LATE SEPTEMBER, 2001, SUNNYDALE

Buffy was still rubbing her hands, and grabbing at her head. Willow was less sure than she seemed that the Slayer had been brought back right.

"Are--are you sure Glory's not coming back? Cause I'm not up for that again."

Willow hesitated, then just said it.

"Giles finally told us. He killed Ben, so Glory can never come back. He wasn't proud--and he was almost glad you couldn't find out."

Buffy looked at Willow.

"Wait----"

Buffy shook a finger in the air, as though trying to recall something.

"Are you saying that Ben had some connection with Glory?"