Chapter 24
Simone's days consisted of half physical training, and half magic lessons. In the evening, after having dinner as a group, she would go out with Wesley and Buffy on patrol and practice Slaying for real. She managed to stake her first vampire on her first try, which got a reward of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. Simone took full advantage of Buffy only being there a week, asking as many questions as she could think of. In her enthusiasm, she was completely oblivious to driving the blonde Slayer nuts after a couple days in a row of this.
"She's so insanely curious about everything," Buffy complained to Sebastian over the phone. She was on her cell, taking a solitary walk around the block while the others were out shopping with Simone. "It's like she expects to hear all 11 years of slaying in 6 days. The only peace I get is when she's locked up with Wills and Tara for magic lessons. Imagine Dawn at 16, but with Slayer energy."
"Oh, it can't be that bad," he chuckled. "Isn't her Watcher there, too?"
"Yeah, but any time Wes pauses for breath, she's on my again. Maybe if I give her a good beating, it'll get the message across…"
"Buffy…"
"I know, I'm just being cranky. Hey, there's a different car in front of the house, now. I should see what's up. I love you, baby. I miss you like crazy."
"I miss you, too, darling. It's only for a couple more days. Try to give the girl some slack. She's new to all this."
"Yeah, yeah…talk to you soon." Buffy hung up and placed the phone back in her pocket. She entered the house and found Fred talking with a man Buffy didn't know.
"Oh, hey, Buffy. This is Robin Wood. He was Faith's boyfriend, and a member of our team. Robin, this is Buffy, the Slayer."
"Hello, Buffy. I've heard a lot about you. Well Fred, tell Wesley I'll be in touch. He knows my number if there's an emergency." Robin waved goodbye and let himself out.
"Did I scare him off, or something?" Buffy asked.
"Oh, no…it's just that this has been really hard for him, losing Faith, and I think he's just avoiding. It's the first time we've seen him since the funeral. He only dropped by to leave an update on the warehouse district." Fred sighed. "It would be a shame to lose his help, but I wouldn't blame him for moving on, away from here. He and Faith were really close. I had a feeling he was probably going to ask her to marry him soon."
"Faith actually let a guy stick around? That doesn't sound like the girl I knew," Buffy said.
"Well, you're right about that, in most cases, but that's not how it happened with them. Maybe it was just that he understood her life before they got together, but those two really clicked. They made each other very happy."
"He knew who she was right away?"
"Well, he knew a Slayer was in Cleveland. I'm sure you know about gossip to be heard in certain circles. Anyway, Robin is a Slayer's son. He was raised by her Watcher, and he's been hunting vampires since his teens. He was living in New York when he heard that Faith was making her mark here, and I guess he just got curious. The rest is history," Fred replied.
"I didn't know there were Slayers with children." Why hadn't Giles ever let her know that? Did he know?
"Oh, it certainly hasn't been common. Wes only knew of a few on record. Robin's mother was stationed in New York City, in the '70s. Unwed teenage pregnancy. His father wasn't in the picture. I'm sure it was hard for her, having to juggle both responsibilities so young," Fred mused. "Well, I've gossiped enough. How was your walk?"
"Good, except for the cold. I'm really not used to snow," Buffy replied. "When are the others supposed to get back?"
"Don't know, but they've got a teenage girl at the mall. They could be out until suppertime."
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Friday, one week following their arrival…
"Are you sure I have to leave the Scythe?" Buffy whined to Willow, for the fourth time.
"Yes, Buffy! The weapon is supposed to be handed from Slayer to Slayer, and since she's on a Hellmouth, it's supposed to go to Simone. And hey, one last piece of baggage you have to declare at the airport. Will you finish packing already? Wes said we have to leave for the airport in 10 minutes."
"Okay, okay…I get the hint. You could be a little less happy to see me leave, you know," she pouted.
"Oh, you know I'll miss you! I won't see you for a month, well, maybe on Christmas, but we'll be e-mailing and talking on the phone all the time. Now, get your hiney in that car so you can get back to the husband you've been missing so much," Willow ordered. The resolve face always moved people to action.
Buffy smiled sheepishly, and tossed the rest of her things in her bag. Hugs were shared before getting in the car, then more at the airport. Buffy wished the young Slayer good luck, even going so far as to say she could call if she needed advice. Tara would be going back to Sunnydale in another week, and Christmas was coming soon, so the goodbyes were really just temporary. The elder Slayer boarded her plane anxious to get home and back to her normal life with her husband.
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Meanwhile…
Sebastian had also been busy over the week Buffy was gone. Willow's request had rung true with him, once he'd had some time to sleep on it, and preparations for their plan were underway. A plot of 5 acres had been bought just outside of town, on the east side of Sunnydale where the river went by. His next step had been to talk to an architect the Order trusted about drawing up plans. Getting approval from City Planning was the next step after the preliminary sketch had been made. By the end of the week, Sebastian had only to talk to Buffy about the idea, and then a construction crew could start grading the land. Not a bit of work would be started unless his wife was on board.
"Hey, how was your flight?" Sebastian asked, hugging his wife.
"Long. Now kiss me."
"Mmm, glad to. Listen, there's something I want to talk with you about over dinner."
"Really? Like what?"
"Nothing bad…but it's an idea I don't want to move ahead on without your consent."
"Okay…Mr. Mysterious. What are we doing in the meantime?"
"Rupert requested we come by the shop so you can tell him about the new Slayer. He's been most anxious for news."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Once a Watcher, always a Watcher. Fine, we'll go see Giles. We'll have to see Mom, too, since she'll feel left out if I only stop in with Giles."
"That's alright. There's no rush today."
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"So, what is this big idea you have to share with me? I've been curious for hours," Buffy asked impatiently.
"Perhaps it's best if I just show you," he replied. Sebastian walked over to his desk and pulled out a folder. He handed it to Buffy.
"What is this?"
"Just take a look through the contents."
Buffy looked at him quizzically, then opened the folder and started looking through the items. There were pictures of a piece of land, from several different angles. Drawings of a few buildings that seemed like they'd be fairly large. Approval forms from the City Council?
"What is all this?"
"After you left The Magic Box, the day Willow came back, I was going to go after you, when Willow asked to speak to me privately…"
"Yeah…"
"She had an idea that she thought I was best suited to possibly carry out. I said I would give it some serious thought, and while you were away, I looked into what it would take to carry it through…"
"What idea, Sebastian?"
"The Council faces a problem. They have more members facing retirement than they do coming in, and that means that there are less Watchers to find and educate Potentials. If you'll remember, Willow mentioned that most of these girls need a better place to go, a new caring environment…and that's what this folder is about."
"You want to open an orphanage?" Buffy asked, confused.
"No, a school. A boarding school where these girls would receive the finest education, both in the classics, and the supernatural. It's a burden that the Council, in its waning years, has been less and less able to handle. I know you don't want to fight demons anymore, love, but isn't this a legacy you want to be a part of?"
"I don't know…this would be a lot of work just to get off the ground, and the cost? If it's a boarding school, who pays for tuition when these girls don't have families?"
"The Council, and myself. It wouldn't be hard to get grants and endowments, either. You forget that I have connections all over the world, dear."
"But…who's going to run it, and where will you find teachers? Demonology 101 isn't exactly offered at every college, you know."
"Well, Willow and I kind of hope it will be a group effort. It's actually harder to find qualified teachers in the traditional subjects, than the mystical ones, Buffy. A lot of your questions don't require immediate answers, though, darling. It will take a year of solid work to get the buildings completed, anyway. Until then, we could take in one of the girls…learn firsthand how to introduce her to her possible destiny?" he coaxed.
"What about having our own family, like a normal couple? Shouldn't we be trying for that, before we pick up some stray?" Buffy countered, raining her voice.
"Buffy…"
"No! I think I've earned the right to be just a little selfish, after already dying once, and nearly dying a hundred times more in the last 11 years! Everybody else has babies, as in plural, already, and we're just finally getting started with a regular life now that the Hellmouth is finally dead and closed. I don't care if the Council has fallen apart. Good for them! They don't have such a stellar history, anyway. Let those girls live oblivious to what might happen to one of them! It's the least they're owed, before someone sends them to their deaths!" She ceased yelling, then turned and ran into the bedroom, slamming the door and locking it. Sebastian was there knocking on it, immediately.
"Buffy…"
"Just go away! If you can't understand, then just go away!"
"I understand if you don't want to take in one of the girls. We don't have to, but the school is going to happen, right here in Sunnydale. Can you open the door, so we can talk about this face to face? I'll walk through it, if I have to."
She threw open the door, scowling at him. "Fine. Finish what you have to say."
"Buffy, I need a purpose, a goal in life. I've lived that way all my life. I spent 130 years making sure the world was a better and safer place, and it's the only way I know. I can't just live in this little town and pretend I don't know what's going on in the rest of the world. This school is a chance – a chance for me, a chance for those girls, and even for those who will be on the staff. Most of those girls will never be the Slayer, but that doesn't mean they don't have other gifts and talents to share with others. We can give them the tools to make a difference. I have eternity, Buffy, and it's a long time to live just for myself."
"So…you're bored being a house-husband and need a new job? Is that what it's about?" she prodded.
His lips quirked in an almost-smile. "That's part of it, yes."
"Then you can have your hobby. I expect you still to be home every night for dinner, and I'm boinking your brains out until you get me pregnant."
"I can live with your terms," he replied, relieved.
"Good. Now, get in here." Buffy tugged him in the bedroom by his collar and tossed him on the bed. She shut the door, then pounced.
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What originally started as a multi-phase plan for easing the Council out of their caretaker role for the Potentials, became the Pierce Academy for Gifted Children.
Sebastian called Willow with the good news the next day, where they discussed ideas that the Knight jotted down. Once Tara was home, she contributed her perspective to the project as someone trained in early childhood development. Giles found the idea fascinating, his love for learning as strong as Sebastian's, and they started brainstorming on the curriculum. The Council was contacted in hopes that they would send their full roster of known Potentials, and Reginald gladly sent the files.
The rest of their family learned about the project at Christmas. Xander offered to help with choosing the construction company to make sure the work done was the best. Kara was also eager to support the project, and Anya joined in once she learned that demons would be fairly and accurately represented in the curriculum. Spike didn't really have anything to say about it.
Michael approached Sebastian privately between dinner and present opening.
"Sebastian, sir, I, uh…wanted to offer my services as a history teacher? I graduate in the spring and will be starting my student teaching internship, but after that, if you think I could qualify, I'd like the chance?" he offered nervously.
"I will take your resume into consideration, Michael, when the time comes. However, don't think that you will get special treatment just because of your relationship with Dawn."
"Oh, no, sir! I wouldn't expect that. I just thought…well, I like the whole idea of this school, you know, and it would be a worthwhile place to teach. I know what it's like to have to struggle to get ahead, when your family can't offer you the best, so…I think I'd relate to where these kids are coming from."
"Well, I like your attitude. We'll talk more about it in the future, alright?"
"Thanks, Sebastian. I, uh, should get back to Dawn…" The young man smiled, then rejoined the others.
"Think he'll have any clue what he's doing?" Spike asked, coming alongside his cousin.
"Did any of us, when we first started out? He's eager, and he seems to want to teach for the right reasons, so who knows? He's usually scared to death of the both of us, so I think it took a lot of courage just to mention he wants the job," Sebastian replied, amused.
"I still don't like how bloody cozy they've gotten…"
"And you never will, cousin, but it's out of our hands. Let's rejoin the party, before your daughters shred everything in their pursuit of their gifts."
Spike swooped in on the 4-year-olds just when they were about to topple the tree in their haste to pull the boxes out from underneath.
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After the twins' birthday, in February, Kara felt they were old enough to visit Ossiriand for the first time. She got Spike to come along, and the family made their first overnight visit to the dimension.
The palace mesmerized the twins. Showing their usual lack of fear, there had been no hesitation going through the portal, and now, they looked about the room with wide eyes. Kara took the girls by the hand and led them in to the entry hall, followed by her husband.
"Empress, it is good to see you again. Oh, have you finally brought your daughters?"
"Anastasia, Lillian, this is the Elder. He takes care of Ossiriand when I'm not here."
"Is this a fairytale land, Mommy?" Lillian asked, looking around.
"No, sweetie, everything you see here is real. Remember when I explained that part of Mommy comes from a very special place? Well, this is the place I was talking about, and both of you girls belong here, too. Your ancestors come from here, and that's why you both can do special things."
"This place made me extra fast, Mommy?" Ana asked.
"In a way, sweetie. Would you like to see more?"
"Yes, please!" They both replied.
"What do you require, Empress? Should I have the cook prepare something?"
"We'll stick to the normal schedule, my friend. Just let her know that my husband is here, as well, so she can accommodate his diet."
"Of course. Your rooms will also be prepared. It is an honor to meet you, Princess Anastasia and Princess Lillian. It is very good to see you, too, Sire. You should not leave it so long between visits."
"Earth is more my style, mate, but the sentiment's appreciated. Where to, luv?"
"Umm, the garden? We can show them the palace first, before going anywhere else." Kara led her family outside.
"Are we really princesses, Mama?" Ana asked.
"Yes, you are, baby. One day, a long time from now, you and your sister will be in charge here. Governing a realm comes with great responsibilities, girls. You have to be careful about very important decisions."
And such began our history lessons on Ossiriand culture. Mom led us through the garden, telling a story about each statue there and who they had been. Other kids got to be lazy in summer. We went on "educational vacations", either on Earth, or in Ossiriand. Mom figured if we could see where history had taken place, then we'd have a better chance of remembering it, as we got older. I guess all royal children have to spend their childhood learning.
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2008…
Construction started for Pierce Academy once the winter rains had gone. There was no sense in preparing the dirt, only to have it rain two days later. Sebastian ended up going with the construction company Xander belonged to, after Xander made his request to be general foreman on the project. The school building would be three stories tall, plus have a full basement. The basement would be divided in half – one side for archival storage of magic books and items, the other side reserved for the training room for martial arts lessons. The first floor would be for classrooms, the second floor with living quarters for the children, and the third floor would house the teachers and Sebastian and Buffy's living quarters. He saw no need to keep a separate apartment, when he owned property in the same town.
There would also be a gymnasium, equipped for all physical education games, plus the gymnastic equipment to prepare the girls to be a Slayer. Tara suggested that there be a learning garden on the property, also, where the students would grow the herbs needed in spells, as well as vegetables for the home economics and science classes. The property was actually five miles outside city limits, though it still held a Sunnydale address. They would be paving a private road, and fencing the entire 5 acres. Though the academy would appear to be just another private school to human eyes, the founders knew that it was a possibility one day to have the property come under demonic attack. All outer walls were to be twice as thick as normal, a state-of-the-art security system was planned, and wards would be added once construction was complete.
The construction crew was contracted to complete the main building up to finishing the walls and installing the light fixtures. Appliances would be installed as needed, and the occupants would choose paint for the living quarters. Under Xander's steady supervision, the main building was completed by the end of summer, and the gymnasium would be done before the rainy season came again. The family group got together at the end of August to have a painting party. Classes would start the first week of September, provided the girls started arriving on time.
"We need to have something cheerful," Dawn insisted. "Plain white is so boring."
"Well, what do you suggest, Miss World Traveling Photojournalist?" Buffy taunted.
"I'm not traveling, yet. I just started working for the magazine. I'm probably going to be a glorified gopher, until I earn my dues. And I suggest pale yellow or blue, and lots of funky posters in the lower grade classrooms."
"How many girls are in each grade?" Kara asked.
"Well, so far, we're only working up to 7th grade, with a total of 100 students. That's all the Council said could be transferred quickly."
"Yes, most of the Potentials are in secondary school – high school, for you Americans – and are in well-established homes and communities. It's the younger girls the Council has had trouble placing recently, the ones that are still struggling with being separated from their families." Sebastian looked at his clipboard. "We have ten in kindergarten, ten in first grade, seven in 2nd, 15 in 4th, twelve in 5th, 30 in 6th, and that leaves 16 for 7th grade. We have more 12-year-olds than any other age, when they enter our tutelage. Obviously, they will need a lot of female guidance."
"Isn't he just so British?" Buffy teased her husband.
"I say we better get to work. We have a lot of rooms to finish," Giles cut in.
They made a quick trip to the hardware store, getting a discount for buying so many gallons of paint, paint trays, ladders, and rollers, then split into pairs and got to work. For now, each grade had one classroom, and one science room, so they were painting 14 rooms. Several more rooms would remain locked up until they were needed.
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Joyce asked a question when they broke for a late lunch. "Will this be a girls-only school?"
"Why do you ask, Mom?"
"Well, word's bound to get out, sometime. This building is visible from the highway, so people are going to wonder about the school. The world needs properly trained boys with an inclination towards magic, too, doesn't it?"
"Young men like that usually ended up at the Watcher's Academy," Giles replied.
"Yeah, maybe in England, Watcher. How many Watchers have you known that didn't originate in the UK?" Spike countered.
"Well, there are a few Americans…"
"Exactly. A few. Slayer, how many magically-inclined lads on the Hellmouth did you encounter that were perfect Boy Scouts?"
"That's not a fair question, since it was a Hellmouth," Buffy replied.
"Red, you talk to covens all over the globe. How many have male members?"
"Uh…"
"I think Spike may have a point," Tara said supportively. "I think it's safe to say that we don't know who might be training boys to respect magic."
"But, we already have 100 girls, here," Buffy argued. "Wouldn't the classes need to be somewhat balanced?"
"Let's not worry about that what-if right now. We already have this semester planned, so let's just get through that with our heads above water, okay?" Willow interjected. "We have years, possibly, before we have to worry about outsiders taking an interest in the school."
"I brought a pie, if you're all done bickering," Anya stated.
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The group moved on to the dormitory bedrooms once the classrooms were finished, until the sunlight had faded. The city had yet to turn the electricity on, and they didn't want to fire up the generator when it wasn't an emergency.
"Think we'll finish in time?" Buffy asked her husband.
"We have to. Those girls are coming, whether we do, or not."