Title: Season of Change 6/?
Author: Katy Hart
Disclaimer: Joss and company own them. I’m just
changing things for the better.
From Buffy’s Diary
Nov 17, 98
Patrol was uber interesting tonight. I had hoped for the talk with Giles, but Faith decided to tag along. We’ve got a bit of a rhythm down, synchronized Slaying almost. Giles was watching, taking notes. When I asked him how our slaying looked, another voiced answered.
She was tallish, blonde, hair in a bun, glasses and I didn’t know skirts came in tweed. Her attitude just screamed Watcher. Which is who she said she was, Gwendolyn Post, Faith’s new Watcher. What kind of name is Gwendolyn? There is something about her that sets my senses tingling. But there wasn’t time for questions, we had to head home. There’s a meeting tomorrow at the library. Should be fun. Not.
From the Personal Journal of Rupert Giles November 18, 1998
Faith’s new Watcher arrived tonight. I was out on patrol with both her and Buffy, observing their combined fighting skills. I had hoped to have this time alone with Buffy so we could have our talk about the incident last week, but Faith had other ideas.
I did not recognize her, but her demeanor seemed to indicate she was a fellow Watcher. She introduced herself as Gwendolyn Post and confirmed she was sent to watch Faith. Buffy seemed put off by her presence, Faith also. Alas the girls had to return home for the night so I couldn’t question them. We made arrangements to meet in the library tomorrow. Ms. Post seems eager to begin her work, too eager almost. That makes me wonder more about Buffy’s reaction to her.
From Buffy’s Diary
Nov 19 98
God what an uberbitch. Gwennie (I refuse to call her Ms. Post) is more uptight than Giles was when I first met him. Even if she didn’t give off bad vibes, I’d have a serious dislike for her now. She attacked Giles. One day here and she’s all over him. Says that his book collection is small and he’s too American.
Are we talking about the same person? Has she seen Giles? He’s the most un-American person I know. Okay, so I don’t exactly know too many English people, but c’mon this is GILES. Then she gets all bossy and tells us about some demon, Legos. (I think. Aren’t those toys?) He’s here for some glove thing. Who does this woman think she is? I’m seriously hating on the Council right now. Faith’s not happy either.
Oh, nearly forgot. I took the SATs last week. I think I did okay. It’s not like I’m actually thinking of college or anything. Now I gotta go see Angel, do the helping thing.
From the Personal Journal of Rupert Giles November 19, 1998
Ms. Post is a very disagreeable woman. She had the nerve to criticize my book collection which is arguably one of the best in the country. Granted I am only one of four Watchers in America, but that is beside the point. If the Council could see fit to budget more money for my books I doubt the conversation would have happened. She then accused me of being too American. Buffy was quite shocked at that statement as was I. Yes, I have picked up a few habits here and there, but generally I would say I have not lost my sense of Britishness. Doesn’t she realize how hard it is to get British foodstuffs here?
She then proceeded to take over the meeting by informing us that the demon Lagos was on his way if not already in Sunnydale. I wonder how she obtained this information. None of our sources have said word one about this and with the reputation that Lagos has I am sure we would have been informed. Apparently Lagos is seeking the Glove of Mynegon. Of course it’s here in Sunnydale, as are all mysterious and powerful objects that give the owner world domination.
Ms. Post then left, asking Faith to follow, which she did reluctantly. Buffy once again expressed her dislike for the woman. I suggested training as an outlet when she reminded me that we needed to visit Angel again. He seems to be making significant progress, recognizing both me and Buffy and regaining most of his memories. I still have not found a reason for his return, but it may yet be revealed.
From Buffy’s Diary
When we mentioned the demon guy to Angel, he got all broody, said he might know where it was, the glove thingy that is. Giles had been searching forever for it with no luck. We went with him to find it and then decided to hide it at the mansion. It was hidden in one of the more well known crypts at Restfield cemetery.
So now it’s hidden and we have to figure out a way to destroy it. Angel mentioned living flame, whatever that is. I’m guessing by the look on Giles’ face that it’s something magical. So he’s off to do his research thing and we’ll meet up tomorrow for destruction of glove and world savage without killing anyone. That leaves us plenty of time for that talk we’ve been avoiding.
From the Personal Journal of Rupert Giles
Angel led us straight to the Glove. His willingness to help is fostering some trust between us, but I know well never be comfortable in each other’s presence ever again. He looked at me and Buffy strangely, as if he knew something we didn’t. But he seemed reluctant to talk after we brought the Glove back to the mansion. He still feels something for Buffy; I can see it in the way he looks at her.
I mentioned researching ways to destroy the Glove and Angle brought up living flame. I have heard of it but must consult my books to be certain on how to perform it. Buffy just rolled her eyes at the thought of research and left us standing there. I stuttered an excuse to leave, but Angel grabbed my arm before I could go. All he said was “Keep her safe,” before he let me go and disappeared into the next room. What was it he saw, could he tell how I feel about her? A very strange encounter indeed.
From Buffy’s Diary
Nov 20 98
So it turns out I was right about Gwennie, she was a bad guy. I was getting ready to head out to the mansion when Will called. She and Xander had found Giles at the library, knocked out. He was on his way to the hospital, possible concussion. Why is it always his head? He did manage to say something about the glove and living flame, so they are on their way with the potion, mixture, whatever. I called Faith, asked her to meet me there for back up.
When we got there Gwennie was on the floor, Angel standing over her, vamped out. Faith was convinced he’d hurt her Watcher and even if the bitch did give off bad vibes, Faith’s instinct was to protect. I get that. Gwennie encouraged her saying Angel wanted to use the glove. Faith and Angel got into it with me trying to pull them apart. That’s when Gwennie went for the glove.
I finally manage to separate Faith and Angel, but it was too late, Gwennie had the glove on. She attacked Faith first, and then went for Angel and me. I’m not sure when Will and Xand showed up, but she went for them too. Angel took a hit pushing Will out of the way of the next hit. I moved out of the way of the lightning, rolling onto the floor. There was glass everywhere. I picked up one of the larger, sharper pieces. When Gwennie faced me, aiming the glove, I threw the glass, slicing the glove wearing arm off. She was hit by the lightning and dissolved.
After making sure everyone was okay, we did the living flame thing, no more glove. Then I went to visit Giles in the hospital, brought him both his diaries and some other personal stuff. We both tried to talk but failed. I was just glad he was okay. There was a lot of that talking with no words thing we do when we look at each other. It felt different this time, more meaningful. I kept looking away first, it was so intense. But it didn’t stop us from looking, the bond we share growing stronger each time. It’s kinda weird, but I think we’re okay with the whole candy thing now. I hope.
From the Personal Journal of Rupert Giles November 20, 1998
How I hate hospitals. Why must it always be my head that gets hit? I landed in this predicament thanks to Ms. Post. I had called her to the library in hopes of starting anew, becoming better colleagues. I asked for her help in researching living flame. She guessed that we had found the Glove. I should have been more wary of her excitement.
Instead I confirmed her suspicions and even told her of its location at the mansion. Next think I knew I was on the floor, she was standing over me, statue in hand. Then everything went black. Xander and Willow found me. I managed to mention the mansion and living flame before I was taken away.
Buffy came to visit, bringing some personal items as well as my Watcher Diary and this journal, so I could record what happened. Ms. Post wanted the Glove for herself. Buffy managed to stop her and she is no more. Willow and Xander showed up and living flame was used to destroy the Glove.
There were attempts to start our talk. Mostly it was Buffy making sure I was okay and my reassuring her that I would survive. We sat in silence for a long time. There were many looks exchanged. We have done this many times before; it’s a Watcher/Slayer thing I have read about. This time it had a deeper meaning. Each look was more powerful than the last, Buffy looking away first, almost embarrassed at the intensity. I could feel the magic behind the looks, it’s a part of our bond, but it was tinged with something else, something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I believe we came to an understanding about the incident last week. It will not be brought up again.
From Buffy’s Diary
Nov 22 98
Just a quick little bit about ol’ Gwennie. Giles called the council to let them know about her being evil and all. They never sent her. Turns out she had all her Watcher rights taken away after messing with dark magic too much. They sent a memo and an e-mail. Note to self, drag Giles into the 21st century no mater how much he protests. Faith’s real Watcher is being sent soon. She’s not too happy but Giles promised he’ll double check this time.
From the Personal Journal of Rupert Giles November 22, 1998
Ms. Post was never sent by the Council. They swear there were both a memo and an e-mail. Faith asked why I could not continue to be her Watcher. There has never been an instance of a Watcher having two Slayers, but then there have never been two Slayers before. I could never be Faith’s Watcher; my bond with Buffy is too deep. Once she gets her own, real Watcher, she will understand, until then we continue to train, patrol, always alert for the next impending evil.
Again with thanks to my beta goddess, antennapedia for pushing me to be better.