As Buffy lies uncomfortably in bed with Dawn clinging to her like a limpet, she frowns as Willow and Tara's disagreement carries on into the bedroom. Her frown deepens when Tara does a volte-face and is suddenly giggling and the two of them start behaving like they normally do. It takes her a long time to fall asleep, as she is once more left wishing she still had her implants. Her thoughts focusing, unbidden, on the three times she'd regained lost memories. The first, when she stopped the Stalker from destroying the Reservoir, and discovering the grim truth about her existence. That she wasn't actually a warframe, instead, she was a person and the Reservoir is the place where she, and her brothers and sisters, were kept in pods. Safe from attackers. The second when she followed Teshin to rescue him from the Grineer Queens, only for him to do the same for her when the elder Queen was trying to destroy her mind, and take over her body. Then the last, and most recent, when Willow resurrected her, and she discovered that this was a past life. Once more she curses her lack of implants, as unlike her previous memories, those memories started fading immediately, and it's only by reviewing her diaries and notes that she's even retained a portion of those memories.
Gently, she tries to tug Dawns arm from around her so that she can meditate. When Dawn doesn't budge, she muses darkly that this must be how her mother, Veldé, must have felt during the early days on the Zariman, before the void destroyed her sanity.
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The next morning, Dawn's still struggling with what happened the previous night. As she gets ready for her training she reaches behind her back for the dagger. When she doesn't find it, her breathing quickens, and her heartrate soars as she looks around her room wildly. When she spots it hanging over the chair, she grabs it and wraps it around her hips. As she continues to get ready, her hand keeps straying to the grip of the dagger, just touching it to reassure herself that it's still there.
During her training, Dawn keeps getting distracted by the memory of Justin's arm around her neck, but she gamely moves through the motions with Buffy. The movements and practice seemingly more important than just bonding time with her sister. Eventually, she notices that Buffy seems to be distracted by something, so, for the first time since they started, Dawn calls, "Buffy, break." To talk rather than get out of training.
As Buffy steps back, Dawn sinks to her knees. Buffy looks at her appraisingly, before doing the same.
After a few moments, Dawn asks, "Buffy, are you ok? You seem distracted."
Buffy's eyes refocus and she shakes her head slightly, "Huh, what? Oh, yes, I'm ok. Just dealing with my lack of implants."
Dawn switches to Orokin, "As sister, what wrong?"
Something Dawn had noticed before, happens once more as a switch seems to flip in the way Buffy regards her, "I am struggling with emotional regulation. Tara stopped being upset with Willow last night, and I can't stop thinking about regaining my memories. A few hours meditation should sort it out."
Dawn nods as she struggles to understand and translate what Buffy just said. Once she has, she responds, "Tara, try talk to."
Absently, Buffy replies, "Try and talk to Tara. Remember, G sound to indicate joining, and stress on Tara to indicate subject."
"Try talk to Tara."
"Better, and I will. I'll give it a few cycles first."
Dawn touches her dagger, and blinks as she remembers trying to talk Justin down in the car, "I kill Buffy last cycle."
Buffy laughs, "Buffy, I killed last cycle. And, yes, it's the Tenno way. We kill so that others can live in peace." Her eyes go distant, "We were created as weapons of war, our memories robbed, and our birth right stolen because they were losing. When we started waking again, it's all we knew, so the Lotus guided us to protect the ones caught in the middle. We took money from the Corpus to attack the Grineer, and money from the Grineer to attack the Corpus. In the middle, the independent colonies thrived. Or they would if it wasn't for a final weapon of the Orokin, the infestation. A techno-organic disease that would take over both living and electronic systems."
Refocusing on Dawn, Buffy continues in English, "Yes you did kill, but rather than focus on what you did, look at why you did it, and how you got there."
Dawn huffs with annoyance, "I got into the situation because I was stupid, alright."
Buffy shakes her head, "No, not stupid, inexperienced. Did you know they were vampires? Did you sneak out without permission? Did you do it all alone?"
Dawn looks down, "I should have known, all the signs were there. I could have got Janice and I out of there earlier by saying I wanted to go to the Bronze."
Buffy reaches across the gap between them, "Dawn, you knew none of those things yesterday. One of the reasons we have, had, implants so that we can review our past actions without the emotional biases that hindsight brings. It's one of the things I remember mum teaching me, how to separate current knowledge from my past actions. I was 13 when I got those implants, and it was amazing. The day before, the world was a confusing mess, and after a couple of months, it was just a mess. I could look at what happened, and judge my actions clearly. School became a breeze, as we could turn off our emotions so that we could focus on the lessons and understanding them. We were just starting on the more advanced stuff like Eternalism and the scientific proofs that show it's not only a valid philosophical precept, but actually exists. Though we can't interact with our doubles. Well, I should say, we can't normally interact with our doubles. It was a wonderful life, but it was a caste system, and we were at the top. The Dax and Corpus were below us, and everyone else was below them. We even created the Grineer as a slave race to work in conditions that robotics and our civilians couldn't without dying in a matter of years… Sorry, I got side tracked, we were talking about your experiences last night."
Dawn shakes her head, "No, I was interested. You don't normally talk about these things like you were there."
Buffy shakes her head, "And I shouldn't, that was then and this is now. Tara's volte-face must be affecting me more than I thought."
Dawn laughs, "Buffy, volte-face, really? When did you start using language like that?"
Buffy sticks her tongue out, "Fine, her sudden flip-flop on her disagreement with Willow."
"What was their disagreement anyway?"
Buffy shakes her head, "If you don't know, I'm not going to tell you. I may have super senses, but if I share stuff like that, then people will stop trusting me. Now, come on, lets practice with our bows and see who can pull the most ridiculous pose while still hitting the target. Also, I'll walk you to school later, as you're wearing your dagger for once."
Dawn reaches behind her to touch the grip for reassurance.
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Buffy sits in a cheap padded chair in front of the principles desk at Sunnydale Junior High, next to her is Dawn, who is twitching nervously.
Principle Stevens looks up from Dawns notes, "Miss Summers, it is a pleasure to see you. And I am very happy with the improvements that Dawn has been making over the last couple of months."
Buffy nods, "While that is certainly pleasant news, I'm actually here on a more important matter."
"Oh?"
"As you may know, I've recently started an apprenticeship with Mikes Machining."
Principle Stevens looks back down at the notes, "Indeed, I see you updated the after-hours contact details."
Buffy reaches into her purse and pulls out her old Initiative ID card, "Well, what you shouldn't be aware of is the fact that I have been part of the armed forces. And this is classified information, so don't note it down." She hands over the ID for the Principle to look at briefly, before putting it back in her purse.
Stevens frowns, "While that's all very interesting, what does that have to do with your presence in my office today?"
Buffy gives him a sweet smile that doesn't reach her eyes, "I was just getting to that Principle Stevens. Suffice to say that I have been unable to put my full attention to raising Dawn the way she deserves to be since our mother died. I am, however, no longer associated with the American Government. I am, however, still highly skilled in all forms of CQC, including daggers. A skill that I have been passing on to Dawn here, since the circumstances that prevented me being a full part of my sisters life were lifted. It was this skill that saved her… virtue, and possibly her life last night."
"Miss Summers, please get to the point."
"Principle Stevens, I would like you to write Dawn a waiver so that she can carry the dagger, that she trains with, in school."
"Miss Summers, you know that we have a very strict no weapons policy."
"Principle Stevens, you are aware of the fact that you can provide a waiver to that policy, and I have just explained why you should do just that."
Stevens leans forward, "The school rules are very clear that there are no exceptions to that rule. We will not be having a repeat of Sunnydale High, with students high on PCP running amok."
Buffy nods, and pulls a letter from her purse, "Very well, as you won't make an exception for a reasonable reason. I have here a letter informing you that I am withdrawing Dawn Summers from the school on personal safety grounds. She will be home schooled until she graduates to high school. We will be taking a copy to City Hall as soon as we're finished here."
Dawn stares at her sister, wide-eyed, as Principle Stevens takes the letter and reads it through.
"Miss Summers, you do realise that this letter could be very damaging to the schools reputation?"
Buffy looks at him with wide, innocent eyes, "I have no idea what you mean. After all, I've only been on this earth for 20 years. I actually had the receptionist at Mikes help me prepare for this meeting, as I thought something like this might happen. After all, you tend to make enemies in my former line of work."
After a long few moments, Principle Stevens writes out a waiver and hands it to his Secretary to type up. Once he's sat down again, he looks at Dawn, "Miss Summers. Dawn, this is a waiver to carry the dagger with you in school. It is not permission to draw it. If I find out that you've drawn it without a teachers supervision, you will be subject to the normal rules on weapons in the school."
Buffy coughs meaningfully, "Principle Stevens, I would hope that if Dawn had cause to draw the dagger in school, you'd have the police involved, not just treating her as a delinquent."
Principle Stevens nods, "Yes, yes indeed."
Once the waiver comes in, Buffy pulls out a small dictionary and reads through the waiver twice, double checking any word that she's not sure of the meaning of.
As she's doing that Principle Stevens protests, "Miss Summers, you don't need to do that. The waiver is written in plain English."
Buffy looks up absently, "I am aware of that Principle. However, I'm not ashamed to admit that I didn't do as well as I should in English at school. I was also advised to ensure that I understood the waiver before signing and dating all three copies."
The principle sighs, and lets Buffy continue. After a couple of minor changes, Dawn, Buffy, and the principle all have a copy signed by both Stevens and Buffy. Once they're both in the corridor outside, Buffy gives Dawn a hug, and Dawn whispers, "How did you do that? Where you really planning this for weeks?"
Buffy smiles, "Presentation of the truth, and yes. It came up at work when I mentioned I was trying to get you to wear your dagger all the time."
Dawn squeezes her tight, "Best sister ever."
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From the school Buffy heads home to grab the library books she's been reading for her apprenticeship, before making her way to the Magic Box. Which seems to be the unofficial study location for the Scoobie Gang. When she arrives, she finds the shop mostly empty, with Tara sitting at the round table at the back doing some work for college. Giles is standing around looking busy, while Anya is serving a customer.
Giles looks up, "Buffy! I wasn't expecting you in yet."
Buffy shrugs, "I had to stay awake anyway to talk to Dawn's school. So I figured I'd forego sleep, and get some more studying in."
Giles raises an eyebrow, "Oh, anything interesting?"
Buffy nods and holds up a couple of books, "Uh huh, powder smelting alloys, and welding."
"Fascinating."
Buffy nods, "They are, did you know that incorrectly made welds can have a honeycomb structure, that leaves them weak to stresses even though they seem to pass all the normal tests."
Giles takes off his glasses and pinches his nose, "While I'm sure its interesting, I really don't think I need an in-depth description of it, thank you."
Buffy shrugs, "Suit yourself."
Taking off her jacket, she drapes it over a skull on the near by shelf and sits down next to Tara. As she starts to take notes in Orokin, and making comparisons with the techniques she learnt in the Orokin system, Tara leans over and says softly, "You should probably move your coat before Anya notices."
Buffy nods, "I would, but I don't like been watched by people I don't know."
Slightly more urgently Tara asks, "What do you mean?"
"I mean that someone has gone to the trouble of hiding a camera in the eye socket of that skull. You can just about see the reflection of light on the lens if you're coming up the stairs from the basement, with the door already open."
"How did you even spot that?"
"Hours of walking up and down the stairs into the basement looking for obscure items of stock. Last night."
"Oh. How did you know what you were looking at?"
Buffy smiles, "Tell you what, when you're willing to talk to me about what happened the night I came back. I'll talk to you about that too."
Tara and Buffy go back to their individual studies.
Around half an hour later, Buffy finishes her chapter and sits back to think. After a moment, she taps the table in front of Tara gently.
Tara looks up from her work, "Yes Buffy? You could have just used my name."
Buffy nods, "I didn't want to startle you. Would you mind if I spoke to you in the back quickly?"
Tara looks a little surprised, before nodding. Buffy leads the two of them out the back door, and into the alleyway, where the sun's shining.
Buffy paces for a couple of minutes while she considers revealing her enhanced senses, and if she can ask what she wants without doing so. Coming to a decision, she turns back to Tara.
"Sorry about that, I was trying to think of the best way to ask what I want to know. As you know, the Slayer is 'gifted' with extraordinary abilities so that they can combat demons on an equal footing. What everyone seems to forget is that this includes senses, such as hearing."
Tara goes bright red and covers her face with her hands.
Somewhat exasperated, Buffy huffs, "This is why I don't bring it up. For the most part I try to ignore personal conversations. But, last night the two of you were quite loud in your discussion of Willows magic use in the kitchen. I was just wondering, why does it matter how much magic Willow's using?"
Tara looks up, "What? Willow and I didn't argue last night."
"You did, and you even took it to bed. Which is why I took note of it, as you seemed to have made up very quickly."
Tara looks upset, and gets up to go back into the shop. But Buffy reaches out gently, and stops her, "Tara, if she's messed with your memory, let me know as I can't have someone living in the house with Dawn who's willing to do that. No matter how good a friend she was to Buffy Summers."
"Why though, she's your friend."
"Tara, it's not about friendship, it's about trust. I've had my memories stolen from me before, and they turned me into a weapon. I've regained memories three times, and each time was so bad I had to strip the emotions from the memory. That's why I wanted to know what's so bad about using magic."
Tara takes a deep breath and sits on the pile of pallets. In a small voice she says, "When you cast a spell, you draw magic in from the world around you and channel it into the working you're doing. If that was it, then using magic wouldn't be a problem. However, there are hellmouths all over the world, and the magic from those hells mingles with the magic of the earth. This makes it feel nice to use it, like a small bar of chocolate on your period. I'm just worried about what happens if you do it too much."
Buffy nods, "That makes sense. Also, I haven't forgotten that I want you to teach me magic. I've just got a few too many commitments at the moment."
Tara stand up and starts going back inside, "I-I have something I need to look up."
Buffy gets up to follow her, "I understand. If you do find something, talk to Giles about it first, as he's the expert on all things occult."
"I'll think about it."
"You should also start to keep a diary too, make a note of all your concerns and worries. You can use one of the drawers in my desk if you don't trust anywhere in your room."
Tara pauses and whispers, "Why are you being so nice to me?"
Buffy smiles and shakes her head, "Because you're a nice person. You know Dawn likes you too, as you're the only one that occasionally checked up on her, not just told her what to do. Or told her off for that matter."
Once Buffy gets back inside, she pulls out the notebook she's been using as a diary, and makes a note of her discussion with Tara, and the fact that magic could be addictive.
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After school, Dawn makes her way to Magic Box, and looks through the window inside to see Willow and Giles chatting about something at the table, with Xander talking to Anya by the counter. Not feeling like being ignored again, she turns around and makes her way to Buffy's work.
When she gets there, she looks around for Buffy, and watches as a demon talks to her over by some sort of spinning machine. As she watches, the demon takes a circle of metal and places it between two plates on the machine, with some sort of explanation going on. Seeing that Buffy's busy, Dawn makes her way up the stairs to the reception, where Vhesthine is talking on the phone. Slumping over to a chair, Dawn sits down, and then adjusts herself until her dagger is more comfortable. Pulling out her phone, she starts to look for the games the box said it came with.
After half an hour or so, Vhesthine turns to Dawn, "What's the problem?"
Dawn looks up and shakes her head, "Nothing."
Vhesthine shakes her head, "Succubus here, I can literally taste your emotions, and you reek of misery. So, what's wrong."
"I killed someone last night."
Vhesthine rolls her eyes, "Oh please, there has to be more to it than that."
"Isn't that enough? Do I really have to say I thought he was cute, until he turned out to be a vampire."
Vhesthine shrugs, "Sounds like you did the world a favour. One less vampire to cause trouble. So what else?"
"I think he killed someone while we were walking the streets, egging houses. There was this creepy old man who used to make toys. I'd started thinking there was something wrong with Jason and Zach. But I ignored it, because I was having fun. He caught me about to smash his pumpkin, and he invited us in. Then Jason went into the kitchen. Well, first of all, we were sat on his chairs, and he asked for some help in the kitchen. I saw Zach and Jason share a glance, and I was about to volunteer when Jason jumped up. He was taking too long, and it felt like something disappeared, so I got up to check on Jason, and he rushes out of the kitchen. While Zack was getting their car, Jason tried to give me $10, but I remembered Buffy talking to me about pocket money that morning. And it felt like I'd be betraying Buffy if I took it, so I gave it back. When Jason said they were driving us out to get some privacy, I called Buffy to let her know I'd be late, but I used the language she's been teaching me to say I was in trouble. Then, in the car, Jason was talking to me, and I was scared, but I couldn't reach my dagger because I was sitting against it. So I got out of the car. That's when Giles turned up, and he was so brave, he confronted Jason, even though he was holding his arm around my neck. That's when the other vampires walked out of the trees, and I was so scared I couldn't think. I thought we were going to die, and Buffy just appears, bang, one moment it's just Giles, the next Buffy's standing next to him holding two bows. When she called my name, I just knew what to do, and I grabbed my dagger and cut the inside of his elbow as deeply as I could. When he let go, I spun away and Buffy threw me my bow and arrows. We got separated, and I ran. When I got to a clearing, I stopped, and tried to shoot him with my arrows. But I dropped one first, as I remembered Buffy saying that they were too fast. When I ran out, he pushed me over, and knelt over me. That's when I took the end of the arrow and pushed the end through his ribs, into his heart. Blood poured out all over my hand, and then he turned to dust."
Vhesthine sits patiently through Dawns rambling confession. As she peters out, she taps her finger on the desk, "Dawn, grab a chair from the break room and come and sit next to me."
While Dawn's doing that, she pulls her makeup bag from her purse, along with her nail polish and care kit. Once Dawn's sat down, Vhesthine snaps, "Hands" at her, and starts to inspect her nails.
"Hmm, I can see I have my work cut out for me. You should stop biting your nails, as it will damage your nail beds, and your fingers will grow up over them. I'm going to use a touch of succubus magic to grow them slightly, so don't scream."
Intelligently, Dawn says, "Huh?"
As Dawns nails lengthen to around ¼ inch longer than the tips of her fingers, Vhesthine adds, "Don't worry, this much magic isn't corrupting. It's clear that nobodies ever taught you how to take care of your nails. And they're so good too. The first thing we're going to do is moisturise your hands, then I'll shape your nails and apply some polish. Then we can braid your hair to frame that lovely face, and add a touch of makeup."
As Dawns emotions change from misery to contentment and bliss, Vhesthine asks, "Was this your first kill?"
Absently, Dawn says, "No, well, yes. Sort of. I've dusted vampires before, but Buffy keeps talking about not sugar coating things, or using eupha… eupha…"
"Euphemisms?"
"Yeah, those."
"Uh huh, most mortals need to work up to that. So, if you've done it before, why is this time so hard?"
"I don't know, I've always done it with the others before."
Vhesthine nods, "The first time hunting alone is always hard. I remember my own, I thought the male was going to see through my disguise, or that I'd say the wrong thing and his lust would die back. All of that happened, but by the time it did, he didn't care what I looked like, he just wanted me, and tried to take it. It was absolutely delicious, decadent, and so very filling. These days I prefer lust mixed with desire, and to take a little every day rather than gorging myself every few weeks. Anyway, my matriarch was nearby the whole time, watching just in case she needed to step in."
Dawn nods absently, "Just like Buffy."
"Other hand. When it comes down to it, you did us a favour, as we'd have hunted them down ourselves. We do not hunt on Halloween while humans make a mockery of us. That way leads to the churches taking notice, and thinning the feeding pool while futilely looking for us."
Vhesthine pauses as a chime goes off softly. Glancing down at a security camera on the desk, she turns back to Dawns hand just before a Nitobe walks through the door. Smoothly she says to Dawn, "Don't move, I still need to finish this hand."
Turning to the demon she smiles, "Good evening, do you have an appointment?"
The Demon looks over at Dawn, "Why do you have a human here?"
Vhesthine smiles, "She's a prospective. Now, do you have an appointment?"
The Nitobe shakes his head, "I wish to speak with a smith about a commission."
Vhesthine nods, "Do you have a way to be contacted?"
"No."
"Very well, I can pencil you in in four days' time. You will need to bring proof of wealth."
The Nitobe nods, "I will return."
Once they're alone again, Dawn asks, "What's a prospective?"
Vhesthine starts to apply the polish coat to Dawns fingers, "A prospective is a human that's caught our eye, and we're grooming to become a succubus."
"Am I?"
Vhesthine looks at Dawn critically, before finally saying, "No, you're innocent in all the wrong ways."
After several minutes digesting that, Dawn asks, "What's it like being a succubus?"
Vhesthine shrugs, "I couldn't say, as I was born a succubus. Now turn around, so I can start to do your hair. No! Don't hold the chair, you'll ruin your nail polish. Just sit sideways."
As Dawn turns around, her dagger comes into view. Vhesthine looks at it, for a moment, "Do you mind if I look at your dagger?"
Dawn chews her lip for a moment before saying "Sure" and reaching around to draw it.
Vhesthine says, "Ah, no. Nails remember. I'll get it, and I'll put it straight back once I'm finished with it."
Drawing the dagger, Vhesthine bounces it gently in one hand, "Good balance, not perfect. A bit heavy towards the front." Grabbing a small metal stick with a ball on the end, she taps the blade in multiple places, "Hmm, even construction, probably machine made. Good edge," she taps it again, "Though a little soft. Needs a little sharpening. Has Buffy shown you how to do that?"
Dawn shakes her head as Vhesthine puts the dagger back in the sheath, and takes out her brush, "Once we're finished here, I'll show you how to care for your blades properly. Though you should really have a better blade than that."
Dawn sighs in contentment as the brush moves through her hair, "Buffy said she'd make me a new one once I was competent with a knife."
Vhesthine nods, "Then it's a perfectly acceptable blade for a beginner. I may even be able to give you some tips."
With some surprise, Dawn says, "You know how to use a dagger?"
"I do. Succubae aren't exactly known for their strength, so we use weapons instead. The more easily concealed the better. After all, humans aren't the only ones with a taste for human looking women."
Dawn shudders, "I did not want to know that."
"I do not understand the human fascination of withholding information for the sake of feelings."
"I… I don't know either. Maybe Buffy does."
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It's about half nine when Razial appears on the factory floor in a flash of light, "Everyone, we're closing early today! I hope you all have a good weekend, personally, I'm looking forward to a weekend away. We may be closed Monday, so call in before coming to work. Buffy, a word in my office."
Confused, Buffy turns away from the pile of ruined copper disks, and a couple of very basic copper bowls, and follows her boss upstairs. As she enters the reception she pauses in surprise when she sees Dawn pushing her dagger over a stone. As she notices her hair, Buffy looks Dawn up and down, "I like the nails, and the hair."
Dawn looks up at her with a beaming smile, "Thanks, Vhesthine did them for me."
That said, Buffy hurries after Razial, and closes the door behind her.
Razial sits down and pulls back his hood, "Buffy, I'm talking to you as an apprentice, as everyone knows that The Slayer would be driven to kill me on sight."
Buffy nods, "Apprentice Buffy, reporting as ordered."
"This is no joking matter. Someone has summoned the Lord of the Dance. Everyone downstairs already knows the drill, but you're new here. I cannot be seen looking after my human employees, even though it would be a wasted investment if they came to undue harm. So instead, I suggest a course of action, as I'd rather not lose resources that I've put so much time and effort into training. If there's still a Sunnydale left on Monday, then you'll be working as normal. Otherwise we'll let you know where the new workshop is. You'll still be paid. If you don't call in, we'll assume you died." Buffy opens her mouth to say something, but Razial shakes his head, "That's all I needed you for."
Numbly, Buffy walks back into the reception, where Dawn looks up, "Buffy, are you ok?"
"Dawn, I need to use your phone."
"Um, ok? It's in my school bag."
Buffy first calls Magic Box, on the off chance that someone's still there. When the phone goes to answer phone, she calls her house.
On the second ring, Giles picks up, "Summers residence."
"Giles…"
"Oh Buffy, thank God. Dawns missing, she didn't turn up at Magic Box, and she wasn't at home. Xander and Anya just closed up, and Willow and Tara have…"
"Giles, Dawn's here. And her phone number is written on the number list in front of you."
"Oh God, I feel so stupid."
"Giles, we don't have time for that. Work's closing early because someone's summoned the Lord of the Dance."
"Who?"
"I don't know, but it's bad enough my boss is leaving town for the weekend."
Giles pauses for a moment, then sounds more serious, "Right, I've got a key to Magic Box. I'll leave a note for Willow and Tara, and I'll call Xander and Anya. I'll meet you there."
Buffy looks back at Dawn, "Giles… I'll be there, but Dawn might be staying with friends."
"Oh, good."
Buffy looks at the phone for a few seconds before stabbing a button to hang up, and turning around.
Raising her hand to forestall Dawn, Buffy looks at Vhesthine, "Vhesthine, I know it's not normal. But, if Dawn agrees, do you think you could look after her for the weekend?"
Vhesthine looks at Dawn appraisingly, "I couldn't guarantee her safety, or humanity."
"Compared to what the boss is worried about, how safe would she be?"
"Walking around Sunnydale on a Friday night?"
Buffy nods and lowers her hand, "Dawn, it's your choice. I seriously doubt that anything here can kill me, but this is your life we're talking about."
Dawn shakes her head, "There's no choice, you're not leaving me again."
Buffy smiles at Dawn, "Well, come on then."