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As the day progressed into night, Buffy, Angel, and Cordelia passed the time by destroying Lorenzo and Tessa's remains to ensure they wouldn't be brought back by many means. Once that was accomplished, Buffy changed into one of Cordelia's dresses that were kept in a back room of the factory, since the hospital gown she currently wore would hardly suffice for being out in public.
As soon as the sun had set, all three of them set out for Sunnydale Medical to be with their loved ones and to check up on Stefanie. It overjoyed both Buffy and Angel to be reunited with their precious little girl, and it seemed that neither of them could be torn away from her for even a moment.
It surprised Buffy immensely to learn that the pendant she had bought for Stefanie had saved her friend's life, but a greater one was soon to come. She and Angel had recently entered their friend's hospital room, leaving Cordelia to relate the whole incredible story to the others in the lobby.
"It didn't just make me human again," Stefanie told Buffy and Angel from her bed. "It also took away my slaying abilities. So now, I'm as ordinary as I was back in the 60s... It's weird being so vulnerable again after so long. I don't know how I'll ever get used to it."
Buffy managed a slight smile. "Just like I don't know how I'll ever get used to being a vampire. Maybe we could help each other through the transition period though," she said with a laugh.
Stefanie nodded. "I'd like that," she replied. "And at least we didn't have to worry that this prophecy would mean the end of one of us. It didn't happen."
Angel stepped forward at this. "Actually, it did," he added, cradling a sleepy Ivory in his arms. "One slayer did die in the sense that her powers were robbed from her, and the other did fade into darkness... Although it would have helped if we had known all of this to begin with."
"That's the truth," Buffy said, half absently. "Either way, I'm glad you're going to be alright, Steffi. I could never have gotten used to life without you."
"Same here," Stefanie replied, reaching for Buffy's hand and clasping it firmly in hers. "Although I'm probably going to be sore for the next year after what Lorenzo put me through... But it's just another example that the two of us can survive anything."
"Now and forever," Buffy agreed, throwing a glance at Angel as he joined hands with the two girls. Even though all three of them were still uncertain as to what the future held, they couldn't be bothered fretting over it. For now, it was just enough to know that they still existed, and that hopefully, they would continue to do so for years to come...