[pm] I’m a powerful Wicca and an academic in secret; I can take a trip and still help. Or at least that’s the plan anyways. She makes me better, Buffy. I’ll be better at being what you need if everything works out. But even if they don’t, I’m not leaving the fight. I’m not going to stop trying. And I want you to be okay with this because you’re still my hero, even if I can’t ever come close to comparing with you.

[Pm] If she makes you a better person, then its best for you I suppose. I do want you to be at your best. Not just so you can help, but because I care. Its just really hard for me to be completely okay with you choosing her when we’rebher in the thick of it. I’ve never felt like I needed to be with someone the way you do with her. Even Angel, and I still cant let go of what we had together. Ive tried to move on, to act as though there isn’t a part of me wishing we were together. But there is, and I understand why you feel like you need to go. I feel it too, I just push it away and keep reminding myself of the big picture. I remind myself that he’s able to move on so I should too. I remind myself that especially now, the media that seems to follow all my actions must never go near him (or Spike). I can’t risk him. And I wouldn’t do what you’re doing if he and I were in yours and Faith’s situation… But I can understand why you’re doing it. Can that be enough?

[pm] If you haven’t noticed Buff, I’m not really the get out and socialize type these days. And there’s nothing much that I bring to the table that I can’t give you in a phone call or an email. No one out there will notice I’m gone. Besides, I don’t look too swell on paper either. Me being a fringe Scooby for a little while might actually help you. And you don’t need to worry about anyone on my tail. I’ve got the ways and the experience. I’ll make sure none of you are in danger if I go.

[Pm] You can do what you want. I’ve said all I can think of to make you stay… I think if you were to stay here under the radar you’d still be more useful than being gone. You’re one of the most powerful people we have on our side, and magic has the advantage of being something that the media and government literally cannot track as of yet. But go if you really think it’s what’s best.

[pm] What if I promised to come back?

[Pm] I cant say it wouldn’t piss me off that you left in the first place. I could never hate you, obviously. But you cant leave at a time like this. Or I mean, I dont want you to. This is about Faith isn’t it? Look, I understand you love her. But you know my opinion on this and you know what I’ve sacrificed for the greater good. We’re on the verge of a war here, one with humans involved. We cant fight this the way we always have, we need the gang to be at full strength. You understand that. Faith is a criminal, and I know she’s trying to find her retribution. I get that, but with these news reporters watching our every move don’t you think they’d notice if one of us went off to go find her? We have to be careful now. Certain actions look a certain way and they might be used against us. Plus, reporters might follow you. You might lead them to Faith. Then the cops will not only arrest her, but you. What good can either of you do in jail?

A few people listening is good. The more who don’t buy into the vampires-are-friends myth the more lives saved and the better off people are. Most people, can’t account for the wackies who want to be vampires, will listen eventually. And really how long can vampires hide their murdering, torturing ways without it all coming to light now that people know about them?

I forgot all about the psychos out there who’ve already been thinking vampires are cool. But even those people don’t deserve to be turned just because of their ignorance. I know there has to be something more we could do…

I read your article in the newspaper by the way. It was really inspiring Buffy. Just tell me what you need me to do. I have never been good at talking to people, but if you think it might help. Should I prepare for a meeting some time soon?

There’s nothing specific just yet. I don’t think you see you the way you are, you’ve changed from when we first met. You’re much better at talking to people than you think, just remember that. [Pm] There is one thing. You don’t happen to know any lawyers from your ghostly adventures do you? We’re trying to find someone to fight the legislation that Matthew and his crew are obviously trying to bring about.