Only the core Scoobies remained after the massive funeral. They had survived so much, the death of a Hellgod, the change in the Slayer line, even the defeat of the First Evil. Yet, even with so much behind them, this final act seemed harder than all of the rest combined. They had buried Buffy for the last time. It had been her fourth, and final death.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer's final death was the true death of a vampire.
A few years after the defeat of the First, Buffy had been turned. Yet, even after being turned she continued to fight evil and protect the innocent. Now, a short two years after her rising, she had been slain.
Giles was the first to approach the tombstone that stood above the Slayer's grave. He said no words, only reached out a fatherly hand to the stone and rested it there for a moment. His British demeanor held as he looked sadly at the grave. "You were the best Slayer a Watcher could ever have had and the best daughter a father could ask for." With a nod, he turned away.
Next came Xander. He moved to stand before the stone and shuffled his feat uncomfortably. "Well, Buff, I guess this is it. Our final goodbye." After searching his mind for a more elegant way to form his thoughts, he went with what he felt. "Keep an eye out for us, will ya'? And watch our girls that are up there with you." His voice fell silent, and tears formed in his eye. He bobbed his head to the grave and followed Giles.
Dawn approached the grave on extremely unstable legs. Reaching the stone she completely collapsed onto her knees. Tears rolled down her face as a hand reached out to trace the words on the stone. Finally sniffling and wiping her face of tears, Dawn was able to utter some slurred words. "He-hey, Buffy. I know you promised you'd always be there for me, but I think it's alright if you break that now. I could tell the last two years were hard for you. You won't have to worry about 'lil' sis,' either. Faith's been helping me deal- with this and… other things." A small blush rose up on her cheeks. "I better get back to her; we've got another bottle of Jack to finish off in your honor." Using the grave as a crutch, Dawn pulled herself to her feet and staggered away.
Finally, Willow came to the grave marker. She appeared serene and calm as her hand reached out and caressed the stone like a lover. Drawing back, she gazed at the rock, waiting, as though it would respond in some way. After a few moments of silence, Willow's voice whispered, "I wish we could've had more time together. You won't have to worry about being pulled back this time, though. We'll let you rest. You've been denied peace in death too long. Know that I loved you in whatever form you were: best friend, Slayer, vampire, lover. We all owe you so much, me especially, for the things I did to you. This rest is the least we can give. Take my love, because I will treasure yours forever." Once again placing her hand on the grave, she uttered arcane words and there was a dull green glow under her hand. When she removed it, a rose lay on the grey stone, the blood red petals appearing even more brilliant in contrast. Walking away backwards, Willow kept her eyes on the grave and rose. Blowing a kiss, she turned and walked away with tears streaming down her face.
With everyone gone from the cemetery, the sun crested the horizon, its golden rays kissing the rose on the grave. The light stretched further to reveal the inscription.
Elizabeth 'Buffy' Anne Summers
1981-1999-2003-2007-2009
Best Friend, Protector, Teacher
The world is a better place because of her