Post by Rupert Giles on Jul 26, 2008 23:19:41 GMT -6
Giles watched the little girl run around the courtyard, a permanent frown on his face. The little girl, Jessica, had been most aggravating at times, but that was impossible to know from the way she skipped around, talking shyly with some of the Slayers and Watchers there. Why was he even thinking about her? Well, mostly because he was the reason she was there. Though the 7 year old girl didn't know it, he was partly the reason for her mother's death. A unmarried Slayer, she had received the girl's birth with unbending love, and even managed to simultaneously take care of Jessica and her job as a Slayer. She was fierce and proud, albeit sensible, all admirable qualities in a Slayer. All had expected her to go far...and Giles had caused her death.
Not directly, of course, but he had sent her and a few others out on a routine check up on the remains of a vampire gang but two weeks ago. What started out as a simple trip turned into a fight for their lives, which none of the five Slayers returned from. He still felt major pangs of guilt over his mistake, despite the countless people coming over to him and telling him anyone could have made that mistake. Not him...he wasn't supposed to be just anyone, he was supposed to be the original watcher. Ten Slayers had than been sent out to do what Angel and Buffy had been able to do alone, although luckily this time returning with no injuries except the odd bruise.
But of course, there was a matter of consequences. Jessica had no other family left in the world, and it was still a matter of debate on where to put her. Some had suggested an orphanage, but Giles mutinously declared that after all her mother did, she deserved better. It was one of the few times most of the Academy had seen him in a temper. Instead, Jessica had been staying in his apartment for the past week. Everyone had been dropping in every ten seconds to see if they were all right, and it slightly annoyed him. All Jessie really needs now is a solid base. Which she wouldn't get if people kept gawking at her every three seconds.
Jessica ran over, hugging him tightly and he couldn't help but give a warm smile as she scrambled onto his lap, sending his papers flying to the floor. He had grown quite attached to her, despite her unending bounds of energy that slightly reminded him of a bouncing ball. "For heaven's sakes, look what you did," he said, chiding her gently, although the effect was ruined as he hugged her.
Not directly, of course, but he had sent her and a few others out on a routine check up on the remains of a vampire gang but two weeks ago. What started out as a simple trip turned into a fight for their lives, which none of the five Slayers returned from. He still felt major pangs of guilt over his mistake, despite the countless people coming over to him and telling him anyone could have made that mistake. Not him...he wasn't supposed to be just anyone, he was supposed to be the original watcher. Ten Slayers had than been sent out to do what Angel and Buffy had been able to do alone, although luckily this time returning with no injuries except the odd bruise.
But of course, there was a matter of consequences. Jessica had no other family left in the world, and it was still a matter of debate on where to put her. Some had suggested an orphanage, but Giles mutinously declared that after all her mother did, she deserved better. It was one of the few times most of the Academy had seen him in a temper. Instead, Jessica had been staying in his apartment for the past week. Everyone had been dropping in every ten seconds to see if they were all right, and it slightly annoyed him. All Jessie really needs now is a solid base. Which she wouldn't get if people kept gawking at her every three seconds.
Jessica ran over, hugging him tightly and he couldn't help but give a warm smile as she scrambled onto his lap, sending his papers flying to the floor. He had grown quite attached to her, despite her unending bounds of energy that slightly reminded him of a bouncing ball. "For heaven's sakes, look what you did," he said, chiding her gently, although the effect was ruined as he hugged her.
