Jack and Hazel Maxwell looked over the school grounds with pride. Their only little girl was about to graduate from this school; a school where she had learned how to fight the darkness and to protect the innocent. They knew that she had a hard life ahead of her, but they had to be pragmatic about that; she would have had that kind of life anyway.
Being a small town farmer's daughter wasn't easy. Although it was a way of life that they loved neither of them were ignorant as to the hardships. There was never enough money for everything that was needed, much less the things that their kids had wanted. Travel for more than a few days wasn't an option, and then they had to make sure that the livestock were cared for by someone knowledgeable. It wasn't like they just had cats and dogs. College, unless on a scholarship program, wasn't an option either, but Jordan would have that opportunity if she wanted it.
The Watcher's Council had a standing policy of sending any Slayer to college if she wanted, no matter how expensive a school. If she wanted, Jordan could go to Harvard, or Oxford, or any other Ivy League school and she wouldn't be doing it as a charity scholar either. She'd be going as a Slayer, a heroine.
Xander stepped out the double doors and onto the cement slab that served as combination patio/back porch to the dormitory. As soon as he appeared with both girls on his arms, everyone settled down and took seats so that they could see what was happening.
With broad smiles on their faces Giles and Buffy went to stand to one side of the trio. Excited murmurs ran around through out the crowd and several bets were placed among the staff and younger Slayers as to the identity of the new Watchers.
"I know that everyone just wants to know who Jordan and Hannah's Watchers are and where they're going to be assigned but Giles and I do have a couple of little speeches to give. So bear with us and we'll be as quick as we can," Buffy said to the crowd. She was dressed up with her hair piled onto her head, a far cry from her normal look around the school of training gear or secretary chic.
"Girls, you've made it this far. You have survived three years on a hellmouth. Although it may not seem like it because you have had so much backup with all of us here, we do know just how much of an accomplishment that is. You have faced apocalypse after apocalypse, both mini and major. You have both literally looked straight into hell and survived. Now you are going to go and take care of things in other places. All that we ask is that you don't forget us, your sisters. If you need us, we'll be there. No questions asked, well, probably a lot of questions but they'll be about what do you want us to kill." That brought a lot laughs from the audience and a smile to Jordan and Hannah's faces.
Buffy looked over at Giles and handed over the virtual spotlight. "It is unusual for two Slayers to have been born on the same day," Giles began. "But that is the situation we have here. Jordan, today you turn eighteen. That is an accomplishment as Buffy has said. As you have plans to attend college, we have arranged for you to attend Stanford University. You will be responsible for the safety of not only those who live in Palo Alto, but you will also take on a variety of jobs to be determined by your Watcher, John Winchester."
Giles announcement was John's que to walk up and shake Jordan's hand. Jordan herself was in shock at this turn of events. She knew that she had agreed to have a Watcher from a Hunting family, but the Winchesters? They were some of the best! "It's good to meet you Jordan."
"It's good to meet you too sir," Jordan said breathlessly. She couldn't help but steal a quick glance at her roommates who sat with their mouths open in shock. If Xander was the most crushed on guy on campus, the Winchesters were the most crushed on men off of campus.
John took her from Xander and said, "Now why don't you introduce me to your family." That woke Jordan up from her shock and she dragged him gently over to where her family was sitting.
With smiles on their faces, Buffy and Giles waited for the shocked and excited whispers to die down. They had a second Slayer to settle today as well. After a few moments people seemed to remember that Hannah was waiting. "Thank you," Giles said, giving the Slayers who had been squealing a stern glance.
"Now, Hannah. Today is also your eighteenth birthday and it is time for you to learn your assignment. One would think that Jordan has all of the backup she could possibly require in such a quiet college town. However, we do not believe in sending any Slayer out on her own if at all possible. That is why your Watcher is Dean Winchester. With two Slayers posted to the same town, both of you will be able to accomplish a great deal more than you will alone."
Hannah looked up at Dean in shock as they shook hands. She was used to having to look up at people. She was only five feet tall, but she really hadn't expected to get a Hunting family full of giants, both physically and with their reputation. She was speechless and in shock.
"Hello Hannah." Dean was used to this reaction. If he didn't get stares and whispers he got this look of shocked hero worship. It was so annoying to be a celebrity. It wasn't as if he'd tried to become famous. He had just been doing his job! Well, Hannah would come out of it soon enough. If not now, then definitely by the time they got Stanford. One plane trip with him would be all it took. It would be nice to be able to turn his weakness into an asset for once.
Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell, their sons and everyone from their small hometown had crowded around John and Jordan and were busy introducing themselves and congratulating Jordan. Mr. and Mrs. Adams, however, weren't so enthusiastic. "They can't be serious, Gordon. Look at him; he looks like he just jumped off a freight train!" Grace furiously whispered to her husband.