Part 18

"Hello Anyanka," says Meg.  "Allow me to begin by thanking you for allowing us to use this room for our meetings today."

"You're quite welcome, but I'm no longer Anyanka, I'm just Anya now."

"My dear, you will never be just Anya."  "The very thing that allowed you to become Anyanka still resides within you."

"No, no, I am human now, I'm not a demon!" Anya declares vehemently as she paces about the training room. 

"Anyanka, will you please listen to me, I never said you were a demon."  "What I said, is the thing that made you a demon is still very much a part of you, and I hope it will remain so."  "You have a desire to see wrongs righted, and you want to help those around you who hurt."  "These are fine and wonderful qualities."  "Becoming a vengeance demon was probably not the best way to see these things brought to fruition, but you were young, and you made a mistake."

"Oh, well, if you put it that way, I guess it's true, but please, do not call me Anyanka."  "I have grown and I am no longer that same person." 

"As you wish Anya," says Meg.  "Now, shall we move on to your role as a member of the scoobies?"  "Anya, you have an incredible amount of wealth and knowledge which you have never hesitated to share with the others."  "You also have an extensive background in magic."  "I would like for you to hone your research skills as well as study magic with the others." 

"Me, really, you think I have things I can share with the others?"  "Really?"

"Yes Anya, after all, you existed for over 1100 years in demon form."  "When you reverted back to human form, you were fortunate to retain all of your memories."  "That is truly a special thing."  "Your magical abilities are not as developed as they could be, but you have a strong foundation upon which to build."  "Is this something that sounds satisfactory to you?"

"Oh yes Professor, I think that I would like that very much."  "Provided of course it doesn't take too much time from my making money here at the Magic Box."

Meg laughs and takes Anya's hand in hers.  "Anya, you could quite possibly be the most money conscious person I have ever met."  "And please, call me Meg."

"Wonderful, on your way out, could you please tell Giles I want to see him."

Anya stands up and begins to walk towards the door.  Stopping suddenly, she turns to Meg.  "I think it's a good thing that you are here." 

"Why thank you Anya."  "And will you please tell Willow I've put aside the entire afternoon to talk with her."

Anya opens the door and steps back into the Magic Box proper.  "Giles, Meg wants to speak with you."

"With Giles, why Giles?" says Willow in a panic.  "Why doesn't she want to talk with me?"

"Baby, relax," says Tara as she lays a comforting arm on Willow's shoulder.  "I'm sure she wants to see you as well."

"She does Willow, she asked me to tell you she has set aside the entire afternoon to talk with you."

"But what about Spike?" asks Dawn?  "She hasn't talked to Spike yet."

"I spoke my piece with the lady earlier Little Bit."  "I don't think she has much left to say to me."

But Spike was very wrong.