Man" Giles

Ps. Buffy says absolutely no vampires under any circumstances, souls or not.