Things do pick up a little after this chapter. I promise!
14. Buffy Episode Tag 5x22 "The Gift"
"It doesn't matter. If Dawn dies, I'm done with it. I'm quitting." said Buffy as she stood and began to walk away, leaving Giles alone on the sofa.
"I figured as much," said Giles which made Buffy turn around to face him. "I've been given a new charge if you will." He paused as he took off his glasses and cleaned them. "Another person who is destined to save the world to watch out for."
Buffy remained silent as Giles put on his glasses again. "The timing is perfect…ironic too if you think about it…"
"I quit," began Buffy. "New guy takes over…" Her actions told Giles that she had a hunch who it was. "You sounded just like him a while back…sworn to protect this world no matter what the cost. He said something like that when the Mayor wanted Willow."
"Buffy…" began Giles.
"Wesley's powerful, I get it," said Buffy. "I saw it. I saw you two. You guys would make one fine world-saving duo Giles." She paused and stared at her Watcher. "If Dawn dies…I won't care about the whole world anymore Giles…Dawn's my whole world. I've lost my mom…you're telling me I'm going to lose my sister as well…" She stopped as tears filled her eyes. "How can you risk the safety of the entire world on a girl who has nothing to live for…who doesn't care about it anymore?"
"It's not like that," began Giles.
"I meant what I said, Giles," said Buffy, strongly. "If Dawn dies, I'm done. And it looks like whoever decides these things is also done with me. They have a new champion. Go to him."
"I'm not leaving you while—"
"I'm not saying right now," said Buffy. "Giles, why are you still here? You were sacked. You stayed and opened the shop. Why? You could have gone back to England and led a peaceful life instead of getting a spear thrown at you and almost losing your life. But you stayed and fought the fight with me…well I'm done fighting and where does that leave you?"
Giles just stared at her as Buffy held his gaze. "You stayed because that is who you are…someone who swore to protect this world. Wesley swore it too." She stopped and held his gaze. "You're not going to tell me what's going on anytime soon…it's ok. I understand."
Buffy walked closer to Giles. "You have something bigger in the works and I'm not a part of it. I'm just making it easier for you to decide."
"Buffy…" began Giles but Buffy raised a hand.
"I've grown from the cheerleader you first met Giles," said Buffy. "And it's all thanks to you. You should go and do the same for the next person in line to save the world."
With that Buffy turned and left Giles alone.