Disclaimer: The Buffyverse and all its characters belong to Joss Whedon. While I profited immensely from writing this, it was strictly spiritual. No money was involved, so don't sue. The Guardian and this story belong to me. This story takes place during the first season finale 'Prophecy Girl'. By the way, I actually wrote this about the time that ''School Hard' was screening in the USA (I'm Australian, in case you didn't know), it's just taken me this long to post it-what can I say, procrastination iz me!
Part
Three
"Oh yes. If you truly don't feel that you can go on, I'll work to try and adjust this for you" the Guardian told her.
"For me?" Buffy said, astonishment clear in her voice.
"Vampires have always been Satan's people. Humans have always been God's people, but the Slayers-those who walk the line between- have always been my people. When Merrick passed through, he told me that if any Slayer deserved to see the future adjusted, it was you. He said that you were truly the most exceptional of all." The Guardian cupped Buffy's face in his hands and continued "He was right. Of all the Slayers I have created, of all the Slayers I have Called, you are my most beloved. I will do this for you, if you wish."
Buffy looked at the pool, then back at the Guardian.
"You don't have to. If you love me enough to try and change the future, doesn't it follow that I love all of them enough to try and do the same for them?"
The Guardian, his voice sad though he was smiling, told her "I have never been so sorrowful-yet so grateful-that a Slayer chose to leave me."
Buffy swallowed and her lips trembled as she asked "So, how do I get back?"
The Guardian said, "You don't need to leave right now. Time moves as slowly or as fast as I wish, here. You can rest for a little while, before you take up the burden again."
"I can?" Buffy asked, starting to cry again. "I'll go back, I promise, but I'm so tired-"
The Guardian drew her into his arms and Buffy put her head on his shoulder and sobbed, crying out all the pain and weariness. It could have been minutes, days, or years. When she was all cried out, she wiped away her tears and asked, "Have all the other Slayers turned on the waterworks like this?"
"None of the others came to me before it was their time."
The Guardian kissed her on the forehead, and Buffy felt a cool wind fill up her soul, freezing all the doubt and hesitation.
"You will not remember me, or this place, but take a gift of my power. It will come back to me once you no longer need it. Rest assured, Buffy. Now your decision has been made, the Master will die by your hand. Your friends will be kept safe from the fates shown in my pool, by your hand. The next time you come to me, it will be because the world no longer needs you, and it will be your time."
"Thank you" Buffy said formally, the Guardian's power already affecting her personality.
"Just step into the pool. It will take you back to the ones who call you."
Buffy stepped away from The Guardian, and into the pool. As she sank down slowly, she could hear Xander's voice, and she closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, she was lying on the ground, soaking wet. Angel and Xander were leaning over her with concern in their eyes, but it wasn't necessary. < Time to send The Master to the one who calls him > she thought.
In the Place between the Worlds, The Guardian stood looking into the pool. The picture on the surface showed Buffy walking to face The Master, Angel and Xander flanking her. He smiled with pride, though his eyes swam with tears.
"You are truly my most beloved" he whispered. "It's time you were no longer alone."
With a simple mental command the picture changed to a tropical night in the Caribbean, where a young black girl sat up in bed with a start. "I Call you, Kendra" The Guardian whispered. "You are the Slayer."
~
The End~
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