My thanks to those who have reviewed or otherwise shown an interest in this story. This chapter and the next few are pretty short, but this was written as a serial and the chapters had to end at certain places. They do get a bit longer as it goes on, though, and things actually do happen.

The Dawning of Faith

Chapter 5

"It feels wonderful!"

"There's nothing like it," confirmed Willow, "that moment when you really know that your heart belongs to someone, it's just about the most powerful feeling there is."

"And you've had it twice?" asked Dawn. Willow gave a patented "rueful Willow" smile.

"I'm not sure anybody ever has it twice, Dawnie," she said gently, "I love Kennedy, and I know she loves me, and I trust her, and want her, but…"

"She's not Tara?" asked Dawn, softly.

"No sweetie, she isn't. You only get one Tara, I think. Not because she's the first, but because she's…"

"Her," finished Dawn. Willow nodded and hugged Dawn tightly.

"I hope things work out for you Dawnie, really, I do. But even if they don't, even if Faith can't feel about you the way you feel about her, the feeling is still beautiful, so treasure it. Always." Dawn nodded, her face nestled in the crook of Willow's neck.

"Now then, young lady, there is your education to discuss!" Willow said briskly. "You have to learn to use and explore your magical abilities, and you have to learn to use that uber-pig-sticker that your sister gave you. Fortunately for you, there are trained professionals available in both areas. You ready?"

"I'm ready," confirmed Dawn, "I'm ready for everything."

"I believe you are, sweetie, I believe you are…"

"What do you think we owe Giles for the booze?" Buffy asked as she held out her glass for a refill.

"Dunno, this stuff has to cost a lot, it's too good to be cheap," Faith replied.

"Oh God, suppose this is like the last bottle in the world or something?"

"I don't think he'd have left that behind some books in the study. He's a nerd, but he's not stupid. House full of curious girls? Please!"

"You're right, fill 'er up!" Buffy said brightly.

"Are you cool with Willow teaching Dawn magic?"

"I think so, I know she's curious about it, and Willow knows the danger if anyone does. And I know Dawn has power, she did a spell to bring Mom back. She said it didn't work, but I think it did, she just realized it was wrong and canceled it."

"That took guts," Faith said.

"Yeah, it did. She's grown up now. I have to recognize that, hell, she went through Mom's death, got attacked by a Vamp while she was looking at the body. She watched me die in front of her eyes, and then went through all that shit when I came back. Sure, she whined a lot, but who wouldn't? Dawn is going to be quite a woman, I think."

"I think she already is," Faith told her as she poured Giles' scotch. "I guess I need to get with Willow and work out a schedule for her training. It seems to me that for her weapon training that we need to emphasize defending herself. It's not her job to go hunt Vamps and Demons, that's what Slayers are for, so I'll slant the training towards protecting her, not necessarily killing the opponent. Though to be fair, dead demons don't hurt much more than the décor."

"Makes sense to me, I really appreciate your doing this Faith, you don't have to."

"No, but I want to. I really care about her B. I guess it's the scotch talking, but I always kind of wanted you to be my big sister, you know?"

"I'm not that old!" protested Buffy.

"I know you aren't, Buff, but that's not the thing. You've been a Slayer longer than I have. The fact is, you are the last "Slayer – comma - The", there will ever be. Whatever book there is, you'll write it."

"Can I count on your help?" asked Buffy.

"To the very end B, to the very end," Faith raised her glass in a toast, and Buffy echoed it.

"God, it feels good to have things worked out between us, Faith. There is so much to do, and the girls need you just as much as they need me. I'm glad you care about Dawn, too. I feel better knowing you'll look out for her, I can't always be there for her," Buffy said, staring into her glass.

"Buff, about Dawnie…" Faith began.

"Yeah?"

"I'm thinking her biggest asset in a fight is going to be her speed and agility, you figure the same?"