I'm doing it again.

Re-writing a season, putting my spin on the 'where do we go from here?' question. I'm not saying that the writers of BTVS lost the plot, becuase I'm sure they had a plan in mind and some idea where they were going with it. But I believe in the triumph of the human heart, and we really struggled to see very much of that on Buffy in its last year.

So what does that matter?

Not a lot really. This story has a lot more to do with other events in my life than it does with the development of the show. It's a 'what if' speculation, based (originally) on a off-the cuff idea by a fellow bard, and born from a rather harrowing week spent reading a report on the real evils in the world. I work in Social Care. I know about child abuse. And after that particular document, I know rather more than I really wanted to.

So - this is a very personal tale. If it offends, upsets, or otherwise annoys you, then I apologise for that. It probably isn't completely to Buffy canon, because up until now I hadn't watched the show that avidly - but I hope it's true to the spirit that I've admired in the series, and reflects the characters reasonably well. (At least up until 'Once More with Feeling', which is round about the point this story starts ...). It has aspects of a crossover, as it includes guest appearences (very important ones) from old and dear friends of mine. On one level, it's a love story; love between a Slayer and her Watcher, between friends and family, between a man and a woman, and between the angels and the world. On another, it's a warning cry; that evil exists and abuse happens. That it has consequences, and the ones that suffer most because of it are the innocent. And on a third level, it's about overcoming that abuse, about keeping the balance between right and wrong, and learning from experience.

It's set in Buffy's world, but I have to say that it's really Giles' story. I thought he deserved a few moments centre stage, even if I have to put him through hell to get him there. He goes through some difficult experiences, some interesting changes - and in the end, manages to stay true to himself and the causes he champions. There are hopeless moments - but never true hoplessness. And, as certain philosphers say, 'that which does not kill me, makes me stronger'. In his case, a lot stronger. But that's part of what the story is about. In my world, there is a triumph of the heart - and power and strength mean nothing if they're not tempered by compassion, or constrained by love.

It's not what you do that matters. It's the why and the how and the when.

Even demons can be redeemed.

It's whether they can live with themselves afterwards that becomes the real question.

Okay - enough of my philosophy. If you want that, go read the story. What follows are a few thoughts, explanations and general jottings that readers might find of interest. Or not. You don't have to read this stuff, you know!