"The school librarian is sending you out to... slay vampires."

"I think he's part of some ancient vampire hunting conspiracy."

"...That can't hunt vampires on its own without help from a teenage girl?  I don't mean to insult you, Nausicaa," he adds, "it just seems like Mr. Giles is being - criminally irresponsible, by putting you in the position he is."

"If there's some kind of mystical destiny weirdness going on it's possible I'm pretty much a weathervane? But, yeah, I don't think they're using resources well. I'd probably be a better diplomat. The superpowers - they'd help with people who just respect strength. But... He's mostly been talking about training me, not sending me out into the wilderness alone. And I dunno if they've got other superheroes in training."

"I suppose I don't have any right to forbid you from getting involved in this," Rob says reluctantly.  "But just bear in mind that if you ever want or need to get out, we will get you out."

"Thanks. It means a lot."

"That's what adults are for, keeping kids safe."

"Not a kid, but - people should keep each other safe. In general."

"Well, fair enough.  I'm sorry."

"It's cool. And thanks, for being cool with - " she waves a hand vaguely " - all this."

Rob smiles.

Helena and Giles return.

"All right," says Helena.  "Color me at least provisionally convinced that vampires and supernatural creatures are real, and too dangerous for the police or military to handle.  Nausicaa - I overheard the end of your conversation with my husband, and he's right that we don't have the right to tell you what to do.  And honestly, from what Giles tells me, conventional authorities aren't qualified and unconventional authorities essentially don't exist, so if you can get in and out of fights with vampires safely it might be the best course.  But if it comes down to it, I and my husband are both prepared to side with you over Mr. Giles, and he understands that."

"Thanks. I'll be trying to avoid most fights, at least."

Helena smiles.  "That sounds like a good idea."

"Kaylee - I probably don't need to tell you this, but I'm going to anyway.  You don't have superpowers, you don't have a mystical destiny.  I can't and wouldn't stop you from helping your friend save the world, but you are to stay off of the front lines, understand?"

She nods seriously.  "That was my plan."

"I'm glad to hear it.  Now - given that there don't seem to be any better hands in which to leave the supernatural world, if you want to pivot from focusing on your studies to become a doctor toward focusing on figuring how best to help Nausicaa and Mr. Giles - protect the world from vampires - I'll understand and I'll help cover for you.  I do think that you and me and your father and Mr. Giles should have a longer discussion on that subject at some point in the very near future, but for now I won't press the point."

"Honestly, talking to you guys about that was a big part of why I wanted to bring you into the loop."

Helena smiles.  "You're a smart girl.  Now."  She turns to Giles.  "I understand you had some vampire-hunting lessons for Nausicaa that Kaylee and Tag were going to sit in on.  I hope we're invited?"

"Yes, you are."

"I'm fine with you guys coming, too."

"Right.  Now, Miss Uzun, did you bring the dagger I gave you?"

"This thing? Yeah."

(Helena has a look on her face like she's making a very deliberate decision not to say anything.)

"Good.  Now, if we move some of these tables, we can make up an adequate space to go through some basic forms, if you'll all help me..."

She helps, eagerly. She's very good at moving furniture, at least.

(Superpowers are so cool.)