A/N Xander's changes continue to multiply as Faith and Cordelia are beginning to bond. No this will not be triad/harem fic, fun as those can be. Just friends. But Faith is also getting a more secure home as well, so more changes. Next the witches evaluations and some surprises.
"Xander you mentioned you become a soldier, were you actually Private Alexander Harris or possessed by another soldier, the previous owner of the fatigues in question?"
"Private Harris."
"Interesting, then you transformed, you weren't possessed. What about the rest of you, were you possessed or transformed?" Ms. Lewiston asked.
"I was a ghost of myself," Willow answered. "I dressed as a ghost."
"I dressed as a noblewoman, not a specific one. I transformed into a generic noblewoman, no name." Buffy said.
"I got a costume at a different store, I didn't transform." Cordelia said.
"No costume," Oz said.
"Do any if you still have your costume?"
"I stuck mine in a bag and put it, along the dog tags and toy gun, in the back of my closet. It should still be there." Xander said.
"I got rid of my dress the next day." Buffy said.
Willow just shook her head.
"Xander would you mind going and getting your costume? I would like to examine it magically. It may shed light on why you retained the knowledge when no one else did."
"Sure, I can run home now. Hey, if you guys want, while I'm out I could grab some snacks."
"A great idea," Ms Lewiston said, "I could use a bite." She reached for her purse and handed him some money. "Just keep the change."
"Ok, everyone wanting something, write it down and drop your money on the table," Xander said. Money was pulled out and notes were made on the back of one of Giles presentation pages and then Xander headed out.
"In the meantime, Willow, we should start with an in depth examination of you and see if we can figure out the extent of your issues and get an idea of how best to help you."
"Ok, where should I stand?"
"Over here in this open area will be fine. Everyone else please stay clear. We don't want anyone elses aura interfering with Willow's."
Willow stepped over to the indicated area and the two witches stood on either side of her and joined their hands together and began to chant, while moving their joined hands from the top of Willow's head and down to her feet. A glow followed their joined hands. Once again the spider like blemish could be seen. Once done the two stepped back and away and motioned Willow to take a seat at the table.
"First off, Rupert is correct. You accidentally used a piece of your own soul to power that spell. Whether the spell was designed to do that or was a result of your weakened condition, we can't tell. Rupert showed us the printout you had of the spell and unfortunately, there's nothing in the spell itself to indicate which. At this point, the best thing to do is begin healing it. That is not something we can do today as we will need our energy for these diagnostics. However, we can setup a session to begin a healing ritual. The first one will give us some idea of how long it will ultimately take. Most likely several sessions will be necessary. Only after complete healing or as much as is possible has been done, will we know if you will be able resume learning magic. This will not be a quick affair, I'm afraid, the damage is already extensive, so it will take time to heal. But it is doable, so don't despair, my dear."
"Ok, well at least I can get better. I really was just trying to help."
"I know, my dear. This is a harsh lesson to have to learn about the dangers of magic. But best learned early, so to prevent future issues."
"Now, Cordelia, your turn,"
"Yum, could we do this privately, I'm just feeling a little uncomfortable, also if you activate whatever my ability is, I don't want to accidentally hurt anyone."
While those who knew Cordelia looked surprised at the idea of her being uncomfortable or perhaps at being concerned for others wellbeing, the witches did not.
"Certainly, where would a good place be?"
"The girls locker room is just down the hall. I'm cheer captain and I have a key to it, we can do it there."
"That should be fine, shall we," she said motioning toward the door. They left.
"I wonder what that's about," Buffy said, "it's not like Cordelia to be uncomfortable."
"Not everyone is comfortable with magic, Buffy, and her concern may be warranted, as newly awakened abilities can be unpredictable." Giles told her.
Cordelia led the way to the locker room, apprehensive that the more in depth check would reveal her secret before she was ready for it come out. She knew Xander was right and sooner or later it was going to come out anyway, but she wanted it be on her terms, no one else's. She was still getting used to it and needed some time.
Once there, she unlocked the door and held it for the other two women to enter. She moved into an open area and waited while the two joined hands and watched warily as the soft glow moved over her.
"Well my dear, your concern is unwarranted, as it seems your ability is a seer type ability, as in visions. It can be safely activated whenever you wish."
"Ok, go ahead."
The two began a different chant while holding their hands over her head. A more greenish glow appeared between their hands and then they stepped back. "All done my dear. At some point you will get a vision, what you will see is unknown, perhaps of people in need or the future, you will not know until the visions begin. But at least you know. Come, let's head back to the library. Perhaps your young man has returned, I am most curious about his diagnosis. Some very interesting things should show up."
Cordelia nodded, relieved and locked up on their way out.
