In the Space of a Journey
Chapter Twenty-Two
England
When the commotion died down at the Compound, Gwendolyn arranged for Giles to borrow a car from the Council's amply supplied garage. The Board and the rest of the Watchers, as needed, were going to stay at the Compound as long as necessary to sort out this huge mess and make things right. Giles's sentencing was put on hold, and he, Buffy and the rest of the gang were free to leave, but they were requested to be ready to return in two days' time.
"That should be enough time for us to make some headway, at least," Gwendolyn had told them. "We know you all have flights home soon, so we will do our best to sort everything out that pertains to your group by then."
After that, Oz, Cordelia and Buffy went to find Joyce and the get-away car and to go back to Nigel's for their things. Everyone else, except for Doyle, rode back to their hotel with Giles in what they dubbed the Watcher-mobile, hoping to find new rooms. It was understood that Giles, Xander and especially Sonya had no desire to see Nigel and relive what his alter-ego had done to them. They sent their thanks along in verbal messages. Doyle stayed at the Compound, unwilling to leave Aidan even to the point of staying with him in one of the rooms on the bottom level of the Compound. This time he knew that the others knew where he was, just in case, though even Doyle felt that Gwendolyn and the Board were finally telling them the truth.
Buffy, Oz and Cordelia walked to where the get-away car was hidden. They found Joyce asleep in the front seat, her head laying against the headrest.
"Mom!" Buffy cried, opening the door to give Joyce a hug.
Joyce's eyes sprang open, and then her tense expression relaxed into a huge smile as she returned the hug full force. "Buffy! You're all right!"
"I'm fine, Mom. And everyone else is, too. Doyle, Sonya, Xander... even Giles."
"Thank goodness." Joyce's breath came out in a whoosh. When she finally let Buffy go, it was with a rueful laugh. "I'm glad everything turned out all right, especially since I'm such a pitiful excuse for a get-away driver."
"It's not your fault, Mom," Buffy was quick to say.
"No, no," Joyce replied, shaking her head. "I fell asleep at my post. Now you'll never let me help again."
"It's not your fault," Oz said, feeling the need to put his two-cents in. "We were gone much longer than expected."
"Yeah," Cordelia nodded. "And you woke up really quickly. I'm sure it wouldn't have been a problem..."
A few minutes later they were on the road to Nigel's shop. He was waiting for them near the door when they arrived. As soon as he saw Buffy, a small smile curved his lips. Buffy tried to stop the shivers that ran up and down her spine when he did that. She knew good and well it was Nigel, not Nathan, and usually she could deal with it. It was just that smile... the smile so like the one Nathan had used before almost carving her up as a sacrifice for his powers.
"Miss Summers," Nigel said. "I'm glad to see you escaped unscathed."
She nodded at him, grateful when his attention turned to the others.
He escorted them all into his workroom, looking closely at Oz and Cordelia. "And the spell worked fine? No ill effects?"
Oz nodded. "Fine."
Cordelia gave Oz an annoyed glance. "Well, when the powers went back to Buffy, I, for one, felt perfectly horrible. For a few minutes. But I'm back to my old self now."
"Good," Nigel replied, taking her comments seriously. He handed Cordelia a slip of paper. "This is my home number. Feel free to call me anytime if symptoms resurface." His dark eyes fixated on Oz. "You, too. And how is your leg?"
"Fine," Oz said again. He stood on just the formerly broken leg and hopped a couple of time for emphasis.
Nigel nodded. "Good."
Joyce walked over to Nigel and gave him a hug. "Thank you so much for all of your help."
The warlock seemed surprised at first, but after a second he returned the hug until she pulled away. "I am glad to be of service, Ms. Summers."
Soon after, they had the baggage loaded in the trunk, and in every spare nook and cranny in the car (even under some of the passengers), and were on their way back to the hotel.
"I hope they managed to get us good rooms," Buffy said as they walked into the lobby.
"The best!"
Buffy laughed as Xander suddenly swooped her up, bags and all. She shrieked in protest until he let her down. "We were in luck, Buffy. We got our old rooms back."
"Good," Cordelia said, hitching a bag up onto her shoulder. "I desperately need a shower."
"Slaying is sweaty work," Buffy agreed.
Cordelia gave Buffy one of her old, superior glances. "As if I'd discuss my sweat with you."
Buffy raised an eyebrow. Then she set down the bags she had been carrying -- two of Cordelia's cream-colored bags. "Well, then, I guess I'm not worthy to carry your bags either. Here you go." She grabbed Xander's arm. "Come with me back to the car. We'll get our own stuff."
"Sounds good to me," Xander replied, following her out.
"How rude!" Cordelia sniffed, finding herself in the lobby with more baggage than she could carry. Luckily, at that moment, a cute bellhop happened by. Cordelia flashed him one of her 100 mega-watt smiles, and he was putty in her hands.
By the time Buffy and Xander got the right luggage, found Giles to get their keys and made it upstairs to the girls' room, the shower was already running, and they could hear a soft, off-key rendition of "Fame" through the closed door to the bathroom.
Setting down Buffy's weapons bag, Xander gave the closed door a slightly horrified look. "What now?"
Buffy pretended to contemplate. "Free time in London. Whatever shall we do?"
Xander leaned in closer. "There's always Big Ben."
Buffy leaned up until he could feel the puff of her breath on his face. "And the Tube."
Her perfume smelled of citrus, reminding him of home, as he added, "The Tower of London."
"Buckingham Palace."
Any more words were squelched by their kiss. Buffy shivered at the feel of Xander's warm hands on her back.
"It's been way too long," she mumbled into his lips.
He understood her anyway. "Much, much too long. Let's never go to a tribunal again."
Buffy pressed her lips more firmly against his for a minute, then said, "Never, ever again."
The door to the room flew open. "Oh, man! Can I go back to the torture chamber now?"
Xander and Buffy sprang apart to see Sonya there grinning at them, Oz behind her. They brought in more luggage and set it on the floor.
"Joyce and Sonya's stuff," Oz explained.
Buffy nodded, trying to control her blushing. "Cordelia's in the shower."
"Oh, good," Sonya joked. "Wouldn't want her to have smelly Slayer hair." She and Buffy burst into giggles.
Oz looked pained. "Do I have smelly Slayer hair?"
Through her laughter, Sonya made a big show of inspecting Oz's hair. "No, I think you survived your stint as Slayer with your hair unscathed."
"Whew!" Oz cracked a smile. He was just glad to have them all back and everyone all right.
Xander was staring at Sonya. "I'm glad you're back, Parker."
She looked surprised at his use of the nickname. It had been a long time since things were easy enough between them for them to use those names. She gave him an almost shy smile, uncertain as to where their friendship was now, but ready to give it a try. "It's good to be back, Harris."
After an awkward moment, the two old friends shared a quick hug. Buffy and Oz shared understanding looks, both glad that the other two had finally patched things up.
"So," Sonya said when the moment had passed, "what are we going to do with this sudden vacation time?"
"It is still Spring Break," Oz commented.
Buffy looked at Xander. Suppressing a giggle, she told the others, "Xander and I were... discussing... sight seeing when you guys got here."
"Personally, I'm starving." Sonya rubbed her stomach for emphasis. "My vote would be to find dinner first. Then do something touristy and Londony."
"I'm in," Xander said, looking at Buffy.
She smiled. "I'm in, too."
They all looked at Oz. "Let's go."
"Ack! What are all of you doing in my room?"
The four friends turned around to see Cordelia staring at them from the steamy bathroom doorway, wrapped only in a towel.
Xander whistled at her. "Show us those shoulders, baby!" The others laughed. Cordelia's face reddened.
"Get out of here, you jerk! All of you."
Buffy raised an eyebrow at Cordelia. "I can't believe we're back to this again."
"What can you expect from the Sunnydale High princess?" Sonya replied. "I guess she's forgotten that it's our room, too."
"Well, let's just go to dinner," Buffy said. "Obviously, *she* doesn't want to come."
With that, the four friends left Cordelia alone in the hotel room. Later, Joyce found her lying on a bed, wearing the first clothes she'd found in the suitcase -- jeans and a T-shirt, comfy but not trendy -- her hair still wet.
"Is everything all right?" Joyce asked, looking at Cordelia in concern. "I thought you would have gone to dinner with Buffy and the others, but you're welcome to come with Giles and me if you'd like. We weren't up for the night on the town thing, so we're just going to get some food and then turn in for the night."
Cordelia's voice was muffled by her pillow. Joyce couldn't understand what she said. "Excuse me? I didn't quite catch that." Joyce sat down on the bed next to Cordelia. The brunette lifted her face to reveal tear-stained cheeks.
"What's wrong?" Joyce demanded. "Nothing else has happened, has it? No after effects from the spell or anything?"
Cordelia shook her head.
"Then what is it?"
"Everyone hates me," Cordelia mumbled, laying her head back down on the pillow so she wouldn't have to look at Joyce.
"No one hates you," Joyce protested.
"They do," Cordelia wailed. "And... and... I think it's all my fault. I'm too selfish and demanding."
Joyce couldn't really contradict that. After a moment, she said, "You do have a those tendencies, but that's not all you are."
"Yes, it is. That's why they all left me here."
"You also helped to save their lives. They won't forget that."
Cordelia sniffled again. "That makes it even worse. I felt so strong when I was a Slayer. Even just being a third of a Slayer. I could do anything. I was like Supergirl, but with much better hair! And now I'm back to being just me. And, for the first time, just me isn't the best."
Reasons for Cordelia's reversion to familiar patters began to connect in Joyce's mind. She reached out and touched Cordelia on the shoulder, waiting until the girl met her eyes before speaking. "What do you want out of this, Cordelia?" She racked her brain for something to say that would make the girl feel better. "You and I are kind of in the same boat. We weren't supposed to know about all this, and yet we found out. Oz, too. And Xander. But after we find these things out, it's up to us to decide what we want to do about it."
"What do you mean?"
"Well," Joyce replied, "you could go back to being just what you were before. This doesn't have to be your life, like it is for Buffy, Xander and Sonya. Oz still has his band and other interests. I work, live my life... I just take extra precautions and help out when they need me."
"I wouldn't be a good career superhero." A small frown curved her lips down and made a wrinkle in the middle of her forehead.
"Not many people would," Joyce agreed.
"But Xander is. And Oz. Sonya, too." The frown worsened.
Joyce nodded. "They are." She paused, and then continued, "I wonder how Sonya dealt with losing her powers. From what I remember, not very well."
"Really?" Cordelia looked up, startled. "I don't remember anything like that... Of course, we sort of hate each other so we never do the girlie chat thing."
"It's true," Joyce swore. "Sonya didn't like not being the Slayer anymore at all. She went through all sorts of stuff trying to adjust. Of course, getting her legs back and an added bonus of instantaneous healing made things better."
"I'm never going to get that," Cordelia groused.
"No," Joyce admitted, "you probably aren't, but that doesn't mean you're worthless by any means." Joyce stood up and pulled the blanket from the end of the bed up over Cordelia's body. "I think what you need is a good night's sleep. Everything always looks better in the morning."
The warmth of the blanket coupled with residual crying-jag exhaustion made that sound like a good idea to Cordelia. "All right, and... thanks."
Joyce smiled. "Don't mention it. And if you ever need to talk something like this out again, I'm available."
Cordelia flashed a brief smile and then closed her eyes.
Joyce walked over to the mirror and double checked her hair and makeup for a night out in London. True, it was only dinner, but she did hope to have a little fun on what might be her only time off in the famous city. There was a knock at the door, and Joyce crossed the room to open it.
Giles stood there, a hesitant look on his face. "Are you ready?" He peeked inside and saw Cordelia on the bed. "Is she all right?"
Joyce grabbed her purse and the room key, then she walked outside, closing the door behind her. "She'll be OK once she has time to adjust. I guess that's something we all need every once in awhile."
Giles nodded.
"So," Joyce said, eager to change the subject. "Where are we going for dinner?"
"There's a small bistro I used to frequent when I lived in Town. I thought we could see if it is still there."
Joyce smiled at him. "That sounds lovely!"
Ever the English gallant, Giles offered her his arm and escorted her out of the hotel.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Several miles away, in the bowels of the Compound, Doyle sat next to Aidan's bed. His friend had been unconscious since Chamberlain tried to drain him. Despite assurances from Watcher-trained doctors, Doyle was beginning to wonder if Aidan would ever wake up again.
"C'mon, man," Doyle urged quietly. "Open yer eyes. We've got to talk. Get everythin' ironed out. I donnae want me best pal in a lifelong coma..." His voice trailed off, and Doyle closed his eyes and buried his head in his hands.
"I didn't know you cared that much. Especially after I threw you out of my flat."
Doyle opened his eyes, and his face split into a wide grin when he saw Aidan looking at him. His friend's eyes were tired and his face still a bit pale, but he was awake, and that was a good thing!
"Yer awake!" Doyle exclaimed. He resisted the urge to hug Aidan. Besides the fact that it wouldn't be manly, Doyle also doubted if the other man could handle the exuberance.
"Yeah." Aidan moved a little and then grunted with the effort. "But apparently still weak. Chamberlain must've gotten more than a mouthful from me."
Doyle nodded. "I was afraid he'd drained ye before Xander an' Buffy pulled ye free. But Gwendolyn and the doctor's here took good care of ye."
"And you've been here how long?" Aidan gave him a knowing look. Doyle knew he couldn't get anything past his oldest friend.
"As long as ye have," the Irishman admitted.
Aidan met Doyle's eyes with a serious gaze. "I have to tell you something, Doyle."
"What?"
"I'm sorry." Aidan looked incredibly guilty. "I'm sorry that I believed the Council, and Chamberlain, instead of you. I'm sorry I didn't believe in your vision. And, most of all, I'm sorry that I threw you out of my flat. I regretted it as soon as you were gone."
Doyle grinned. "Thanks, man. Hearin' that from ye makes me feel a lot better. An' I'm sorry I was such a bad roommate. I should have been more understandin' of yer new lifestyle, lack o' accent and all." He paused, and then added with a laugh, "So... when should I help you bust outta this joint?"
"I don't know," Aidan replied, "but I hope it's soon. I'm starting to get hungry."
Jumping up, Doyle laid a hand on Aidan's shoulder and said, "No sooner said than done." He walked out the door, and a few minutes later returned with a doctor, a tray of food, and Gwendolyn.
Aidan looked up at Gwendolyn in surprise as the doctor started checking him over. "Ms. Post. I'm surprised to see you here."
Gwendolyn gave him a small half smile. "There are a few things I need to go over with you, and then I have a proposition for you."
Aidan gave her his full attention, wondering what she had to say.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Buffy, Giles and the rest of their group were escorted into the tribunal room two days later, the whole Compound had an entirely different feeling. Buffy noticed it the second she walked into the building, but nowhere was it more evident than in the tribunal room. The seats were again filled with Watchers, but there was no feeling of dread, or of anger lingering in the air. Instead, all she could see on the surrounding faces was hope and anticipation.
"What do you think is going to happen?" Buffy whispered to Giles as they made their way to the front of the room.
"I don't know," Giles replied honestly, "but I have every hope that it is something positive."
"Yeah," Xander agreed, taking Buffy's hand in his own and squeezing it tight. "The Council's been cleaned from the inside out. Things are bound to be better."
"Maybe they'll reinstate you," Sonya whispered to Giles.
He gently touched his ward on the shoulder. The touch lasted only a second, but it reassured them both. "It's never been done before," he said, "but anything is possible, I suppose."
From the front of the room, Gwendolyn called for all of them to come to the front, not just Buffy and Giles. Obediently, Sonya, Joyce, Cordelia, Xander and Oz followed the Slayer and the Watcher to the front. The Board of the Directors were seated in their accustomed seats at the front, and Gwendolyn stood in front of the podium, on the same level as Giles and the others. When they got up there, Buffy and the others were glad to see Aidan and Doyle there as well. Aidan had recovered nicely from Chamberlain's attack, and there was something about his appearance that gave him a new pride and dignity. Buffy thought he looked nice, for an older man.
John Warrington stood up to speak for the Board. When everyone was situated, he began his speech.
"Together, the Board and every member of the Council who could be called in have gone over our exalted organization with a fine-toothed comb. For nearly as long as there have been Slayers, there have been Watchers. We have been entrusted with a sacred duty, and I know that myself, and everyone in this room, will do our best to continue in that duty. As with any organization, times of trouble occur, and without our knowledge, this past year has been fraught with trouble. We have determined a new course of action, and we hope that these measures will take the Council into the next millenium."
When Warrington paused for breath, the room full of Watchers began to applaud. Warrington smiled.
"As the first of many acts," he announced when the room was quiet again, "the Board has nominated Ms. Gwendolyn Post to succeed Sidney Chamberlain as Proconsul of the Council. In a vote yesterday, our recommendation was approved by the Council, and she was sworn to the proper oaths. So, now, I would like to hand control of this meeting over to Proconsul Post." The room full of people broke into applause again.
Gwendolyn accepted the affirmation with a simple nod, and then stepped forward and took charge as if she'd been doing this all of her life. "Since even before my promotion, I have been working night and day to restore the order that was stolen from us, and to that end, I have several announcements and appointments to make."
She looked to Buffy, Giles and the others. "First of all, I want to extend to you..." Her gaze trailed over all of them, even Joyce. "...the most humble apologies of the entire Council. Things were handled very badly, and many of you were hurt by that. It wasn't right, and anything we can do to make amends, we will." Realizing that there wasn't much more she could say on that regard -- so much of what was done could never really be made up for -- Gwendolyn moved on to her next topic.
"Mr. Giles, could you step forward please?"
Giles did as she asked, a curious look on his face. Gwendolyn's face was inscrutable. He couldn't tell anything about what she was about to say, so he just had to wait until she actually said it.
"As you know, Mr. Giles, a tribunal decision is irreversible. It has been so for centuries, and it will be so for many more. Added to that is the fact that, however well-intentioned, you did commit many of the crimes of which you were accused."
Giles inclined his head. "That I did." But the hopeless look from the last sentencing had gone from his eyes. Somehow he knew that things were not as dire as they once were.
Gwendolyn continued, "Therefore, we cannot reinstate you as Active Watcher." There was a loud gasp of protest from Buffy, and one from Sonya, but the proconsul continued before anyone could interrupt her. "However, we have re-evaluated the testimonies and the evidence and found the crimes not nearly as heinous as Chamberlain and Barrows made them out to be. Therefore, on behalf of the Council, I would like to offer you a new position as head of our training facilities. Your assignment will be to determine a new course of training for all the potential Slayers, apprentice Watchers and any other warriors we choose to train to help in the war against darkness." She looked at him seriously. "I'm sure you will agree that a new course of training is exactly what we need to remove Chamberlain's taint from our students and to ensure a new direction for the Council in general."
Giles nodded. "I agree that it is needed."
"Then do you accept the position?" Gwendolyn asked.
Giles hesitated for a moment. He knew that taking the job meant a relocation to England. That was obvious to everyone. He glanced back at Buffy, Sonya and the others. If he went back, he'd be only a librarian. Here he could find his old life again, and do good work. He would miss them, but there was one other thing weighing his decision. If he went back to Sunnydale, he would have to stand by while some other Watcher took over his duties.
Finally, he nodded. "I accept."
"Good."
Gwendolyn turned to Buffy. Buffy stepped forward, a stunned expression on her face. Gwendolyn tried to put her at ease. "I know what you must be thinking, but, I think in the long run, this change will be good for you. You will have your very own Watcher, one of our best. It can only improve your skills."
A frown line appeared between Buffy's eyebrows. "But... who...?"
The proconsul said, "Aidan O'Shea, will you approach?" Aidan did as she asked, and Gwendolyn turned back to Buffy. Raising her voice so the whole room could hear, she announced, "The new Active Watcher will be our own Aidan O'Shea, a young man, yes, but one who has proven himself both as a trainer and in the line of duty."
The Watchers applauded again, and Aidan replied, "I accept the position, and all that it entails." His official swearing in would take place later, in accordance with custom.
Unsurprised by his acceptance since she had told him her plan already, Gwendolyn looked to Buffy. "This will be a good change."
Buffy sighed, aware that she couldn't do anything about it. She would miss Giles a lot -- it was funny how she realized that now that she knew he would be gone -- but there was a little part of her that was kind of glad for the chance to have her very own Watcher. And, aside from Giles, Aidan was the nicest Watcher she knew.
Seeing the acceptance on Buffy's face, Gwendolyn asked Xander to approach. Buffy looked surprised and stayed where she was. Giles and Aidan stepped back to their old spots, knowing that she was done with them for now.
"Yes?" Xander asked, as surprised as Buffy that Gwendolyn would call on him.
"First of all, I want to congratulate you, Mr. Harris," Gwendolyn said. "Few humans without special powers could survive in the lifestyle you have chosen for yourself."
Xander blushed a little at the praise. "Well... thanks."
She continued, "You have distinguished yourself repeatedly, both in Sunnydale, and here. Despite the odds, you helped defeat Chamberlain, and bring order back to the Council. Your aptitude is enormous."
Buffy smiled proudly at Xander. She had always known that, but, from the expression on his face, it was news to Xander. Most authority figures, like teachers, always came down on him. Never before had he been the one honored in front of an assembly.
"I don't know what to say," Xander admitted.
Gwendolyn gave him her small smile, unable to squelch a gleam of excitement in her icy blue eyes. "Being a Watcher is destiny. It follows a family from generation to generation. But sometimes a person so distinguishes him or herself that we ask them to become a member of our Council." Her eyes flashed to Aidan -- a distant relative of a Watcher, not the son of one -- and to Giles -- who's grandmother had been so distinguished. Then she looked back at Xander. "You are just the type of person we need as we build our next generation of Watchers. You have strength, courage and experience in the line of battle. You will not just watch, but you will devote your all to a cause. Will you join us?"
Xander's eyes were wide. "You want me to be a Watcher?"
Gwendolyn nodded. "We do."
He looked up at the Board, and they were smiling at him, too. He had never felt this much approval from distinguished, older people before. He was about to shout his acceptance, when something occurred to him. He looked down at Buffy. The same thing had occurred to her, too.
"I'll have to stay in England, won't I?" he asked.
Gwendolyn nodded, "For a while, yes, though the length will depend on Mr. Giles's revamping of the training system."
Xander looked down at Buffy. She looked back up at him, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Xander looked back at Gwendolyn. "Can I think about it?"
She nodded. That was to be expected. Then she asked Sonya to approach. The conversation between the two women was brief. Sonya left it with no expression on her face. Later, however, she told the others what Gwendolyn had said. Sonya was released from all obligations to the Council, except what she wanted to retain herself. The Council would make sure she was cared for until her graduation from high school, and, as part of their restitution for the wrongs committed to her, they would pay for her to attend college. But her former status as the Chosen one no longer bound her in any way.
There wasn't much left after that. Gwendolyn gave them all her thanks again, and then it was over. The Scooby Gang left the Compound -- for some of them, it would be their last time -- and headed back to the hotel to pack up their bags. Flights home would soon be waiting.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Back at the hotel, Buffy didn't follow the others upstairs. She wandered through the lobby and out the side door into a small, but well-tended garden. The smell of roses tickled her nostrils, and sunlight warmed her skin. She wondered how the world could still be so beautiful when her own world was suddenly falling apart.
"Hi."
She turned and saw Xander standing there, his hands in his pockets.
"Hey," she whispered.
He led her to a stone bench and then sat down next to her. "We have to talk about this."
"I know." Buffy looked up at him, tears in the corners of her eyes threatening to spill over the edge.
Xander stared down at his shoes. "I love you, Buffy. After everything we've been through, you know that."
"I know," she whispered again. "But..."
"No buts," Xander protested. "I love you here, there and everywhere."
She couldn't help but smile a little at that.
Xander continued, "It hurts me to think of being apart from you, Buffy. You've gotta know that. But... this is the first time in my life that I've gotten an opportunity like this. No one's ever asked me to do anything worthwhile before. I always thought I was headed for a future as... as an ice cream man or something."
Buffy reached out and touched Xander's arm. "I never thought you'd end up an ice cream man."
He looked at her, his heart in his eyes.
Buffy sighed. "I know you need to do this. And I support you, I really do..." Her voice cracked. "It's just... well... first Giles, and I could understand that, but now you? I'm going to miss you so much!" After her rather incoherent speech, she threw herself into his arms.
But, like always, Xander understood her. "I know. I'll miss you, too. Every second I'm away. But I'm going to do this the right way, and as fast as I possibly can so that I can come back and be with you again. I promise."
"I'm holding you to that." They hugged tightly, and then kissed as if their lives depended on it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Upstairs, Joyce, Cordelia and Sonya worked to pack up all the luggage. A knock at the door disturbed their rhythm.
"Who is it?" Cordelia called. She knew it was still daytime, but after the attack on her room she would never just say "come in" again.
"Giles."
"Come in," Joyce responded. She smiled when the door opened and she got a good look at him. He was standing taller already. She could see the anticipation in his eyes. "You look excited."
"I am," he admitted. "I really am. I'm going to be able to make a difference for the Council. And for Xander, if he stays."
"Do you think he will?" Joyce pictured Buffy without Xander and knew how hard it would be for her daughter. But she also wanted Xander to take this amazing opportunity.
"I hope so," Giles replied.
Something occurred to Joyce. "Um... Giles... Xander's relationship with Buffy... that wouldn't be a problem for the Council, would it?" She knew very well that that could be the deal breaker for both of them.
Giles shook his head. "No, that won't be a problem. There are strict measures against a Watcher getting involved with his or her own Slayer, but for another Watcher and a Slayer... well... it has happened before. And the Council knew about Xander and Buffy before they made the offer."
"Good," Joyce said. She finished folding the last of Buffy's things and looked up at Giles. "I will miss you, though. You were a good, solid influence on Buffy." As she said the words, Joyce realized that they really were true. There would definitely be a void in all of their lives without Giles in Sunnydale.
"Thank you," Giles replied. "But Aidan will be admirable in the role, I'm sure."
Suddenly, they all heard a stifled sob from the other side of the room. It was Sonya. Realizing Giles needed a moment alone with his ward, Joyce said, "Cordelia, come downstairs with me. We'll tell the bellhop when to come up and get the bags."
Cordelia's gaze flashed from one to the other. "Um... all right," she said quickly. She didn't need to be involved in another bout of emotional wellness.
As soon as the door closed behind Joyce and Cordelia, Giles turned to Sonya. "I know this is going to be hard..."
"You don't know anything!" Sonya cried angrily. But tears belied her harsh words. "You've got a new job and everything here, but I'm going to be stuck back in Sunnydale, alone, again! And to think I trusted you!"
Giles grabbed Sonya's hands and forced her to look into his eyes. "You will never cease to be an important part of my life, Sonya. If you want, you can live here with me. But I didn't think you'd want to leave Sunnydale..."
Sonya looked up and her shell of anger melted away when she saw a tear in his eye, too. "You'd really want me here?"
Giles nodded. "I would. But I know that you want to be in Sunnydale."
"I want to be in Sunnydale with you," Sonya replied, "but I know that won't happen..."
"Not right now," Giles admitted. "I've got to do this. It's this or quit the Council. And I can do good here..."
"You can, Giles," Sonya agreed. "And I'm proud of you."
Then he shocked her by pulling her into a hug. After that moment of affection, Sonya got up the courage to ask, "What's going to happen to me? Gwendolyn said the Council will make sure I'm 'cared for,' but does that mean more foster homes or what?" There was small quaver in her voice. She do anything to avoid living in a foster home again.
"Your official wardship will easily transfer to Aidan. The Council has connections. Officially, that will make sense, and, unofficially, you are almost of an age to take care of yourself. I know you are competent to the task. More than competent."
Sonya nodded. "It won't be the same, but I guess it will work."
"Good." Giles gave her one of his rare smiles, the one of the ones that brightened his whole face, and she knew it was just for her. "And I promise you that we will keep in touch."
"I know you aren't just saying that," Sonya said, returning the smile. "But you may regret it when your phone bill is way up there."
"I'll never regret it," Giles told her. "I promise."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a somber group that headed for the airport. It took some doing, but the Council had changed Cordelia's ticket so she could fly back with the rest of the Sunnydale group. She figured her father would be grateful not to have to meet her. They also changed Giles's ticket and put it into Aidan's name. Doyle was able to get on the same flight, as well, due to a little more Council string pulling.
"I guess it can help havin' Watchers' on yer side," Doyle remarked as they waited at the gate to board the plane.
"What are you going to do now?" Aidan asked his friend.
Doyle shrugged. "Go back to me apartment and me sordid life in LA, I suppose."
"I don't think so," Aidan objected.
"What?" Doyle replied in astonishment. "Are ye goin' all high and mighty on me now? Because I've got a few stories..."
"No." Aidan shook his head. "But I think you should move to Sunnydale. We're going to be living in the same country for the first time in ages. You should be there to show me around." He paused, then added, "I hear that Sunnydale is always in the market for new teachers."
Doyle almost smiled. "I guess schools on a Hellmouth are prone to lose a few more teachers than most districts."
"A half-demon would have more staying power," Aidan urged.
Doyle laughed out loud at that. "A'right! I'm in. But I'll have to brush up on me skills."
"I'm sure you can handle it," Aidan replied.
The two shook on it. Doyle turned to see Cordelia staring at him. "Well, princess, looks like ye'll be seein' a bit more of me after all."
She arched a shapely brow. "I'm just dying of anticipation." But something in her eyes belied the sarcastic tone of her voice.
Doyle just laughed. "In Sunnydale, I hear ye never know."
Just then the stewardess at the desk announced their flight's pre-boarding. People started moving toward the gate. Giles and Xander hung back. Buffy did, too. Sonya slowed her step and turned to face Xander.
"So, Harris, just when we get our friendship back, you leave."
"Nothing personal, Parker."
She smiled briefly. "I know. Take care of you."
"Ditto," Xander replied.
They looked at each other for a minute, and then she turned to Giles. Sonya gave him a quick, fierce hug and then joined Oz in line just as the stewardess began to let them on the plane. Sonya didn't want to say goodbye to Giles again. Once was enough. Everyone but Buffy started to get on the plane.
Buffy held back and looked at Giles. After a second, she gave him a hug, too. "Thanks, Giles, for everything."
Giles pulled back and looked at her. "Training you was an honor. You are extremely gifted, Buffy. I know that you will go far."
She smiled at him, and then began to tear up when she looked at Xander. Flying at him, she wrapped her arms around him as tightly as possible. Even after their kissing session in the garden she still felt like she could never get enough of him, and now he would be gone for who knew how long.
"I'm going to miss you," she whispered through her tears.
"Not as much as I'll miss you," Xander vowed.
"I'll email you every day," Buffy promised.
"Me, too," Xander said, crushing her to him for as long as she could.
After a few moments, Giles cleared his throat. "Not to interrupt, but the stewardess is frowning at you."
"I think the politically correct term nowadays is flight attendant," Xander joked weakly, but his arms didn't move from around Buffy.
Finally, Buffy got her strength together. After everything she and Xander had been through, they could do this. A mere ocean would never keep them apart for long. She kissed him hard on the lips and then moved out of arm's length. "Do well, Xander. I know you can." Then she turned and ran up the jetway without looking back.
Xander watched her go. "Goodbye, Buffy. I love you," he whispered.
In the jetway, Buffy said softly, "I love you, Xander."
"Excuse me?" the stewardess asked.
"Nothing." Buffy hurried into her seat, and watched the airport out the window for as long as she could. Joyce patted her daughter's arm in sympathy, knowing words couldn't help anything right now.
In the airport, Xander watched until the plane disappeared into the cloud-filled sky. Then he and Giles turned and walked away.
The End
Chapter Twenty-Two
England
When the commotion died down at the Compound, Gwendolyn arranged for Giles to borrow a car from the Council's amply supplied garage. The Board and the rest of the Watchers, as needed, were going to stay at the Compound as long as necessary to sort out this huge mess and make things right. Giles's sentencing was put on hold, and he, Buffy and the rest of the gang were free to leave, but they were requested to be ready to return in two days' time.
"That should be enough time for us to make some headway, at least," Gwendolyn had told them. "We know you all have flights home soon, so we will do our best to sort everything out that pertains to your group by then."
After that, Oz, Cordelia and Buffy went to find Joyce and the get-away car and to go back to Nigel's for their things. Everyone else, except for Doyle, rode back to their hotel with Giles in what they dubbed the Watcher-mobile, hoping to find new rooms. It was understood that Giles, Xander and especially Sonya had no desire to see Nigel and relive what his alter-ego had done to them. They sent their thanks along in verbal messages. Doyle stayed at the Compound, unwilling to leave Aidan even to the point of staying with him in one of the rooms on the bottom level of the Compound. This time he knew that the others knew where he was, just in case, though even Doyle felt that Gwendolyn and the Board were finally telling them the truth.
Buffy, Oz and Cordelia walked to where the get-away car was hidden. They found Joyce asleep in the front seat, her head laying against the headrest.
"Mom!" Buffy cried, opening the door to give Joyce a hug.
Joyce's eyes sprang open, and then her tense expression relaxed into a huge smile as she returned the hug full force. "Buffy! You're all right!"
"I'm fine, Mom. And everyone else is, too. Doyle, Sonya, Xander... even Giles."
"Thank goodness." Joyce's breath came out in a whoosh. When she finally let Buffy go, it was with a rueful laugh. "I'm glad everything turned out all right, especially since I'm such a pitiful excuse for a get-away driver."
"It's not your fault, Mom," Buffy was quick to say.
"No, no," Joyce replied, shaking her head. "I fell asleep at my post. Now you'll never let me help again."
"It's not your fault," Oz said, feeling the need to put his two-cents in. "We were gone much longer than expected."
"Yeah," Cordelia nodded. "And you woke up really quickly. I'm sure it wouldn't have been a problem..."
A few minutes later they were on the road to Nigel's shop. He was waiting for them near the door when they arrived. As soon as he saw Buffy, a small smile curved his lips. Buffy tried to stop the shivers that ran up and down her spine when he did that. She knew good and well it was Nigel, not Nathan, and usually she could deal with it. It was just that smile... the smile so like the one Nathan had used before almost carving her up as a sacrifice for his powers.
"Miss Summers," Nigel said. "I'm glad to see you escaped unscathed."
She nodded at him, grateful when his attention turned to the others.
He escorted them all into his workroom, looking closely at Oz and Cordelia. "And the spell worked fine? No ill effects?"
Oz nodded. "Fine."
Cordelia gave Oz an annoyed glance. "Well, when the powers went back to Buffy, I, for one, felt perfectly horrible. For a few minutes. But I'm back to my old self now."
"Good," Nigel replied, taking her comments seriously. He handed Cordelia a slip of paper. "This is my home number. Feel free to call me anytime if symptoms resurface." His dark eyes fixated on Oz. "You, too. And how is your leg?"
"Fine," Oz said again. He stood on just the formerly broken leg and hopped a couple of time for emphasis.
Nigel nodded. "Good."
Joyce walked over to Nigel and gave him a hug. "Thank you so much for all of your help."
The warlock seemed surprised at first, but after a second he returned the hug until she pulled away. "I am glad to be of service, Ms. Summers."
Soon after, they had the baggage loaded in the trunk, and in every spare nook and cranny in the car (even under some of the passengers), and were on their way back to the hotel.
"I hope they managed to get us good rooms," Buffy said as they walked into the lobby.
"The best!"
Buffy laughed as Xander suddenly swooped her up, bags and all. She shrieked in protest until he let her down. "We were in luck, Buffy. We got our old rooms back."
"Good," Cordelia said, hitching a bag up onto her shoulder. "I desperately need a shower."
"Slaying is sweaty work," Buffy agreed.
Cordelia gave Buffy one of her old, superior glances. "As if I'd discuss my sweat with you."
Buffy raised an eyebrow. Then she set down the bags she had been carrying -- two of Cordelia's cream-colored bags. "Well, then, I guess I'm not worthy to carry your bags either. Here you go." She grabbed Xander's arm. "Come with me back to the car. We'll get our own stuff."
"Sounds good to me," Xander replied, following her out.
"How rude!" Cordelia sniffed, finding herself in the lobby with more baggage than she could carry. Luckily, at that moment, a cute bellhop happened by. Cordelia flashed him one of her 100 mega-watt smiles, and he was putty in her hands.
By the time Buffy and Xander got the right luggage, found Giles to get their keys and made it upstairs to the girls' room, the shower was already running, and they could hear a soft, off-key rendition of "Fame" through the closed door to the bathroom.
Setting down Buffy's weapons bag, Xander gave the closed door a slightly horrified look. "What now?"
Buffy pretended to contemplate. "Free time in London. Whatever shall we do?"
Xander leaned in closer. "There's always Big Ben."
Buffy leaned up until he could feel the puff of her breath on his face. "And the Tube."
Her perfume smelled of citrus, reminding him of home, as he added, "The Tower of London."
"Buckingham Palace."
Any more words were squelched by their kiss. Buffy shivered at the feel of Xander's warm hands on her back.
"It's been way too long," she mumbled into his lips.
He understood her anyway. "Much, much too long. Let's never go to a tribunal again."
Buffy pressed her lips more firmly against his for a minute, then said, "Never, ever again."
The door to the room flew open. "Oh, man! Can I go back to the torture chamber now?"
Xander and Buffy sprang apart to see Sonya there grinning at them, Oz behind her. They brought in more luggage and set it on the floor.
"Joyce and Sonya's stuff," Oz explained.
Buffy nodded, trying to control her blushing. "Cordelia's in the shower."
"Oh, good," Sonya joked. "Wouldn't want her to have smelly Slayer hair." She and Buffy burst into giggles.
Oz looked pained. "Do I have smelly Slayer hair?"
Through her laughter, Sonya made a big show of inspecting Oz's hair. "No, I think you survived your stint as Slayer with your hair unscathed."
"Whew!" Oz cracked a smile. He was just glad to have them all back and everyone all right.
Xander was staring at Sonya. "I'm glad you're back, Parker."
She looked surprised at his use of the nickname. It had been a long time since things were easy enough between them for them to use those names. She gave him an almost shy smile, uncertain as to where their friendship was now, but ready to give it a try. "It's good to be back, Harris."
After an awkward moment, the two old friends shared a quick hug. Buffy and Oz shared understanding looks, both glad that the other two had finally patched things up.
"So," Sonya said when the moment had passed, "what are we going to do with this sudden vacation time?"
"It is still Spring Break," Oz commented.
Buffy looked at Xander. Suppressing a giggle, she told the others, "Xander and I were... discussing... sight seeing when you guys got here."
"Personally, I'm starving." Sonya rubbed her stomach for emphasis. "My vote would be to find dinner first. Then do something touristy and Londony."
"I'm in," Xander said, looking at Buffy.
She smiled. "I'm in, too."
They all looked at Oz. "Let's go."
"Ack! What are all of you doing in my room?"
The four friends turned around to see Cordelia staring at them from the steamy bathroom doorway, wrapped only in a towel.
Xander whistled at her. "Show us those shoulders, baby!" The others laughed. Cordelia's face reddened.
"Get out of here, you jerk! All of you."
Buffy raised an eyebrow at Cordelia. "I can't believe we're back to this again."
"What can you expect from the Sunnydale High princess?" Sonya replied. "I guess she's forgotten that it's our room, too."
"Well, let's just go to dinner," Buffy said. "Obviously, *she* doesn't want to come."
With that, the four friends left Cordelia alone in the hotel room. Later, Joyce found her lying on a bed, wearing the first clothes she'd found in the suitcase -- jeans and a T-shirt, comfy but not trendy -- her hair still wet.
"Is everything all right?" Joyce asked, looking at Cordelia in concern. "I thought you would have gone to dinner with Buffy and the others, but you're welcome to come with Giles and me if you'd like. We weren't up for the night on the town thing, so we're just going to get some food and then turn in for the night."
Cordelia's voice was muffled by her pillow. Joyce couldn't understand what she said. "Excuse me? I didn't quite catch that." Joyce sat down on the bed next to Cordelia. The brunette lifted her face to reveal tear-stained cheeks.
"What's wrong?" Joyce demanded. "Nothing else has happened, has it? No after effects from the spell or anything?"
Cordelia shook her head.
"Then what is it?"
"Everyone hates me," Cordelia mumbled, laying her head back down on the pillow so she wouldn't have to look at Joyce.
"No one hates you," Joyce protested.
"They do," Cordelia wailed. "And... and... I think it's all my fault. I'm too selfish and demanding."
Joyce couldn't really contradict that. After a moment, she said, "You do have a those tendencies, but that's not all you are."
"Yes, it is. That's why they all left me here."
"You also helped to save their lives. They won't forget that."
Cordelia sniffled again. "That makes it even worse. I felt so strong when I was a Slayer. Even just being a third of a Slayer. I could do anything. I was like Supergirl, but with much better hair! And now I'm back to being just me. And, for the first time, just me isn't the best."
Reasons for Cordelia's reversion to familiar patters began to connect in Joyce's mind. She reached out and touched Cordelia on the shoulder, waiting until the girl met her eyes before speaking. "What do you want out of this, Cordelia?" She racked her brain for something to say that would make the girl feel better. "You and I are kind of in the same boat. We weren't supposed to know about all this, and yet we found out. Oz, too. And Xander. But after we find these things out, it's up to us to decide what we want to do about it."
"What do you mean?"
"Well," Joyce replied, "you could go back to being just what you were before. This doesn't have to be your life, like it is for Buffy, Xander and Sonya. Oz still has his band and other interests. I work, live my life... I just take extra precautions and help out when they need me."
"I wouldn't be a good career superhero." A small frown curved her lips down and made a wrinkle in the middle of her forehead.
"Not many people would," Joyce agreed.
"But Xander is. And Oz. Sonya, too." The frown worsened.
Joyce nodded. "They are." She paused, and then continued, "I wonder how Sonya dealt with losing her powers. From what I remember, not very well."
"Really?" Cordelia looked up, startled. "I don't remember anything like that... Of course, we sort of hate each other so we never do the girlie chat thing."
"It's true," Joyce swore. "Sonya didn't like not being the Slayer anymore at all. She went through all sorts of stuff trying to adjust. Of course, getting her legs back and an added bonus of instantaneous healing made things better."
"I'm never going to get that," Cordelia groused.
"No," Joyce admitted, "you probably aren't, but that doesn't mean you're worthless by any means." Joyce stood up and pulled the blanket from the end of the bed up over Cordelia's body. "I think what you need is a good night's sleep. Everything always looks better in the morning."
The warmth of the blanket coupled with residual crying-jag exhaustion made that sound like a good idea to Cordelia. "All right, and... thanks."
Joyce smiled. "Don't mention it. And if you ever need to talk something like this out again, I'm available."
Cordelia flashed a brief smile and then closed her eyes.
Joyce walked over to the mirror and double checked her hair and makeup for a night out in London. True, it was only dinner, but she did hope to have a little fun on what might be her only time off in the famous city. There was a knock at the door, and Joyce crossed the room to open it.
Giles stood there, a hesitant look on his face. "Are you ready?" He peeked inside and saw Cordelia on the bed. "Is she all right?"
Joyce grabbed her purse and the room key, then she walked outside, closing the door behind her. "She'll be OK once she has time to adjust. I guess that's something we all need every once in awhile."
Giles nodded.
"So," Joyce said, eager to change the subject. "Where are we going for dinner?"
"There's a small bistro I used to frequent when I lived in Town. I thought we could see if it is still there."
Joyce smiled at him. "That sounds lovely!"
Ever the English gallant, Giles offered her his arm and escorted her out of the hotel.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Several miles away, in the bowels of the Compound, Doyle sat next to Aidan's bed. His friend had been unconscious since Chamberlain tried to drain him. Despite assurances from Watcher-trained doctors, Doyle was beginning to wonder if Aidan would ever wake up again.
"C'mon, man," Doyle urged quietly. "Open yer eyes. We've got to talk. Get everythin' ironed out. I donnae want me best pal in a lifelong coma..." His voice trailed off, and Doyle closed his eyes and buried his head in his hands.
"I didn't know you cared that much. Especially after I threw you out of my flat."
Doyle opened his eyes, and his face split into a wide grin when he saw Aidan looking at him. His friend's eyes were tired and his face still a bit pale, but he was awake, and that was a good thing!
"Yer awake!" Doyle exclaimed. He resisted the urge to hug Aidan. Besides the fact that it wouldn't be manly, Doyle also doubted if the other man could handle the exuberance.
"Yeah." Aidan moved a little and then grunted with the effort. "But apparently still weak. Chamberlain must've gotten more than a mouthful from me."
Doyle nodded. "I was afraid he'd drained ye before Xander an' Buffy pulled ye free. But Gwendolyn and the doctor's here took good care of ye."
"And you've been here how long?" Aidan gave him a knowing look. Doyle knew he couldn't get anything past his oldest friend.
"As long as ye have," the Irishman admitted.
Aidan met Doyle's eyes with a serious gaze. "I have to tell you something, Doyle."
"What?"
"I'm sorry." Aidan looked incredibly guilty. "I'm sorry that I believed the Council, and Chamberlain, instead of you. I'm sorry I didn't believe in your vision. And, most of all, I'm sorry that I threw you out of my flat. I regretted it as soon as you were gone."
Doyle grinned. "Thanks, man. Hearin' that from ye makes me feel a lot better. An' I'm sorry I was such a bad roommate. I should have been more understandin' of yer new lifestyle, lack o' accent and all." He paused, and then added with a laugh, "So... when should I help you bust outta this joint?"
"I don't know," Aidan replied, "but I hope it's soon. I'm starting to get hungry."
Jumping up, Doyle laid a hand on Aidan's shoulder and said, "No sooner said than done." He walked out the door, and a few minutes later returned with a doctor, a tray of food, and Gwendolyn.
Aidan looked up at Gwendolyn in surprise as the doctor started checking him over. "Ms. Post. I'm surprised to see you here."
Gwendolyn gave him a small half smile. "There are a few things I need to go over with you, and then I have a proposition for you."
Aidan gave her his full attention, wondering what she had to say.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Buffy, Giles and the rest of their group were escorted into the tribunal room two days later, the whole Compound had an entirely different feeling. Buffy noticed it the second she walked into the building, but nowhere was it more evident than in the tribunal room. The seats were again filled with Watchers, but there was no feeling of dread, or of anger lingering in the air. Instead, all she could see on the surrounding faces was hope and anticipation.
"What do you think is going to happen?" Buffy whispered to Giles as they made their way to the front of the room.
"I don't know," Giles replied honestly, "but I have every hope that it is something positive."
"Yeah," Xander agreed, taking Buffy's hand in his own and squeezing it tight. "The Council's been cleaned from the inside out. Things are bound to be better."
"Maybe they'll reinstate you," Sonya whispered to Giles.
He gently touched his ward on the shoulder. The touch lasted only a second, but it reassured them both. "It's never been done before," he said, "but anything is possible, I suppose."
From the front of the room, Gwendolyn called for all of them to come to the front, not just Buffy and Giles. Obediently, Sonya, Joyce, Cordelia, Xander and Oz followed the Slayer and the Watcher to the front. The Board of the Directors were seated in their accustomed seats at the front, and Gwendolyn stood in front of the podium, on the same level as Giles and the others. When they got up there, Buffy and the others were glad to see Aidan and Doyle there as well. Aidan had recovered nicely from Chamberlain's attack, and there was something about his appearance that gave him a new pride and dignity. Buffy thought he looked nice, for an older man.
John Warrington stood up to speak for the Board. When everyone was situated, he began his speech.
"Together, the Board and every member of the Council who could be called in have gone over our exalted organization with a fine-toothed comb. For nearly as long as there have been Slayers, there have been Watchers. We have been entrusted with a sacred duty, and I know that myself, and everyone in this room, will do our best to continue in that duty. As with any organization, times of trouble occur, and without our knowledge, this past year has been fraught with trouble. We have determined a new course of action, and we hope that these measures will take the Council into the next millenium."
When Warrington paused for breath, the room full of Watchers began to applaud. Warrington smiled.
"As the first of many acts," he announced when the room was quiet again, "the Board has nominated Ms. Gwendolyn Post to succeed Sidney Chamberlain as Proconsul of the Council. In a vote yesterday, our recommendation was approved by the Council, and she was sworn to the proper oaths. So, now, I would like to hand control of this meeting over to Proconsul Post." The room full of people broke into applause again.
Gwendolyn accepted the affirmation with a simple nod, and then stepped forward and took charge as if she'd been doing this all of her life. "Since even before my promotion, I have been working night and day to restore the order that was stolen from us, and to that end, I have several announcements and appointments to make."
She looked to Buffy, Giles and the others. "First of all, I want to extend to you..." Her gaze trailed over all of them, even Joyce. "...the most humble apologies of the entire Council. Things were handled very badly, and many of you were hurt by that. It wasn't right, and anything we can do to make amends, we will." Realizing that there wasn't much more she could say on that regard -- so much of what was done could never really be made up for -- Gwendolyn moved on to her next topic.
"Mr. Giles, could you step forward please?"
Giles did as she asked, a curious look on his face. Gwendolyn's face was inscrutable. He couldn't tell anything about what she was about to say, so he just had to wait until she actually said it.
"As you know, Mr. Giles, a tribunal decision is irreversible. It has been so for centuries, and it will be so for many more. Added to that is the fact that, however well-intentioned, you did commit many of the crimes of which you were accused."
Giles inclined his head. "That I did." But the hopeless look from the last sentencing had gone from his eyes. Somehow he knew that things were not as dire as they once were.
Gwendolyn continued, "Therefore, we cannot reinstate you as Active Watcher." There was a loud gasp of protest from Buffy, and one from Sonya, but the proconsul continued before anyone could interrupt her. "However, we have re-evaluated the testimonies and the evidence and found the crimes not nearly as heinous as Chamberlain and Barrows made them out to be. Therefore, on behalf of the Council, I would like to offer you a new position as head of our training facilities. Your assignment will be to determine a new course of training for all the potential Slayers, apprentice Watchers and any other warriors we choose to train to help in the war against darkness." She looked at him seriously. "I'm sure you will agree that a new course of training is exactly what we need to remove Chamberlain's taint from our students and to ensure a new direction for the Council in general."
Giles nodded. "I agree that it is needed."
"Then do you accept the position?" Gwendolyn asked.
Giles hesitated for a moment. He knew that taking the job meant a relocation to England. That was obvious to everyone. He glanced back at Buffy, Sonya and the others. If he went back, he'd be only a librarian. Here he could find his old life again, and do good work. He would miss them, but there was one other thing weighing his decision. If he went back to Sunnydale, he would have to stand by while some other Watcher took over his duties.
Finally, he nodded. "I accept."
"Good."
Gwendolyn turned to Buffy. Buffy stepped forward, a stunned expression on her face. Gwendolyn tried to put her at ease. "I know what you must be thinking, but, I think in the long run, this change will be good for you. You will have your very own Watcher, one of our best. It can only improve your skills."
A frown line appeared between Buffy's eyebrows. "But... who...?"
The proconsul said, "Aidan O'Shea, will you approach?" Aidan did as she asked, and Gwendolyn turned back to Buffy. Raising her voice so the whole room could hear, she announced, "The new Active Watcher will be our own Aidan O'Shea, a young man, yes, but one who has proven himself both as a trainer and in the line of duty."
The Watchers applauded again, and Aidan replied, "I accept the position, and all that it entails." His official swearing in would take place later, in accordance with custom.
Unsurprised by his acceptance since she had told him her plan already, Gwendolyn looked to Buffy. "This will be a good change."
Buffy sighed, aware that she couldn't do anything about it. She would miss Giles a lot -- it was funny how she realized that now that she knew he would be gone -- but there was a little part of her that was kind of glad for the chance to have her very own Watcher. And, aside from Giles, Aidan was the nicest Watcher she knew.
Seeing the acceptance on Buffy's face, Gwendolyn asked Xander to approach. Buffy looked surprised and stayed where she was. Giles and Aidan stepped back to their old spots, knowing that she was done with them for now.
"Yes?" Xander asked, as surprised as Buffy that Gwendolyn would call on him.
"First of all, I want to congratulate you, Mr. Harris," Gwendolyn said. "Few humans without special powers could survive in the lifestyle you have chosen for yourself."
Xander blushed a little at the praise. "Well... thanks."
She continued, "You have distinguished yourself repeatedly, both in Sunnydale, and here. Despite the odds, you helped defeat Chamberlain, and bring order back to the Council. Your aptitude is enormous."
Buffy smiled proudly at Xander. She had always known that, but, from the expression on his face, it was news to Xander. Most authority figures, like teachers, always came down on him. Never before had he been the one honored in front of an assembly.
"I don't know what to say," Xander admitted.
Gwendolyn gave him her small smile, unable to squelch a gleam of excitement in her icy blue eyes. "Being a Watcher is destiny. It follows a family from generation to generation. But sometimes a person so distinguishes him or herself that we ask them to become a member of our Council." Her eyes flashed to Aidan -- a distant relative of a Watcher, not the son of one -- and to Giles -- who's grandmother had been so distinguished. Then she looked back at Xander. "You are just the type of person we need as we build our next generation of Watchers. You have strength, courage and experience in the line of battle. You will not just watch, but you will devote your all to a cause. Will you join us?"
Xander's eyes were wide. "You want me to be a Watcher?"
Gwendolyn nodded. "We do."
He looked up at the Board, and they were smiling at him, too. He had never felt this much approval from distinguished, older people before. He was about to shout his acceptance, when something occurred to him. He looked down at Buffy. The same thing had occurred to her, too.
"I'll have to stay in England, won't I?" he asked.
Gwendolyn nodded, "For a while, yes, though the length will depend on Mr. Giles's revamping of the training system."
Xander looked down at Buffy. She looked back up at him, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Xander looked back at Gwendolyn. "Can I think about it?"
She nodded. That was to be expected. Then she asked Sonya to approach. The conversation between the two women was brief. Sonya left it with no expression on her face. Later, however, she told the others what Gwendolyn had said. Sonya was released from all obligations to the Council, except what she wanted to retain herself. The Council would make sure she was cared for until her graduation from high school, and, as part of their restitution for the wrongs committed to her, they would pay for her to attend college. But her former status as the Chosen one no longer bound her in any way.
There wasn't much left after that. Gwendolyn gave them all her thanks again, and then it was over. The Scooby Gang left the Compound -- for some of them, it would be their last time -- and headed back to the hotel to pack up their bags. Flights home would soon be waiting.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Back at the hotel, Buffy didn't follow the others upstairs. She wandered through the lobby and out the side door into a small, but well-tended garden. The smell of roses tickled her nostrils, and sunlight warmed her skin. She wondered how the world could still be so beautiful when her own world was suddenly falling apart.
"Hi."
She turned and saw Xander standing there, his hands in his pockets.
"Hey," she whispered.
He led her to a stone bench and then sat down next to her. "We have to talk about this."
"I know." Buffy looked up at him, tears in the corners of her eyes threatening to spill over the edge.
Xander stared down at his shoes. "I love you, Buffy. After everything we've been through, you know that."
"I know," she whispered again. "But..."
"No buts," Xander protested. "I love you here, there and everywhere."
She couldn't help but smile a little at that.
Xander continued, "It hurts me to think of being apart from you, Buffy. You've gotta know that. But... this is the first time in my life that I've gotten an opportunity like this. No one's ever asked me to do anything worthwhile before. I always thought I was headed for a future as... as an ice cream man or something."
Buffy reached out and touched Xander's arm. "I never thought you'd end up an ice cream man."
He looked at her, his heart in his eyes.
Buffy sighed. "I know you need to do this. And I support you, I really do..." Her voice cracked. "It's just... well... first Giles, and I could understand that, but now you? I'm going to miss you so much!" After her rather incoherent speech, she threw herself into his arms.
But, like always, Xander understood her. "I know. I'll miss you, too. Every second I'm away. But I'm going to do this the right way, and as fast as I possibly can so that I can come back and be with you again. I promise."
"I'm holding you to that." They hugged tightly, and then kissed as if their lives depended on it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Upstairs, Joyce, Cordelia and Sonya worked to pack up all the luggage. A knock at the door disturbed their rhythm.
"Who is it?" Cordelia called. She knew it was still daytime, but after the attack on her room she would never just say "come in" again.
"Giles."
"Come in," Joyce responded. She smiled when the door opened and she got a good look at him. He was standing taller already. She could see the anticipation in his eyes. "You look excited."
"I am," he admitted. "I really am. I'm going to be able to make a difference for the Council. And for Xander, if he stays."
"Do you think he will?" Joyce pictured Buffy without Xander and knew how hard it would be for her daughter. But she also wanted Xander to take this amazing opportunity.
"I hope so," Giles replied.
Something occurred to Joyce. "Um... Giles... Xander's relationship with Buffy... that wouldn't be a problem for the Council, would it?" She knew very well that that could be the deal breaker for both of them.
Giles shook his head. "No, that won't be a problem. There are strict measures against a Watcher getting involved with his or her own Slayer, but for another Watcher and a Slayer... well... it has happened before. And the Council knew about Xander and Buffy before they made the offer."
"Good," Joyce said. She finished folding the last of Buffy's things and looked up at Giles. "I will miss you, though. You were a good, solid influence on Buffy." As she said the words, Joyce realized that they really were true. There would definitely be a void in all of their lives without Giles in Sunnydale.
"Thank you," Giles replied. "But Aidan will be admirable in the role, I'm sure."
Suddenly, they all heard a stifled sob from the other side of the room. It was Sonya. Realizing Giles needed a moment alone with his ward, Joyce said, "Cordelia, come downstairs with me. We'll tell the bellhop when to come up and get the bags."
Cordelia's gaze flashed from one to the other. "Um... all right," she said quickly. She didn't need to be involved in another bout of emotional wellness.
As soon as the door closed behind Joyce and Cordelia, Giles turned to Sonya. "I know this is going to be hard..."
"You don't know anything!" Sonya cried angrily. But tears belied her harsh words. "You've got a new job and everything here, but I'm going to be stuck back in Sunnydale, alone, again! And to think I trusted you!"
Giles grabbed Sonya's hands and forced her to look into his eyes. "You will never cease to be an important part of my life, Sonya. If you want, you can live here with me. But I didn't think you'd want to leave Sunnydale..."
Sonya looked up and her shell of anger melted away when she saw a tear in his eye, too. "You'd really want me here?"
Giles nodded. "I would. But I know that you want to be in Sunnydale."
"I want to be in Sunnydale with you," Sonya replied, "but I know that won't happen..."
"Not right now," Giles admitted. "I've got to do this. It's this or quit the Council. And I can do good here..."
"You can, Giles," Sonya agreed. "And I'm proud of you."
Then he shocked her by pulling her into a hug. After that moment of affection, Sonya got up the courage to ask, "What's going to happen to me? Gwendolyn said the Council will make sure I'm 'cared for,' but does that mean more foster homes or what?" There was small quaver in her voice. She do anything to avoid living in a foster home again.
"Your official wardship will easily transfer to Aidan. The Council has connections. Officially, that will make sense, and, unofficially, you are almost of an age to take care of yourself. I know you are competent to the task. More than competent."
Sonya nodded. "It won't be the same, but I guess it will work."
"Good." Giles gave her one of his rare smiles, the one of the ones that brightened his whole face, and she knew it was just for her. "And I promise you that we will keep in touch."
"I know you aren't just saying that," Sonya said, returning the smile. "But you may regret it when your phone bill is way up there."
"I'll never regret it," Giles told her. "I promise."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was a somber group that headed for the airport. It took some doing, but the Council had changed Cordelia's ticket so she could fly back with the rest of the Sunnydale group. She figured her father would be grateful not to have to meet her. They also changed Giles's ticket and put it into Aidan's name. Doyle was able to get on the same flight, as well, due to a little more Council string pulling.
"I guess it can help havin' Watchers' on yer side," Doyle remarked as they waited at the gate to board the plane.
"What are you going to do now?" Aidan asked his friend.
Doyle shrugged. "Go back to me apartment and me sordid life in LA, I suppose."
"I don't think so," Aidan objected.
"What?" Doyle replied in astonishment. "Are ye goin' all high and mighty on me now? Because I've got a few stories..."
"No." Aidan shook his head. "But I think you should move to Sunnydale. We're going to be living in the same country for the first time in ages. You should be there to show me around." He paused, then added, "I hear that Sunnydale is always in the market for new teachers."
Doyle almost smiled. "I guess schools on a Hellmouth are prone to lose a few more teachers than most districts."
"A half-demon would have more staying power," Aidan urged.
Doyle laughed out loud at that. "A'right! I'm in. But I'll have to brush up on me skills."
"I'm sure you can handle it," Aidan replied.
The two shook on it. Doyle turned to see Cordelia staring at him. "Well, princess, looks like ye'll be seein' a bit more of me after all."
She arched a shapely brow. "I'm just dying of anticipation." But something in her eyes belied the sarcastic tone of her voice.
Doyle just laughed. "In Sunnydale, I hear ye never know."
Just then the stewardess at the desk announced their flight's pre-boarding. People started moving toward the gate. Giles and Xander hung back. Buffy did, too. Sonya slowed her step and turned to face Xander.
"So, Harris, just when we get our friendship back, you leave."
"Nothing personal, Parker."
She smiled briefly. "I know. Take care of you."
"Ditto," Xander replied.
They looked at each other for a minute, and then she turned to Giles. Sonya gave him a quick, fierce hug and then joined Oz in line just as the stewardess began to let them on the plane. Sonya didn't want to say goodbye to Giles again. Once was enough. Everyone but Buffy started to get on the plane.
Buffy held back and looked at Giles. After a second, she gave him a hug, too. "Thanks, Giles, for everything."
Giles pulled back and looked at her. "Training you was an honor. You are extremely gifted, Buffy. I know that you will go far."
She smiled at him, and then began to tear up when she looked at Xander. Flying at him, she wrapped her arms around him as tightly as possible. Even after their kissing session in the garden she still felt like she could never get enough of him, and now he would be gone for who knew how long.
"I'm going to miss you," she whispered through her tears.
"Not as much as I'll miss you," Xander vowed.
"I'll email you every day," Buffy promised.
"Me, too," Xander said, crushing her to him for as long as she could.
After a few moments, Giles cleared his throat. "Not to interrupt, but the stewardess is frowning at you."
"I think the politically correct term nowadays is flight attendant," Xander joked weakly, but his arms didn't move from around Buffy.
Finally, Buffy got her strength together. After everything she and Xander had been through, they could do this. A mere ocean would never keep them apart for long. She kissed him hard on the lips and then moved out of arm's length. "Do well, Xander. I know you can." Then she turned and ran up the jetway without looking back.
Xander watched her go. "Goodbye, Buffy. I love you," he whispered.
In the jetway, Buffy said softly, "I love you, Xander."
"Excuse me?" the stewardess asked.
"Nothing." Buffy hurried into her seat, and watched the airport out the window for as long as she could. Joyce patted her daughter's arm in sympathy, knowing words couldn't help anything right now.
In the airport, Xander watched until the plane disappeared into the cloud-filled sky. Then he and Giles turned and walked away.
The End