Chapter 4: Explanation
September 13, 1997 - Saturday
Sunnydale High School
Excitement and warmth filled the room as Dawn greeted everyone with a bright smile. "Hi Willow!" she beamed, radiating joy and genuine affection. "Good morning, Giles, Chloe. Chloe, did you bring your stuff? We can move it into your room tonight. Get you all situated!"
Chloe, with a touch of nervousness mixed with anticipation, responded, "Yes. In fact, we, uh, or rather Willow decided that what is really needed to happen was an unpacking party at your house." She pulled out her suitcase and set it on the counter. "So, we're going to postpone the physical evaluation until later."
Dawn's initial enthusiasm faltered a bit, her disappointment evident as she processed the change of plans. "Wow. So, I drove all the way here just to go back home?" she mused, shaking her head at the irony of the situation.
Willow, empathetic and apologetic, started to explain, "Well, we tried calling, but you had apparently already left." She gestured to the others; a shared sentiment of helplessness evident among them. "And nobody here has the number to your mobile phone."
Chloe expressed her surprise, her curiosity piqued. "I wasn't even aware that you had a mobile phone." She looked at Giles, seeking answers about this new development. "Aren't those expensive?"
"Frighteningly, but my attorneys insist. I was sure I gave you the number," Dawn responded. At the various blank looks and shaken heads, she realized that she had only shared her number with Xander, due to the events of the previous night. "Okay then." She grabbed a slip of scrap paper from behind the library counter and carefully wrote down her cell phone number three times. She then tore the paper into strips, handing one to each person.
"There. Let me know if you lose it before you have a chance to write it down," Dawn said, her eyes filled with sincerity. Giles and Chloe immediately jotted down the number. Meanwhile, Willow tucked the strip of paper into her pocket.
Tension hung in the air as Dawn prepared to share the distressing news. "Before we head over, I have something to mention so it doesn't surprise you," she began, her voice laden with concern and empathy. "Xander appeared on my doorstep last night. Apparently, his parents beat him."
A collective sigh escaped from the group; their hearts heavy with the weight of Xander's painful reality. Willow's shoulders slumped; the weight of knowledge etched on her face. "It's a semi-regular occurrence when they're drunk," she explained, the sadness in her voice mirroring the sadness in her heart.
Dawn's eyes reflected a mix of determination and compassion as she looked at Willow. "You might want to contact the police then," she suggested gently. "Speak to Detectives Stabler and Benson who are handling Xander's case. Especially if you know of other instances where they did that."
The gravity of the situation was evident, and Willow agreed with a heavy nod, recognizing the necessity of taking action to protect their friend.
Dawn continued, recounting her actions with a sense of responsibility and care. "Anyways, I called 911 and my attorney, who are offering him legal advice and could possibly represent him if he chooses to go the emancipation route. He's got a couple of bruises on his arms and a black eye."
Chloe's admiration for Dawn grew, and she couldn't help but express her heartfelt appreciation. "You are a good person," she said sincerely, her voice laced with admiration and respect.
Summers & Harris Residence
They unpacked first the living room which included quite a bit science fiction books and movies that went on the shelves. On the walls were placed some science fiction movie posters.
Chloe carefully hung one of the posters when she noticed the family photos already gracing the walls. Her curiosity piqued, she asked, "Your parents and sister?"
Dawn's voice held a touch of wistfulness as she replied, "Yes. I need to find where I put the rest of them. I should have one with me, Celia, and Buffy, somewhere I think."
They continued their unpacking, making their way through the house, one room at a time. Each space held the promise of a new beginning, and with each item they carefully placed, they built a sense of belonging that was much needed for Chloe in this unfamiliar territory.
Finally, they finished unpacking, the house now infused with the essence of Dawn's personality and the connections she shared. Dawn decided to treat her friends to take-out from the Golden Duck Chinese Takeout, which remarkably delivered after dark, unlike nearly every take-out joint and pizza place in Sunnydale.
As the night fell, Willow and Giles bid their farewells, heading out to Buffy's house to explain why Dawn hadn't been able to join them for dinner.
The air was thick with anticipation and curiosity as Chloe spoke, her voice tinged with excitement and trepidation. "I am going to wait till tomorrow," she began, "for the big explanation. But Mr. Giles said you had a secret. As your Watcher..."
Dawn took a deep breath, bracing herself to reveal her truth. "I'm from the future," she stated, her words carrying a mixture of weight and vulnerability. The revelation hung in the air, and she could feel the weight of the implications it held.
Chloe's eyes widened in surprise, processing the gravity of Dawn's confession. "Oh," she whispered, trying to comprehend the enormity of the revelation. "So, the so-called dream yesterday..."
Dawn gently corrected her, her voice calm but firm. "Not a dream, future knowledge," she clarified, her heart heavy with the burden of knowing what was to come. "You didn't know, so I had to do some quick thinking."
Gratitude washed over Chloe, her appreciation for Dawn's trust and honesty evident in her expression. "Thank you for telling me," she said sincerely, recognizing the depth of their shared connection as Watcher and Slayer. "I won't tell the Council. I've seen enough science fiction movies to know that would not be good."
The acknowledgment of their bond brought a sense of relief to Dawn's heart. "Thank you," she replied, her voice tinged with both relief and gratitude.
Tenderness filled the room as Chloe delicately broached a sensitive topic. "May I ask," she began, her voice soft with concern, "are you going to be dating?"
Dawn's response held a mix of vulnerability and longing. "Not unless you get Faith here," she admitted, her heart yearning for the presence of someone who understood the complexities of their lives. But she quickly clarified, anticipating the misunderstanding. "And before you ask, no, that is not why I am trying to get her here."
Emotions swirled within Dawn as she shared the truth. She knew that bringing Faith to Sunnydale was a matter of life and death, and the weight of the responsibility weighed heavily on her. "There is a vampire that goes after her Watcher," she explained, her voice tinged with sadness. "She watches him as he tortures Diana. By that time, Faith is called as a Slayer. But if I can prevent Kendra's death by having her not come to Sunnydale, then she won't die, and Faith won't be called. But if Faith isn't a Slayer…"
Chloe nodded, her understanding and compassion evident. "Then she could die," she acknowledged, recognizing the potential consequences of altering their timeline.
September 14, 1997 – Sunday
Summers & Harris Residence
As the weight of the big explanation loomed over them, the air in the kitchen felt heavy with emotions. Joyce, Buffy, and Marie gathered together, and Dawn, with a mixture of fear and love, summoned the courage to address her mother.
"Mom," Dawn's voice quivered, the emotions tangled within her. "I need you to go to the doctor for those headaches." Her words held a sense of urgency, the desperation to safeguard her mother from the impending danger apparent in her eyes.
Buffy's confusion was palpable, trying to understand why Dawn was so insistent about their mother's headaches. "What?" she questioned, her concern growing.
The fear in Joyce's voice was evident as she asked, "Bad?"
Dawn nodded solemnly, her heartache seeping into her every word. "Cancer. A brain tumor," she revealed, her voice heavy with the burden of the truth. The gravity of the situation seemed almost unbearable.
A wave of terror washed over Buffy, afraid to hear what might have happened. "Did... Did it kill her?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, unable to face the potential reality.
Dawn took a deep breath, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Um, officially it was complications of surgery. An aneurysm," she shared, her voice trembling with pain. "One of those weird things that happen when they poke around in your brain. But yeah." The raw honesty in her words left no room for denial, the reality of their mother's fate laid bare before them.
Tears glistened in Marie's eyes as she struggled to find the right words. "How, um. I mean, how long does Mom..." her voice trailed off, her heart heavy with worry.
Dawn's response carried a mix of compassion and determination. "Years, Marie. A little over four years," she gently revealed, her voice filled with love and the desire to spare her younger self from unnecessary pain. "Long enough to get this taken care of now and it not be a problem later."
Joyce nodded, her heart brimming with gratitude for her daughter's concern. She pulled Dawn into a tight embrace. "I'll make an appointment," she promised, her voice tender and resolute.
Dawn's emotions were raw, and her vulnerability was evident as she spoke. "Thanks," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't think I could stand losing you a second time. I was depressed afterward. It still hurts, but having you alive is a good thing."
Joyce's heart ached with love for her daughter, and she murmured, "I'm sorry, my little pum'kin belly," pulling Dawn even closer in the embrace.
Marie, feeling a mix of emotions, interjected playfully, "Hey, that's my nickname."
A tender smile graced Buffy's face as she chimed in, recognizing the shared endearment between her sisters and their mother. "Technically, it belongs to both of you, doesn't it," she said, their shared laughter adding a touch of lightness amidst the emotional heaviness in the room.
Marie's voice held a mix of curiosity and uncertainty as she said, "Guess so," contemplating the complexities of their shared nickname and the emotions that came with it.
The atmosphere in the room shifted as Joyce's question hung in the air, carrying a blend of apprehension and a desire to know the truth. "So, anything I should be expecting other than a brain tumor?" she asked, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling within her.
Dawn took a deep breath, her heart pounding with vulnerability as she shared another truth. "I'm gay," she revealed, the weight of her words thick with emotion. The admission had been a defining aspect of her life in the future, and the courage it took to share it with her family was immense.
The surprise in Marie's voice was evident as she asked, "You mean I like girls in the future?"
Dawn's response was filled with empathy and understanding. "You may not be me, Marie," she gently explained, her voice soft yet resolute. "You could like boys in the future. Only time will tell, but you could, yes."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Dawn stood in the hall, her heart racing, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. She leaned against the wall, seeking strength and courage to face the impending conversation that lay ahead.
"Hey, whatcha doin', stranger?" Buffy's voice broke through the tension, bringing a small glimmer of comfort to Dawn.
Dawn looked up to see Buffy approaching from the downstairs bathroom, Buffy's presence a source of solace in the midst of uncertainty. "Just building my resolve," she confessed, her vulnerability evident. She trusted her sister with her deepest fears and hopes, seeking support as she prepared to share her truth. "So how has Marie been?" The care in her voice was palpable, showing the depth of her concern for her younger self.
"Better," Buffy shared, her voice tinged with relief. "She's slowly forgetting what she saw in her dreams. But it seems to have made an impact on her none the less. She said she knows she can't but she has said when she gets older, she wants to help."
Dawn's voice held a mix of encouragement and compassion as she said, "When she gets older, you should let her help." She believed in Marie's potential to make a difference and longed for her younger self to find purpose and fulfillment. "Maybe she can even make up for me being a brat when I was her," she mused, her self-awareness tempered by a hint of regret.
Buffy embraced Dawn, hooking one of her arms with her own, a gesture that spoke of sisterly love and support. She led Dawn into the living room, where everyone awaited. "Hey, everybody! Look what I found out in the hall!"
Dawn finally broke free from Buffy's grasp, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She couldn't help but embrace her sister, feeling the warmth of their bond as she began to unravel the mysteries of her journey. "Time for explanations," Dawn began, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency and wonder. "As you all know I'm from the future. Nearly twelve years in fact. Chloe, I think you can see for yourself that I am need from the future just by looking at me and Marie."
Chloe nodded, her eyes scanning Marie and Dawn, now understanding the profound connection between Dawn's past and their present. "Yes, I can see it now that you two are in the same room. I also see why you were so adamant about doing the exact same thing Buffy did in regards to Willow and Xander. Why you dislike the Crucimentum. Something happened in the future you came from that caused that dislike of Watchers."
Dawn sighed; the weight of her experiences etched on her face as she recalled the hardships that lay ahead. "You're right, Chloe."
Curiosity brimmed in Willow's eyes as she questioned Dawn about her remarkable journey. Can I ask, how did you manage to come back? Do you have a time machine or was it a one-time thing? Why did you come back? Are you here to put right what once when wrong, or to save someone, or did you do it to change history? I guess that's all changing history, but you know what I mean. Why did you come back?"
Dawn took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly as she revealed the truth behind her arrival. " No time machine, one-time thing, for vengeance, yes really, yes, and it was magic," she confessed, her eyes glistening with a mix of regret and determination. "I made a deal with a powerful vengeance demon and uttered a wish. And abracadabra, here I am."
Giles listened intently, removing his glasses as if to better grasp the gravity of Dawn's words.
Xander's eyes reflected a mixture of concern and curiosity as he cautiously asked, "When you say vengeance…"
Giles, his demeanor somber yet determined, took on the responsibility of explaining the enigmatic force that had propelled Dawn through time. "They are a group of vastly powerful entities who travel the earth, delivering vengeance on wrong-doers and miscreants through the power of a wish. Usually these wishes are subverted in such a way so as to fulfill it in the worst possible fashion wile sticking to the exact wording of the wish."
Xander absorbed the weight of Giles' words, a heaviness settling upon his shoulders. He gathered his thoughts and exhaled slowly, realizing the magnitude of what Dawn had undertaken. "So, if Dawn risked that sort of thing to come back here, I'm thinking something terrible happened. She's back here doing a Sam Beckett to stop it."
Dawn's heart clenched as she mustered the strength to face the difficult task ahead. "Okay. Just give me a moment," she implored, her voice trembling with both fear and determination. " Just, let me get through this first and I'll answer questions. Get something to write stuff down with, so you don't forget anything. It's bad, and I don't want to do this multiple times. That's why I waited till Buffy was here." Her expression softened, a hint of wistfulness crossing her features. "If only I had known I would be doing this, I would've brought my Gray's Sports Almanac," she muttered, a reference that caught Willow's keen attention.
"You've got a book that tells facts about the future?" Willow inquired, her eyes wide with astonishment, seizing upon the opportunity to divert some of the tension with her trademark curiosity.
A soft chuckle escaped Dawn's lips, tinged with a hint of nostalgia as she spoke, "Hidden in my bedroom upstairs, yeah. It's got lists of upcoming problems, companies to invest in, sporting event results, election outcomes - basically a comprehensive guide to the future. There are even diagrams of a couple of inventions I could patent if I ever needed some cash."
The emotions in the room oscillated between curiosity and awe as Chloe inquired, her eyes wide with intrigue, "You were smart enough to ask for such a thing in your wish, I take it?"
Dawn's gaze softened as she reminisced about the arduous process of crafting the wish. "We worked on the wish for like, eighteen hours. We wanted to make it tamper proof."
Willow's eyes widened with realization and surprise as she asked the next question. "Wait, 'we'? Who's we?"
A tender smile crossed Dawn's face as she revealed the truth. "You and I wrote it together, Willow. It happened after I managed to escape from my imprisonment in the future."
The mention of imprisonment drew an air of solemnity over the room, as Chloe, with a furrowed brow, inquired, "Imprisonment? What do you mean?"
As Dawn's harrowing confession unfolded, the room seemed to hold its breath, emotions intertwining like a tumultuous dance of sorrow and disbelief. "I was held captive for five years," she admitted, her voice quivering with the weight of a painful past.
Buffy's eyes filled with confusion and concern, trying to reconcile the timelines. "You told Mom, Marie, and me that you had been a Slayer for five years," Buffy said, struggling to understand the discrepancies.
Dawn's eyes glistened with tears as she clarified the tragic sequence of events. "I was called just before I was captured. They wanted to make sure no other Slayer would ever be called again."
"They who?" asked Giles.
"The First Evil, along with its army of Bringers and Turok-Han," Dawn explained, her voice heavy with the memories of suffering and darkness.
Giles and Chloe exchanged glances, their eyes wide with horror, realizing the magnitude of the malevolence Dawn had faced.
With a plea for understanding, Dawn implored, "Like I said, just let me get through this once."
Summoning her courage, Dawn continued, her voice trembling yet unwavering, "So, about six years before I came back, Buffy, Giles, Xander, and a couple of other guys led a team of Potentials into the Hellmouth to stop the First from opening it and releasing an army of super-vampires, the Turok-Han, on the world." The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, like a dark cloud casting a shadow over the room.
In that moment, the raw emotions and the gravity of loss painted a poignant picture of sacrifice and heroism. "Willow and I stayed topside, guarding the retreat in case we needed to get out of there quick. But it didn't matter. Only two people got out alive, not including myself and Willow," Dawn continued, her voice filled with grief. "Willow, you and I, knew something had gone wrong when we saw Buffy and Faith, who was a Slayer called after Kendra, running just in front of a horde of the Turok-Han. It was with immediate realization that everyone else was dead."
Dawn's voice quivered with both sorrow and determination as she continued her heart-wrenching tale. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions, knowing that her words would lay bare the depths of her pain and resilience. "Buffy, Faith, Willow and I got on a school bus and got the heck out of there. But fate had other plans. Faith and I got separated from Buffy and Willow, and in those dire moments, Faith became my protector. With her final breath, Faith bestowed upon me the power of a Slayer, ensuring that I carried on her legacy."
Her voice trembled as she recounted her subsequent capture, describing the makeshift prison where she was held captive, isolated from hope and freedom. "Then the First's Bringers captured me. Took me to a makeshift prison. Where I was held, fed, clothed. I was there for a couple months before I saw you Giles," she addressed him directly, her voice filled with sadness. "You had been turned. I expect you had used your knowledge of both me and Slayers in general so that my cell was made escape proof all so another Slayer couldn't be called till their takeover was complete. A week before I came back. Another girl, her name was August. She said she was a Slayer. I was confused on how that was possible. She then said that Willow had used old magics to call her as a Slayer. Long story short, August died in that cell the very same day she arrived."
The weight of the traumatic events weighed heavily on Chloe's face as she made the connection, "You two fought." She glanced at Giles. That's the trauma. Dawn killed her."
Dawn nodded, a mixture of guilt and understanding swirling within her. "In self-defense, but you're right," she admitted with a sigh. "She and I fought; I knew my plan was to come back change everything. But she thought only of the here and now. And with both of us there that meant one of us would have to die so another Slayer could be called."
In a poignant moment, Dawn revealed August's final words, words that revealed the true extent of the world's impending doom. "While she was still alive, she explained that every single Hellmouth in the world was open. And that the First controlled at least thirty miles around each one and the radius around each was getting bigger by the day. The human race would never have rebounded even if we had an army of Slayers at that point. So, while I was imprisoned, I had this idea involving getting the Lord of the vengeance demons to give me a wish. And I used it. And here I am."
"You came back to save the world. That's very noble," Giles acknowledged, admiration evident in his eyes.
But Dawn shook her head, a mixture of emotions overwhelming her. "No, you don't understand. I didn't come back to save the world. I came back to save my family," she confessed, her words punctuated by wiping away the tears that escaped her eyes. "You guys. All of you. The Scoobies. Even the ones you guys don't know about yet. I came back to make sure you didn't die and leave me alone again. It's not noble, it's selfish."
Chloe, touched by Dawn's honesty, spoke up, her voice filled with understanding and compassion. "I have to agree with Giles. It was very noble."
Willow, always the attentive scholar, had been diligently taking notes throughout the heart-rending revelation. Giles turned to her and asked, "Willow, I take it you were taking notes?"
With a small smile, Willow nodded, a mix of curiosity and concern in her eyes. "Yeah, Giles, I got it all written down. I even prepared some questions, if that's okay with everyone."
Giles looked around the room, knowing that each person present had their own questions and emotions to process. "I'd hazard to guess that we probably all have questions for Dawn," he said, his voice reflecting a mixture of apprehension and anticipation.
Dawn's vulnerability was palpable as she faced the concerned and inquisitive gazes of her family and friends. Joyce, ever the caring mother, offered her support, "Dawn, do you need some water or something?" She rose from her seat, moving toward the kitchen to tend to her daughter's needs.
"Thanks, mom," Dawn replied gratefully, her voice slightly trembling. "Maybe drinks for everyone. I have some juice, diet coke, and bottled water."
As Joyce took everyone's drink orders and disappeared into the kitchen, Willow gathered her courage to ask the questions that had been swirling in her mind. She picked up her notepad, a mix of apprehension and eagerness in her eyes. "Can... can I ask you some questions?" she inquired gently, wanting to respect Dawn's emotions.
Dawn nodded, taking a moment to compose herself. "Sure. I know you have a lot of questions," she acknowledged, her voice revealing the weight of her journey through time. She coughed into her fist, a subtle sign of her nerves. "I think, um, I mean... there's going to be some things I don't want to tell you. And there's some things I think you're going to want to ask about that you don't want to know about."
Willow and the others exchanged understanding glances, empathizing with the emotional complexity of Dawn's situation. They respected her boundaries, but their curiosity couldn't be contained. "Oh, okay. I guess that's fine," Willow replied, trying to balance her desire for answers with sensitivity.
Xander, ever the straightforward one, voiced the question that lingered in their minds, "Why wouldn't you want to tell us everything?"
Willow, speaking on behalf of Dawn, took a deep breath to explain, "The butterfly effect. Small changes over time mean big changes." She looked back at Dawn. "So, you up for some questions?"
As the room brimmed with emotions, Dawn took a moment to compose herself, grateful for the support she received from her mother, Joyce, who returned with drinks for everyone. Sipping her Diet Coke, she found solace in the comfort of familiar tastes amidst the uncertainty of her return.
Willow, eager to begin the exchange, looked around, feeling the collective anticipation hanging in the air. "Anyone want to start?" she asked gently, her eyes glimmering with curiosity and affection for her dear friend.
Giles, usually the composed mentor, couldn't suppress the urgency in his voice as he stood and paced, the gravity of the situation pressing upon him. "What can you tell us about immediate upcoming threats? Enemies we should be aware of. Things like that?" he inquired, knowing that the future held a tapestry of challenges that needed to be navigated with utmost caution.
Dawn's response was both humble and honest. "Well, I don't actually know very much about what's going on right now. I mean, when all this was going on the first time, I was largely kept out by both Buffy and mom, when she originally found out. I knew vampires of course existed since I saw my first one two months ago from your perspective. I remember that night pretty vividly."
Marie's tears bore witness to the emotional turbulence that engulfed her heart as she remembered that harrowing night. Her cheeks stained with trails of sorrow, she bravely walked over to Dawn. Embracing her older self tightly, Marie sought solace and reassurance.
Dawn's voice, soft and tender, barely above a whisper, conveyed a deep sense of empathy and understanding. "I'm sorry, Marie, that you had to see that," she murmured into her younger self's ear, reciprocating the heartfelt embrace.
With tearful eyes, Marie nodded, wiping away her tears as she took hold of Dawn's hand. Standing on the other side of their older sister, Buffy mirrored Marie's gesture, intertwining her hand with Dawn's. The trio formed an unbreakable chain of support, a testament to their unwavering bond as sisters and comrades in the fight against darkness.
Dawn's smile glimmered with gratitude and love, touched by the profound comfort her family provided. In this embrace, the weight of her journey through time felt momentarily lifted, replaced by the strength of their shared connection.
As the emotions settled, Dawn recounted more of her experiences from the future, "Then there was the Whirlwind. You know, the entire Line of Aurelius thing. I think those guys were the Big Bads right around now."
"The Whirlwind?" Xander inquired with a hint of confusion. "Like a tornado?"
"The Whirlwind were four vampires: Darla, Angelus, Drusilla the Mad, and William the Bloody," Chloe explained, her voice tinged with somberness. "They hailed from a line of vampires known as the Line of Aurelius. For nearly three hundred years, they unleashed such destruction and mayhem across Europe that they were named the Whirlwind."
Buffy's face bore the sadness of a fresh wound as she revealed, "Darla was dusted earlier this year." The loss of a life, even that of a vampire, had its own weight, and it was evident in Buffy's expression.
"Darla was dusted earlier this year," said Buffy.
Xander's gaze turned serious as he sought answers from Buffy. "Angelus?" he questioned, his eyes fixed on her, looking for the truth.
Buffy let out a heavy sigh, the weight of her emotions evident. "Angel," she replied. She glanced toward Dawn. "He loses his soul, doesn't he?"
Dawn, with the knowledge of the future's twists and turns, acknowledged the impending ordeal. "Yes," she confirmed, her voice soft yet resolute. "A few months from now. There was a clause in his curse that we need to talk about in private." Her eyes met Buffy's, conveying the depth of what they needed to discuss away from prying ears. "It's not something I think you want Mom to hear."
"Oh," Buffy as she looked toward her mother. Embarrassment colored her cheeks as she realized what Dawn was saying that she had sex with Angel and something bad had happened as a result.
Giles, ever composed, tried to shift the focus towards the immediate threats they faced. "Were there any other immediate threats?" he asked, eager to gather information to safeguard their present.
Dawn, taking a moment to compose herself, spoke again, her voice tinged with urgency. "Uh, yeah. A couple," she responded, her words carrying the weight of impending danger. "The Mayor of Sunnydale is an evil demon-worshiping immortal sorcerer who intends on turning himself into the living embodiment of an Old One and eating everyone in town as a sacrifice to himself."
The gravity of the situation settled heavily on them, and Dawn continued to list the imminent dangers. "There's also a mad scientist working under UC Sunnydale, stitching together a Frankenstein-like demon from spare parts. And, on top of that, a Hellgod is on her way, seeking to kill me, or rather, Marie."
Buffy's heart ached as she recalled the painful memory that Dawn alluded to—the second death. Her voice quivered as she questioned her sister, "That's the second death, isn't it? The one where I told you to be brave, to live, for me."
Dawn nodded with a solemn expression, confirming her sister's memory. "Yes," she replied softly. "Those are the immediate problems we're facing."
Giles, wanting to ensure clarity in the midst of emotional turmoil, requested Dawn to repeat her previous explanation. "Could you say all of that again, but perhaps slower this time? You say the current Mayor of Sunnydale..." he began, his mind focused on gathering crucial details to confront the impending threats.
"... is an immortal sorcerer who wants to sacrifice everyone at the High School and turn into a giant snake demon, yeah. From what we could figure out he's been planning this for a while, like a century or something. And when the stars are right, he'll turn into this eighty-foot-long snake demon and eat everybody."
"When the stars are right?" Giles asked, seeking more information, his concern etched on his face. "You wouldn't happen to know..."
Dawn's eyes clouded with sorrow as she confirmed the dreadful timing. "The day of our senior year graduation, at the end of our Senior year here," she replied, the weight of those words sinking in.
"Two years," Xander muttered, contemplating the time they had to prepare for the impending apocalypse. "So, we have some time?"
Giles acknowledged the need for prompt action. "It's not as immediate as I meant, true, but that's no reason to wait around wasting time," he emphasized, his finger tapping thoughtfully on the library counter. "We'll have to look into what he's doing, find out how to put a stop to it. It'll take some time, but I doubt it will take two years."
Dawn, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the seemingly invincible Mayor, expressed her concerns. "He's one I am not sure we can change," she admitted with a tinge of sadness. "He was supposed to be unkillable up until the actual day." Despite the overwhelming odds, her resolve remained unyielding. "But knowing all of this, we can prepare well in advance," she asserted with determination. "Probably just go down the same route we did last time. Blow up the school after he transforms."
"We will make sure though," said Chloe, determination shining in her eyes. "If there is another way before your graduation day. Then we definitely should take the chance and take him out. I'm guessing that a bunch of people died, the first time through?"
Dawn nodded, her gaze distant, filled with the weight of memories.
"And I guess some of the people who died were people we knew?" asked Buffy, a touch of sorrow in her voice.
"Yeah. A few of them." Dawn grinned through her tears, a bittersweet mix of pride and sorrow. "I remember Willow told me about how you guys were surprised to find out that most of the school figured things out, that because of you, Buffy, your senior class – our senior class, now, 'cause here I am – had the lowest death rate in decades. So, when the time came to face off against Mayor Wilkins, a bunch of them volunteered to help. And almost everybody who was killed were volunteers who picked up a weapon and fought. Larry Blaisdell, Harmony Kendall, Aura White, Natalie Sherman."
"Wait... Larry and Harmony and Aura fought? Wow." Xander shook his head, his voice tinged with admiration and disbelief. "Larry's like the biggest bully in the school. I can't imagine him helping anybody but his jock buddies."
"Believe it," Dawn said, a mixture of pride and sadness. "You spoke at his funeral, Xander. Mom made us go to the public funeral for the victims of the 'gas leak'. That was the cover story. Anyway, Xander, you talked about how big-hearted and brave he was. It was cool." The memory of that day brought a tear to her eye, a poignant testament to the sacrifices made by unlikely heroes.
"Did he, uh, did he join us?" Xander wondered, curiosity and hope in his voice.
"You mean did he become a Scooby? Nope." Dawn's tone held a hint of regret, the weight of her knowledge heavy. "And while it would be tempting to recruit him and others. It would be better not to; the less people know I am from the future the better. That said there are a couple people that I do intend to bring in that were part of the gang at one time or another."
"Oh yeah? Like who?" Willow asked, her eyes wide with intrigue.
"Cordelia," Dawn almost laughed at the look that appeared on Willow and Xander's faces. "No, seriously. She joined us our senior year. Daniel Osborne, he joins us this year. Ms. Calendar, she's techno-pagan and familiar with magic."
"Wow, okay." Buffy shrugged, her expression a mix of surprise and acceptance. "So how do we go about recruiting people into the club?"
"Cordy will be tough," said Xander, uncertainty in his voice. "And I don't know who that Daniel guy is."
"Oh, and this is really, really important," Dawn said, her voice carrying a sense of urgency and affection. "We must be on the lookout for Tara Maclay when she gets to Sunnydale. We must! Not only is she a valuable member of the team in the future, but she's important to all of us here. Trust me, she becomes like the soul of the team, like family. I don't know the exact time she arrives; I do know that we meet her our freshman year of college." Dawn couldn't help it, she caught Willow's eye and said, "You're really going to like her, Willow."
Willow gasped and blushed, her heart filled with warmth at Dawn's words, a mix of surprise and hope in her eyes. "I thought you weren't going to tell anything about..."
"No," Dawn said, her voice filled with empathy and reassurance. "This is an exception. Because Tara is exceptional."
"Is she…?" Willow said, remembering Dawn telling her that she went down a dark path in the future after the death of someone she loved.
"She is," Dawn reluctantly admitted, her voice laced with sadness and determination. "We can prevent it though by my teaching you, remember?"
Willow nodded, a tear glistening in her eye as she smiled, a deep sense of gratitude and determination welling up within her.
"So, Dawn, anything else?" asked Chloe, her curiosity driving her to learn as much as she could.
"Well," Dawn thought about it, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips. "I remember on Halloween everybody turns into their costumes – I dressed up as Tinkerbell the first time around and spent the entire time buzzing around Mom's head."
Joyce laughed at the whimsical image; her heart warmed by the memory.
Dawn scrunched her nose up, deep in thought. "Some guy named Ethan Rayne that used to be one of Giles' friends show up and causes trouble a couple of times. And vampires attack parent-teacher night! I remember being there for that one. Mom couldn't find a sitter. Oh! And Ted! We've got to find Ted and shut him down! We can probably find him and stop him from ever being a problem in the next couple of days."
"Who's Ted?" Xander took gave her shoulder a squeeze and continued his back rub.
"Serial killer robot," said Dawn looking straight at Joyce, her expression one of grave concern. "He decided you would make the perfect wife and drugged us all with cookies. The weird thing was that until Buffy killed him and told us all he was a robot; I sort of liked him. He was nice. Homicidal, but nice." The memory of the eerie kindness sent shivers down her spine.
Sunnydale High School
Giles checked the time, his anxiety building like an impending storm. Boston was three hours ahead, so it was only 2:30 pm in Boston. He dialed the number given to him by the Council in England. It was picked up on the first ring.
"Yo," came the voice on the other end, young and female, and Giles couldn't help but be taken aback.
"Ur... Hello?" Giles stammered, feeling a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.
"Yeah, who's this?" Her voice oozed confidence, almost bordering on cockiness, and it sent a shiver down his spine.
"My name is Rupert Giles. I am trying to reach Diana Dormer. Is this... is this Faith?" He struggled to maintain his composure.
Giles could almost feel the cockiness being replaced by caution. "Yeah... Who are you again? Are you with the school? You don't need to talk to her about me, do you? It's been like, weeks since I did nothing, I swear, and Jimmy Watts is lying if he says I started it..." The girl's earnestness was refreshing, especially considering what she was talking about.
"No, nothing like that," Giles said, his voice tinged with a hint of relief. "My name is Rupert Giles. I'm a Watcher, and I'm calling from Sunnydale, California. I have some important business to discuss with Diana Dormer, and if you are Faith Lehane, then yes, it's about you. But I promise, you're not in any trouble. Is she in?"
"Sunnydale?" Faith said, a note of recognition in her voice. "The Hellmouth? Oh! You're the Watcher Guy for the current Slayer. Whassername! Buffy! Yeah, I'm Faith. You want to talk to Lady Di about me? I hope it's good news. I mean... sure, no prob, Watcher-Man. Just one sec, okay?"
Giles heard the girl put the phone down, and in the distance, he could hear her yell, "Hey, Diana! There's this guy named Jeeves on the phone! He's calling from the Hellmouth!" Giles took a moment to curse the American public education system and rowdy tomboys. Though now that he thought about it, he was likely to get the same sort of guff from his own Slayer. He'd no sooner finished this thought when an older voice, a woman's voice, picked up the line.
"This is Diana Dormer; may I help you?"
"Doctor Dormer, this is Rupert Giles," Giles said, his voice betraying a hint of nostalgia. "I'm the Field Watcher for the Slayer Buffy Summers here in Sunnydale."
"Rupert Giles? Yes, I believe we met while you were still in the academy. You attended one of my lectures. How have you been, young man?" Diana's warm and motherly tone provided a comforting contrast to Faith's earlier cockiness.
"Fairly well, actually," Giles said, his voice carrying a touch of professionalism. "The reason I am calling is because you and your charge were the featured player in a prophetic dream experienced by Slayer Dawn Summers..."
"I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with a past Slayer named Dawn Summers," Diana said, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Could you remind me?"
"Oh, she isn't a past Slayer. She's… ah, I suppose you could say she's the most recently called Slayer," Giles explained, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "She's been attending her Calling for a few days now."
"Oh," Diana said, followed by a moment of deep silence. "Doctor Giles… I'm sorry to hear about your own – and you're still working in the field after your Slayer's death? You must be a strong man indeed. I wish I had your dedication. My condolences regarding the death of your Slayer."
"Er, well, thank you for the sentiment, but it's quite unnecessary," Giles said, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and a hint of discomfort. "You see, Buffy Summers is still alive. The Slayer Line has twinned itself. There are now three Slayers."
"Three… how is that possible?" Diana asked in surprise, her voice filled with genuine wonder.
"From what I understand when my Slayer died briefly before being revived by a friend of hers," Giles said, his tone steady and informative. "It was then that the next Slayer was called. That Slayer, according to the reports I've seen, is in Jamaica and still alive. Dawn Summers is actually a fluke calling. You see, she is the cousin of my Slayer."
"So, you are now supervising two Slayers, then?" Diana said, her curiosity shining through her words.
"Oh, no," Giles replied. "Slayer Dawn Summers is being supervised by Chloe Payne. Ms. Payne had to return to England for a week, so I'm filling in, as it were."
"Ah, I see," Diana said, her voice carrying a note of understanding. "Well, that is interesting. Very interesting. I'd love to talk to you again sometime about how the Slayer line could have twinned itself. But I assume you called on other business?"
"Oh yes," Giles said, redirecting the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Sorry, we did get a little sidetracked, didn't we? I'm sure that you're aware that each Slayer shares in the usual raft of talents and abilities to differing measures; some are more physically strong, while others are more agile, others have sharper senses, and so on. Among Dawn's talents are prophetic dreams; she seems to get them semi-regularly, and they are unusually clear for such things compared to those demonstrated by past Slayers."
"Well, that could become very useful," Diana said, her voice taking on a more professional tone. There were a few moments of silence. "Should I take it that's the reason you are calling? She experienced a dream that somehow involved me or my Potential?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact," Giles replied, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Multiple times over the last few days, she has had a dream that focused on a young, dark-haired girl with – and these are Miss Summers' words – 'smoky eyes and a 'tude,' and her Watcher. According to our best analysis of the images that appeared to Dawn in her sleep, the dreams are a warning that you and your Potential will be targeted for a most gruesome death as sacrifices in some diabolic scheme pursued by the master vampire Kakistos. Dawn's Watcher and I have gone over the dreams she's described several times, and we both concur with the probable message behind them."
"I see," Diana said, her voice calm but concerned. "Perhaps, then, Faith and I should relocate." Giles heard the other woman sigh. "It's a beautiful time to visit England."
"Actually, Dawn's dreams indicated that your safest move is to relocate here, so that your Potential is covered by the two Slayers and their team," Giles suggested, his tone practical.
"Did you just say team?" Diana asked, her voice laced with curiosity. "To what team are you referring? I wasn't aware that it was Council policy for the Slayer to be a part of a team."
"Ah, well… there are two students here who have sworn to assist the two Slayers with logistics and research," Giles explained, his voice revealing a sense of adaptability. "Naturally, they don't get involved in field operations. And since there are two Slayers now, they naturally would form a team."
"And you allow this?" Diana asked, her tone revealing a mixture of surprise and interest.
"Dr. Dormer, neither I nor Ms. Payne had much of a choice," Giles said, his voice carrying a tone of resigned acceptance. "These students were presented to me by my Slayer Buffy Summers in a fait accompli. Aside from shooting the two of them, there was very little I could do about it. Buffy originally was dead set against them helping her, but she relented when they persisted. Since we couldn't keep the students from getting involved, I decided we might as well keep a watch on them and channel their efforts to something useful rather than just stand by and watch them get killed."
"I suppose that is the more sensible approach, but it still feels odd," Diana said, her voice revealing a hint of skepticism. "It flaunts tradition."
"I certainly agree," Giles said, his voice tinged with a touch of contemplation. "But the truth is, Dawn Summers asked some pointed questions and pointed certain things out, and made me wonder just how valuable certain traditions really were."
"Oh? Such as?" Diana asked, her curiosity piqued.
"For one thing, she pointed out that those Slayers who survived the longest were the ones who had, for lack of a better word, a team helping her out," Giles explained, his voice carrying a sense of enlightenment.
"Did they really?" Diana asked, her voice reflecting genuine interest. "I wasn't aware of that. I may have to research it."
"Yes, well, I assume that if anyone at Council Headquarters discovered that our traditions were actually increasing the mortality of the Slayers instead of decreasing it..." Giles trailed off, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and contemplation. What if the traditions were, in fact, designed to kill off Slayers before they got too old, too skilled, and too independent to be controlled easily by the Council? The Cruciamentum, administered at age 18, one of the most common ages of majority in the world, when the Slayer could legally walk away from their legal guardians, who were almost always Watchers, after telling them to go to Hell. It was a dangerous thought, but it was a thought for another time.
He cleared his throat, regaining his focus. "In any event, as I said, Dawn suggested that it would be safer for you to move here and become integrated with the team. According to her, Kakistos will apparently follow you wherever you went otherwise to hide from him. She also pointed out that if you were here, Kakistos would have to fight off two Slayers in order to get to you. I concur. He is powerful, but he's not that powerful."
"I see," Diana said, her voice carrying a sense of understanding.
The line was quiet for a long while, the weight of the conversation settling in.
"Doctor Dormer, are you still there?" Giles asked, his voice revealing a hint of concern.
"Oh, yes, I apologize," Diana said, her voice carrying a note of distraction. "I was... ah... thinking. I'm going to talk to my Potential. She's a good girl, and smarter than she likes to show, but willful and independent."
"Yes, I see," Giles responded, his voice tinged with understanding. "She sounded like a very vibrant young woman."
"Doctor Giles, I will call you back, probably this evening, after I get a chance to consult the Council and talk to my Potential," Diana said.
"Certainly," Giles replied, his tone conveying his readiness to assist. "I look forward to hearing from you."
Sunnydale Airport
It amazed Dawn that she could walk Chloe all the way up to the gate until she suddenly realized why that was: the September 11th attacks hadn't happened yet. A heavy cloud of emotions settled over her, a mix of disbelief, sorrow, and the weight of an impossible secret pressing down on her chest. The tenor of the nation hadn't become so bad that every single human being who dared want to get onto an airplane was considered a mad bomber. When Dawn made the realization, she actually considered telling someone... but who could she tell outside of the government or the military? And if she told the government or the military, the first thing they'd do is wonder just how she got the information. That way led to prison cells and intense interrogations.
"What has you so glum? Missing me already?" Chloe had caught Dawn's expression.
Dawn's eyes met Chloe's, and she struggled to maintain her composure, a lump forming in her throat as she whispered, "No." She looked around to make sure no one was listening, her voice trembling with the gravity of her revelation. "Just future information. A couple years from now. There will be a terrorist attack on September 11th, 2001. Four planes will be hijacked and three out of the four will be crashed into several populated targets on the east coast. The ones with the most casualties are the two that hit the World Trade Center." The weight of her knowledge hung over her like a dark cloud, and it was a heavy burden to carry.
"I see the dilemma," admitted Chloe, her voice filled with empathy. She could sense the emotional turmoil within Dawn, the burden of knowing what lay ahead but being unable to prevent it. "You can't tell anyone about something like that because they might think you are involved in it in some way. But you have a desire to protect them at the same time. We will change everything that we can change and even make it better. We know there will be some things like this terrorist attack that can't be changed though."
Dawn's eyes glistened with gratitude as Chloe's words wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. "Chloe," she said, her voice quivering, "Thank you. It's nice to have someone to talk to. I love Buffy, I always will. But we didn't have the best of relationships when I was younger. I was kind of a brat back then. I hope Marie won't turn out to be like me. But what I'm saying..."
Chloe understood the unspoken words that lingered in the air, and she stopped, her eyes locking onto Dawn's with a deep understanding. "In just a few short days, you look to me like your sister looks to Mr. Giles," she said softly. "But you need more than a mentor. You need someone to confide in. If you had, you would not have had to carry the burden that you took a human life for as long as you have. I can't be your mother, because of your emancipation, nor would I really want to since I am only a few years older than you. But I think if you are willing, I could be your sister in all but name."
A smile of genuine relief graced Dawn's lips. "I'd like that," she said, her voice carrying a profound sense of trust and connection.
Chloe nodded, her expression gentle. "And the first thing we will be talking about is the trauma, the captivity, and August," she assured Dawn.
Dawn's eyes widened, and her thoughts raced. "Okay," she agreed, her voice determined. "Chloe, would you check discreetly and see if the Council has a potential named August? She would be three, maybe four years old now."
Chloe nodded in understanding, recognizing the deep compassion in Dawn's desire. "You want to make sure she has a happy life?"
Dawn's eyes sparkled with a mixture of determination and affection. "I do," she said. "She deserves one after the rotten one she had the first time. Call me, okay? When you get to London?" Dawn gave Chloe another heartfelt hug. "Maybe once or twice during the week, and before you leave? I have to know when to come pick you up, after all."
"I will. While I'm gone, I want you to make sure your homework is taken care of, and keep the house clean," Chloe advised, a hint of sisterly guidance in her words. "I would say try and get to know Buffy, but you know her better than anyone," Chloe added with a knowing smile.
Dawn smiled back, a mix of warmth and amusement in her eyes. "I do, don't I?" She couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unique bond she shared with her sister and the newfound connection she had with Chloe.
Dormer Residence, Boston, Massachusetts
"Faith, come here for a moment," Diana called out, a hint of seriousness in her voice.
Faith entered the room and took a seat across from Diana, her curiosity mixed with a touch of concern. "What's up, Lady Di? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Diana took a deep breath, her voice calm but laden with the gravity of the situation. "Faith, that was Rupert Giles, the Field Watcher for Buffy Summers in Sunnydale. He reached out to discuss something rather important," she began, choosing her words carefully. "It seems that Buffy Summers is still alive, and there are now three Slayers in existence due to unusual circumstances."
Faith leaned in, obviously intrigued by the concept of there being three Slayers. "Three Slayers? That's got to be a first. But what's that got to do with us?"
Diana continued, "Well, it appears that Dawn Summers, the new Slayer, has been having prophetic dreams. These dreams have been centered on you and me, Faith. They warn of a grave danger—a diabolical scheme led by a master vampire named Kakistos."
Faith's expression grew serious, her mind racing with the implications. "Kakistos? That's bad news. But what's Jeeves suggesting we do?"
"He believes it would be safer for us to relocate to Sunnydale and join their team," Diana explained. "This way, we would have the protection of two Slayers and their team. Dawn believes that Kakistos may follow us wherever we go, so it's safer to stay with the Slayers."
Faith pondered this for a moment. Moving to Sunnydale was a significant decision. "So, we'd be working with this team in Sunnydale, right? And that means we'll have to play nice with these Watchers and Slayers?"
Diana nodded; her voice gentle. "Yes, Faith, it would involve working closely with them. The team primarily consists of two students who assist with logistics and research. Giles mentioned that it may be unconventional, but the idea is that Slayers with a support network tend to survive longer."
Faith's considered the implications. "Support network or not, it's a big change. But if it's safer, I guess we don't have much choice. What do you think, Lady Di?"
Diana's gaze met Faith's, and she spoke with a sense of responsibility. "Faith, I need to discuss this with the Council and make sure it's the best decision for your safety. I'll call you back this evening with more information."
Faith sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Alright, Lady Di, do what you got to do. I trust your judgment."