Author's Note: This takes place between the end of the television show (Season 7) and the beginning of the comic series (Season 8). It is just my stab at filling in some of the blanks. All characters are present, and thought the story focuses on Kennedy and Willow, everyone will be mentioned. Slightly A/U in that there is no Aluwyn/Saga Vasuki, and Kennedy doesn't "die" (though if you haven't read the Season 8comics than that isn't A/U at all so pretend I never said that!). Any and all feedback is appreciated. :)
Disclaimer: I do not, will not, and will forever wish that I owned them. However, Mr. Joss Whedon has that divine privilage.
Slowly, the few survivors of Sunnydale (well, the crater that was Sunnydale) clambered back onto the school bus. Faith had gingerly removed Robin from the driver's seat to the place right behind it and was tending to his wounds. Giles had taken his place, and was reviewing a few old maps and atlases in an attempt to figure out what our next step was. Buffy and Dawn took a seat towards the front and chatted quietly about what to do next. Vi was talking to Rona to try and keep her awake, though she was already healing thanks to the new-found slayer powers. Xander, after walking a rather wobbly Willow to the back to the bus to take her seat next to me, sat down across the aisle from Andrew, but neither of them were talking; both of them were rather somber looking.
Willow, after plopping down and settling her head on my shoulder, immediately fell asleep. I guess that spell took a lot out of her. I, on the other hand, am wired. I can barely sit still, and if it wasn't for my Goddess sleeping so soundly next to me I would probably be sprinting up and down the length of the bus and trying to get the able-bodied to spar with me. When the bus starts to move, I cling a little more tightly to Willow. She's out cold, yeah, but she deserves this chance to rest before we have to start worrying about the next step.
"Can I get your guys' attention for a second?"
We all glance up at Buffy, who has stood up in her seat. She is grabbing the back of it with one hand to balance herself, and holding Dawn's with the other. She looks worn, but happy. She smiles as she continues talking.
"I guess we made it, huh?"
The few of us that are still conscious clap or cheer. I give a soft "yippee", not wanting to jar Willow. Everyone quiets down as Buffy starts to talk again.
"We lost a lot of good girls out there", she glances at Xander, "and we lost a lot of good friends. All of them, good people. But in the end, take solace in the fact that you are alive. They died so that you could live – don't waste that. Mourn them, respect their deaths. But remember that we all still have each other. Remember that we are living proof that, once and for all, good won. We beat the ultimate evil."
A few more cheers and claps, and then Buffy opens her mouth to talk again. This time, however, Faith speaks up.
"Hold on now, B. Now I'm all for the celebrating, don't get me wrong, but I would like to know what the hell we're doing now. I think we all would."
We all glance from Faith to Buffy; I think everyone is quietly remembering the last time Faith interrupted a speech that Buffy was giving and experiencing a little bit of a bad taste in our mouths. We stayed quiet and watched them; whether it be out of fear, curiosity, or exhaustion. Thankfully, though, Buffy just smiled at her.
"Ladies, make sure all your stuff is together. We're heading to L.A."