Title: In The End by Kajul
Rating: R
Distribution: Ask first, then take, but I would love for this story to be distributed!
Feedback: nodbarn@yahoo.com It'd be great to hear stuff from everyone!
Timeline: Takes place 3 years after Season 6 & 3, with a few elements of Season 6 & 3changed to my liking.
Spoilers: Most of season 6 of BtVS and season 3 of AtS.
Notes: Not very much to tell, just read it and find out for yourself! There are some disturbing scenes though, and that's why I've decided for it to be R. Also, the chapters start out a little short, but gradually get longer. Not sure why, I guess I just got more into my story and kept writing without realizing!
Disclaimer. Oh. Yes. About that. Sorry ME. I don't own these characters (pout). Joss Whedon and Co. do. (Saying Co. makes it sound cool and special).
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Chapter 1
The Death
I don't know what's happened to me. Time was when I would have wreaked hell on a man like him, but – God help me – I've fallen in love with him. Instead I give up a way of life to live among those who would tremble before me. Now we're married and I suppose you could say happily, though if it were truly happily, would I be questioning it right now? Wait, that's not the marriage, or the man, is it? It's just the baby. I mean, what earth-shattering news! Of course I'm going to question things…right? I can't just let my baby defend itself; I've got to think for two people now. Everything will be okay, I know it will. My life has been perfect ever since I gave up that old life and began this one. We'll live a long, happy life, all of us. Me, Isobel, and Xander.
"Xander, stop brooding, please. You're bringing us all down!" pleaded Willow. "It's been three years since Buffy…you know," she continued.
It was true; three long years had passed since Buffy died one night on patrol with only Spike. He had returned bloodied, bruised, and completely beaten – she hadn't. Spike spat a tale of a ferocious demon attacking quickly and out of nowhere, and in her haste to defeat it she hadn't taken proper care to defend herself. She died that night and the monster left no trace of her body.
In only a couple of weeks the world of the Scooby Gang fell to pieces. Spike left town without a word of notice, leaving Dawn not only with the loss of a mother, but then the loss of a mentor and big brother too. Willow left the college for a year, unable to deal with the sudden loss of her best friend before Tara. This time was for good too, and Willow knew. No majick this time, not only because she couldn't, but because Tara wouldn't allow it, not again. Tara had taken on the duty of keeping Dawn.
With the group in such disarray they had to lean on each other for three horrendous years. The world began to piece together more than a year later when Willow returned to college. Xander took his construction company to rebuild the Sunnydale High School, and Anya took over the Magic Box completely; Giles had left it all to her after hearing about his Slayer's death. His reaction was worse than anyone's, and he blamed himself, considering as how it happened after he decided to let her handle things on her own without him. Tara had remained in college and thus graduated when Willow went back.
At present day, Willow graduated a year ago and immediately took a job working as a science teacher at Sunnydale High, whereas Tara had graduated two years prior and had been working at a local community club as an art instructor. Dawn was just starting her freshman year at UC Sunnydale. Xander's construction company was one of the best in California now, but he kept it simple and in Sunnydale. Anya still owns the Magic Box by herself and keeps it as a quaint, little shop, where she is the quaint, little shop girl, since Buffy's death.
"Well, Will, it's not exactly easy whenever we go visit her grave," replied Xander with a snarl. Willow jumped back, sending a couple of rose petals fluttering to the ground.
"Xander," started Anya.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry Will, I just – it hurts is all," apologized Xander.
"Shh, it's all right, Xander," answered Willow. She grabbed Tara's hand, who was linked to Dawn. The three of them started forward, ahead of Xander and Anya, toward Buffy's grave.
The smooth hump of grass and dirt signaled they were there. A large block of marble sat behind. An angel-figure huddled on top of the marble, hunched over and casting facial expressions of distress, grief, and worry towards the grave. Of course the grave was empty, since the demon she had fought left no sign of a corpse – not that one wanted to be seen. The tombstone read:
1981-2002
Buffy Anne Summers
May You FinallyAttain Peace At Last,
Wherever That May Be
Willow's straight-lined face crumbled at the sight of the grave, and she broke down into Tara's arms, crying. Xander took Dawn's arm and held Anya near his chest and let the tears fall. The mass of them created a loud fury of sniffles and pools of salty-tears. When every precious fluid that could be shed had been, the scoobies turned to leave the cemetery.
Two vague-figures scuttled about in the mausoleum near by, after having listened to the conversation. Not long after the gang had left, a cackle resounded through the cemetery, disheartening enough to wake the dead.