Buffy watched them through the window; they were all gathered on the Quad of the High School. She knew her life had changed forever last night. Left with no one else she turned to the one person in her life that had always been there for her - her Nana. No one knew about her family not even Willow since the divorce she hadn't been allowed to visit them. Plus, the name was too well known even here in Sunnydale - Anne Mertuil was known on several continents. Her father's mother was one of the most powerful women/people anywhere. Buffy always hated when people found out and started treating her differently because of it. Nana told her it was the price of history of keeping the name alive and strong.
She used to laugh at Cordelia when she made such a big deal about having money. Her grandmother's estate could buy and sell the Chases several times over. Buffy had never cared she just loved her grandmother and always looked forward to her summer in the Hamptons. That all changed with the divorce it was the one thing her parents agreed on. They wrote it into the custody papers and Buffy hated it. That was a lot of the reason that she never tried in school it was her revenge on them.
She played the dumb blonde, it was all anyone expected from her. She was the muscle so she didn't have to have a brain as well. Her own mother didn't even question it but then again she only looked up when the bottle was empty anymore. Buffy had been on the Honor Roll at Hemery every year with ease. Her French teacher never understood how she couldn't complete any of the homework but aced every test. She had spoke French almost before she spoke English. Nana wouldn't carry on a family discussion in any other language. She said there was no other way to tell the true emotions behind one's words otherwise.
Buffy told the driver to head for the airport now she was ready. The Scoobies turned to see a black limousine pull away from the curb. They hadn't even noticed it they were so deep in all of their theories about where Buffy could be. Looking back over her shoulder Buffy said a silent goodbye to her life in Sunnydale; realizing the call to Nana was as binding as a contract. Nana would expect her to take her rightful place as a Mertuil with everything that the name implied.
Looking back on it now she knows her mother's influence had a lot to do with her decision to remain a slayer. Nana was the only person she knew with enough influence that even the Council would have backed away in fear. Buffy had never wanted to be a part of that world but now she knew there was no other choice so she was determined to learn from the best and play to win. At least being a slayer taught her how to fight with not only her body but also her mind. To find her opponents weaknesses and wait for the right time to use them when you had to. She had made up her mind that no one would ever use her or manipulate her again.
"We are here, Miss Elisabeth. The plane is ready to take off when you are. Madam sent clothes for you they are waiting on-board." The driver told her as he held the door. "Thank you Jeffrey. It's nice to see you again. I hope you and your family has been well," Buffy smiled. "Yes Miss Elizabeth everyone is fine. The house is in an uproar over you coming home to stay with Madam. She has missed you. Oh she doesn't say it but she reads your letters over and over."
She had always been a favorite of the servants. A bright, happy, polite child that was always asking to help, not like some people he could name. Jeffrey couldn't keep the satisfied smirk off his face thinking of a certain person was going to throw when they found that Miss Elisabeth was back. No not only back but also living with Madam. Everyone was giddy with anticipation to witness the explosion when they learned that physical proximity didn't matter.
Madam had always seen to the heart of a matter or a person. Miss Elisabeth's had a true heart although it seemed rather bruised. There wasn't anything Madam wouldn't do for this tiny golden child. The world and everyone would soon see how true that statement was.
A limousine pulled up outside of a huge mansion in the Hamptons. It was the crown jewel of the Mertuil family where Nana reigned with an iron fist. Buffy couldn't help the excitement she felt to be back here again. The last time was the summer before she was called, then everything in her life changed. The house seemed to go on forever set on rolling lawns of emerald green. It was in fact a French chateau that was moved stone by stone then reassembled here to be a summer retreat from the city. As Nana got older, she stayed her more and more and the city came to her. Although at 65, she was far from old just stubborn.
The grounds spread out over acres that included gardens, an indoor and outdoor pool that could be joined, tennis courts, stables, a shooting range and a dock that held no less than 4 boats at all times.
Buffy walked up to the front door that opened the minute that she reached it. There stood a small bald man of indeterminate age with the blackest eyes she had ever seen, Jean-Pierre, the major-domo. He had been with her grandmother forever and ran the house with the precision of a general. "Bon Jour, Jean-Pierre." Buffy kissed his cheeks.
He smiled happy to see the bon or on (little gold one) was home. "Bon Jour Mademoiselle Lizbeth. Madam is in her salon waiting for you." Buffy saluted him laughing moving away in a black designer dress and heels. Jean-Pierre couldn't understand how two people could look so much alike and be so different.
"Bon Jour, Nana." Buffy called out softly. There in a Queen Anne chair sat a tiny woman. Everyone thought Buffy got her coloring from her mother, they were wrong. Anne Katrina Mertuil was a tiny woman whose hair still held golden tones; her eyes were the same large hazel as her granddaughters. If you didn't know, better you would think from a distance she was Buffy's mother. Only when you were close could you see the fine lines around her eyes and mouth that told of age. Her skin was still smooth holding a hint of pale gold rather than Buffy's darker honey tone.
Anne's face lit up seeing her granddaughter standing there. She threw her arms open wide as Buffy rushed into them. "Ma petite, you have finally come home to me. Enfant de ma couer (child of my heart) tell your Nana everything so that we can begin to wash it all away, oui." her lilting voice soothed Buffy's sore heart. She told her all of it from beginning to end.
"When the statue opened I tried to save him. I remembered Whistler said his blood was needed so I kissed then stabbed him but it was pulling him. I held onto him so tight but I wasn't strong enough. As it started to close I did the only thing I could think of I killed him Nana. I couldn't send him to hell. He was Angel again, my Angel. I threw Kendra's favorite stake at him. He turned to dust before it snapped closed." Buffy's voice was a mere whisper. Her whole body shook with sobs. Anne combed her fingers through her hair and waited for her to finish.
"The statue was the only thing that was left so I took out all my anger, hurt and pain on it. Then I realized I had nowhere to go. Mom kicked me out, Kendra was dead, I was wanted for her murder, Giles and Willow were hurt and Xander," her voice trailed off.
"Lied to you oui?" Anne said. Buffy nodded "I know he was always jealous of Angel but he didn't do those things Nana. He was innocent. I caused him to lose his soul it was my fault not his. Me and those damn gypsies." Buffy spat as she started to pace the room.
"He suffered for over a hundred years for everything his demon did. Then because of a stupid jealous boy, he died for them too. Why couldn't Xander see everything isn't black and white? It is all just shades of grey. I'm sorry Nana, forgive me" Buffy looked away.
"Non ma petite, your anger is good use it to burn away the grief. You are right to be angry I would worry more if you weren't. You will see there are many in the world that hunger for what they think is theirs because they claim it so. Lizbeth never let anyone take from you what is your once it is in your hands." Her grandmother's voice held a note of steel behind it.
"You are talking about more than what happened aren't you Nana. You are talking about the family."
"You have always been a smart one ma petite when you do not play what is it called? Ah ma oui the dumb blonde, oui les famille. I will take care of all of this mess. The police, the Council, even your parents but I want something from you child. Something I have always wanted."
"What Nana? I knew there would be conditions to my coming here," Buffy said.
"You will become my heir with all that that implies. I will be your legal guardian. You must carry on the tradition by changing you name. Lizbeth I will teach you everything you need to know to lead the family" she watched her granddaughter closely.
"Nana, you will find being a Slayer trains you for many things. I'm not as soft as I used to be. I accept there isn't anything for me to return to. Maybe without me there Mom can clean up her act. I want her out of Sunnydale though. Set her up with a gallery in San Francisco after she is sober. I don't care what Dad does he hasn't bothered with me since the move. Last, I heard he was in Europe with his newest secretary. Make sure the Council keeps Giles if he wants to stay. He is a good Watcher and probably the best hope the new slayer will have to last longer than a year. Have Mom tell them some story that the Council can back up. My friends have done enough I won't add to their troubles by having them worried and looking for me. I'll make a list of what I want from my old things but I will need new clothes. I guess new everything. The pool and horses will help but I'm used to a more active life so when you are through with me some other type of lessons would help." Buffy reeled off everything that she could think of from all angles.
A look of wonder then satisfaction came over Anne Mertuil's face. Her granddaughter had grown up. The things she had been through had changed her made her stronger. She was like finely tempered rapier of Toledo steel. It looks delicate but it very strong and if wielded by the right hand very dangerous. I will teach ma petite to wield her weapons well.
"I will take care of it ma petite go rest. No one will be dropping be I have issues a persona non gratis to all. They are salivating thinking I am ill. We will have the whole summer to prepare for the grand unveiling," she laughed.
"Fine Nana, is my room still the same? Then I will leave you. Let the games begin have fun Nana." Buffy closed the doors heaving a huge sigh. She walked upstairs to a room at the back of the house overlooking the gardens. It was done in all shades of yellow and whites. There was a huge Louis XVI bed at one end. She lay down and was fast asleep while her grandmother wheeled and dealed for her future.
"Mr. Travers there is a Madam Mertuil on the line for you sir." Quentin Travers' brows went up at the name. He wondered what she would want with him. He wasn't even aware she knew who or what he was. Quentin hadn't become Head of the Watcher's Council by being a stupid man. He knew it would be stupid ever to underestimate this woman or her reach.
"Hello Madam Mertuil, Quentin Travers here. What may I do for you?"
"Monsieur Travers I am calling in regards to Elisabeth Summers, my granddaughter."
Quentin felt sweat break out on his forehead. Bloody hell why weren't they aware of this connection. In the past if a girl from an influential family was called or in line they would step in to circumvent the situation. To allow the granddaughter of one of the most influential women on several continents to become a slayer. This was a problem of huge proportions it could shake the very foundation of the Council if not destroy it completely.
"Monsieur, are you there?"
"Yes Madam I am. What can we do to help fix the problem to your satisfaction?" he asked. "Oh you are such a civilized man. The Prime Minister told me such was the case but you know how the politicos can be oui." She left the threat hanging in the air.
He swallowed "How do you see us achieving the best end result for your granddaughter?"
"Actually Lizbeth thought this matter through carefully finding a perfect solution ma oui. Here is what you should do.."
Quentin listened attentively writing down instructions like a lowly secretary. "We should be able to take care of this with no problems Madam. The Council has already been notified of the newest slayer's identity. We shall simply send her to the hell, err Sunnydale, post haste. Her current watcher is new and could be an asset perhaps as an apprentice to Mr. Giles. He would of course remain as the resident Sr. Watcher."
"I'm sure my granddaughter would have no problem with that since Mr. Giles will of course be handsomely compensated for the added responsibilities, Adieu."
Quentin heard nothing but dial tone hanging up he heaved a huge sigh. He shouted for his secretary who ran into the room. "Call an emergency meeting of Council for twenty minutes from now."
Anne had a hard smile on her face when she dialed the next number. "Hello," Joyce's slurred voice came over the line. "Buffy if that is you . Yous come home right, right now, young lady."
"Bon Jour Joyce" Anne's cultured voice came over the phone.
Joyce was suddenly sober hearing this voice from the past. "Hello Madam this really isn't a good time."
"Oh I disagree Mon Cher, it is the perfect time. Lizbeth is her with me where she will be staying."
"No she isn't. Buffy is my daughter I don't care how much money you have you aren't buying her." Joyce yelled into the phone.
"Oh I didn't have to chère, you threw her away. She ran to safety to me! Away from a drunk who only pays attention to anything but the glass in her hand." Joyce sat her glass of scotch down shakily.
"Anne, she is my baby don't do this. I've already lost Hank don't take my little girl" she cried.
"Joyce you need to get your life together. I offer you that Lizbeth wants that for you. She wants you away from that town to give you a fresh start, a sober one. Do this for her if you ever hope to repair the damage you and my son have already done" Anne said not unkindly.
Anne told her everything that was needed of her. Papers would arrive tomorrow once signed she would no longer control Buffy's future. People would be there to move her and someone would take her to a clinic to sober her up. When she got out there would be a brand new life waiting for her in San Francisco.
Hanging up the phone Joyce looked around their home and sobbed. "Buffy baby I'm so sorry."
Anne thought about everything Buffy had told her about Rupert Giles then decided to handle the matter herself. "Giles here" he answered the phone in the library. There was still no sign of Buffy and he was getting worried. He had tried to talk to her mother but Joyce was to inebriated to be useful. Giles never knew her mother had such a serious problem. Buffy certainly never let on.
"Monsieur Giles, are you somewhere you may speak freely?" a cultured voice asked.
"Yes" he closed the door to his office locking it "To whom am I speaking to please?"
"I am Lizbeth's grandmother. She is here with me, she is safe monsieur."
"Thank god where are you when will Buffy be returning? Pardon me madam you never told me your name."
"I am Anne Mertuil, perhaps you have heard of me oui?"
"The Anne Mertuil, you are Buffy's grandmother," Giles sputtered.
"Ma Oui, I am calling to let you know Lizbeth will not be returning. Your Monsieur Travers will be sending you a new girl to train. Lizbeth has other duties, other responsibilities. She blames herself for what happened. I will help her to heal. Give her the life that is her birthright."
"But her duty is here" Giles started. "Non, it is not she has given enough. Ask her little friend Alexandre how he laid the plans just so for ma petite to kill her lover. Her lover not the monster, Monsieur Giles. She loves you and her little friend very much but I will not allow that life to destroy ma petite." Her voice was hard as nails.
"But what about her mother and school?" Giles tried desperately to find an argument.
"Au Revoir Monsieur, Lizbeth will probably write to you later when she is feeling better."
Giles only heard a dial tone as he stared at the phone like it was some foreign object.
"Bloody hell!" There was a knock at the door. "G-Man, you in there Wills is ready to go," Xander called out. "Alexandre" he whispered. He flung the door open to see Xander's shocked face. "You okay G-Man?"
"What did you say to Buffy?" Giles growled advancing on the teenager who scuttled backwards.
"Nothing what are you talking about?"
Giles grabbed him by the shirt shaking him like a rag doll. "Tell me what you said."
"Giles are you having a XANEX moment or something put Xander down," Cordelia demanded. "He said he didn't say anything what has you acting like a postal worker?"
"I just got off the phone with Buffy's grandmother. Buffy's with her, she's safe."
"Then what is your problem." Cordelia wound up again.
"Cordelia, do shut up" Giles said. Cordelia's mouth gaped open and close like a fish until it finally snapped shut. She sat down in a huff glaring at the librarian.
"You lied to Buffy didn't you Xander. Didn't tell her Willow was trying the spell to restore Angel's soul did you? What did you say?"
"I told her Willow said to 'Kick his ass' and she did so what. Everyone said it she wasn't trying hard enough to kill Angelus. So when she was finally ready do you think I was going to tell her not to. Do I look stupid?" Xander explained.
"You look like a petty jealous child. She didn't kill Angelus you fool she killed Angel. Willow's spell worked but I'm guessing it was too late to stop it. Buffy had no choice but to kill him."
"She had no choice so I did the right thing then." Xander stubbornly defended his actions.
"Not cool dude." Oz shook his head.
"He killed Jenny, hurt Willow and tortured you. Angelus, Angel makes no difference only good vamp is a dead one."
"Don't you even dare speak her name. She was trying to restore Angel when she died. Jenny more than anyone but Buffy understood the difference between the two. Get out of my sight Xander I can't stand to look at you. You got your wish Angel is truly dead but Buffy is never coming home. Her grandmother is going to make sure of that." Giles turned away.
"What do you mean, Giles? What does Buffy's grandmother have to do with it?" Willow asked.
"It doesn't matter Willow all that matters is Buffy is gone and she won't be coming back. The Council will be sending a new slayer I imagine by the end of the week. In light of all that has occurred I think it best if you all cease your aide in slaying." Giles went into his office closing the door.
Xander looked at the others. "Willow, I did the right thing. If she had known she wouldn't have fought with everything she had. He would have killed her."
"Xander, leave me alone. You didn't do it for Buffy you did it for you. Now my best friend is gone I will never see her again. I just can't talk to you. Oz, please, just take me home."
"Oz, you understand don't you?"
"Can't say I do man. That was beyond cruel." He pushed Willow's wheelchair out the door.
"Cordy, you agree with me don't you?"
"I could care less spas boy. What I do care about is you are with me and still seem to be hung up on Buffy. Cordelia Chase doesn't play second fiddle to anyone." The head cheerleader pranced out the swinging doors.
Xander walked over to the office door. He just knew that if he could make Giles understand then everyone would come around. He leaned forward then he paled there were quiet sobs coming from inside. Xander's shoulders slumped as he walked out of the Library.