Closure

Buffy stood before the mirror in the bathroom and placed one last pin in her hair, securing it for the evening. She glanced at the reflection of the woman staring back at her. A soft pink blouse with ruffling short sleeves and a plunging neckline had been her choice for the evening. That coupled with the brown skirt hanging just below her knees and what could only be called fashionably updated beige go-go boots seemed fitting for what she hoped would be a slay-less evening.

She and Spike had returned two days previous to find her town being well protected. Giles had insisted Michelle continue her patrols with Richard and Christian, giving Buffy a mini vacation from the life on the Hellmouth that she would eventually have to face once again.

She'd taken advantage of the time, using one evening to relax on the couch and chat with Dawn about school, boys, and how their lives were changing daily it seemed. It was the kind of talk the two had needed for a long time. At least since Joyce's passing.

That had been last evening. The first night back was spent testing out the soundproofing Xander had provided.

Xander knew Spike would figure out what his project had been while they'd been gone. Only because Spike had known that it would be done. Buffy questioning the lack of minor echoes in her bedroom had not been the brunette Scoobie's idea at all.

Neither was the embarrassing conversation where Dawn explained that not only were the two blondes unbearably loud, but that she was sure most of the sounds were unnatural. Then Spike's flittering about, something Buffy had never seen before, nearly had her rolling on the floor laughing. Quickly followed by Xander trying to provide the final explanation, that he thought it would be something to get under Spike's skin.

The whole while, Buffy giggled intermittently, unable to avoid laughing at the entertainment being provided by some of her favorite people.

It wasn't until Dawn yanked on Xander's sleeve to show him Buffy's red face, not at all from anger, that they all burst into laughter, promising never to mention the incident, or the reason for it.

That lasted until Spike found an unusual box under his pillow, and Buffy had to stop him from going after "the whelp". But in all honesty, it didn't take much coaxing on her part.

Tonight was different though. A Celebration and a farewell party.

A celebration, because the night the Tomar opened the vortex, everyone was too exhausted to party. The following night Michelle, her mother, Christian and Richard began making plans for their departure. And tonight they would be leaving for parts, not so unknown, but half way around the world.

Buffy took another look at her mascara, and decided she was ready, then opened the door to find Spike leaning against the dresser, arms crossed. "Was wondering if you'd planned on joinin' us, or just hold a little fiesta in there for yourself."

Buffy glanced over at the clock on the nightstand. The digital numbers stared back at her, and she whipped her head back at him. "I was only in there for 20 minutes."

He watched her begin to pass. "Just think it's a waste of time."

Buffy stopped before leaving their shared bedroom. "What's that supposed to mean?" She asked on the defense.

He smirked and took on smooth step to her before sliding an arm around her waste. "I can't see trying to get even more beautiful that you are. S'just not possible."

A hint of a smile showed itself on her face and Spike took the moment, leaning down to place a kiss on her freshly glossed lips.

"Are you two coming or not?!?" They both heard Dawn yelling from downstairs before he'd even been able to manage the kiss.

"Bugger." He turned his head, looking through the door and imagined Dawn waiting with Xander and Anya in the living room.

Buffy got on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek before turning and heading through the door. "It's not like we won't be home early. Dawn has school in the morning." She said as she passed out of his line of sight.

A quick flash of what they could be doing before the night was out came to Spike's mind, but before he could completely enjoy the ideas Buffy peaked her head back through the doors. "And I don't." Then she disappeared again.

This time Spike followed her. "Minx."

"Yup."

"Hey you two. What were you doing up there?" Dawn asked when she saw her sister coming down the steps. Then Spike, and with a funny grin on his face. "Ewe. Never mind. I don't wanna know." Dawn shook her head as she tried to keep the disgusting visions from invading her perfectly happy teenage mind.

"We should hurry," Anya said, purse in one hand. The other hand was clasped with her husband's. "We are already running late."

Buffy took her leather jacket from the tree stand. "I know Anya. Sorry."

Spike opened the door and waved a hand in invitation to Dawn who grinned and led the group out.

Buffy, Any and then Xander followed the younger teen. "You know, you owe me a rematch." Xander said to Spike as the former vampire closed and locked the door.

Spike scoffed at the brunette. "Think that'll help your record, do you?"

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Willow stood at the entrance of her home ready to exit. She held one hand over the light switch and gave the main room one final once over for any burning incense or candles.

"Willow?" Tara asked a few feet away from behind.

The red head turned to look down the hall at her mate. "Coming."

Willow smiled at her darkened home again, looking over the tables that had been moved back into place after the ritual to set Faith's soul at rest. With the memory the Wiccan's eyes went to the candelabra, and then to the candle at the center that suddenly lit and burnt high and bright before snuffing out.

Willow blinked several times before she was sure of what she'd seen.

"Sweetie?" This time the voice was right be hind her.

Instinctively Willow shut the door and turned the key before looking back at Tara. "I think we should be on the lookout for something strange tonight."

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Michelle's mother had been told, and trained to understand the power of the Slayer for as long as her memory allowed her to recall. But nothing had prepared her for the sight of her own daughter fighting for her life against a foe.

It had taken all of will power not to yell out commands for her only child to follow. But in no time, she was able to see the strength her offspring possessed.

As they walked down the ally to the brightly lit sign stating they had arrived at The Bronze, Anna realized just how much in her life had changed with the death of a single girl.

"You just want her to survive?" She heard her companion ask.

Giles smiled at the mother as he strode alongside her towards the location of the evening's gathering. "I know the feeling." He continued. "So much of what we are taught is more than correct, and the rest-"

"Is a buggerin' lie." The normally stoic woman finished, then her hand went quickly to her mouth and her eyes widened at the shock of her own words.

Giles couldn't stop the short chuckle. "That would be an accurate description." He cleared his throat and smiled.

Up ahead the pair eyed a jabbering Slayer, her official Watcher and a spell caster. In the open doorway to the dance club was the retired Slayer waiting.

Sam's movements had slowed severely in the last two days. Something she had expected, but was still unprepared for. All of the promises made had come and gone. Her life had no mission but to go on. There was a hint of sadness in this realization for the old woman, but at the same time, a peace.

She stood at the doorway, greeting them as the group joined the others. "Rupert, Anne." She nodded to the elder of the group as the younger took seats with the waiting wiccans. "You're a bit late. Quite out of the ordinary for a watcher if memory serves." She joked with the two.

"Well, yes. It is under normal circumstances." Anne began. "But I would say finding a nest of vampires on the way constitutes a reasonable explanation." She stated quite simply.

Samantha smiled. "I would have to agree." She peered towards the group with the younger members of the group, then to the current elder Watchers that watched over them. "They did well?"

"Yes." Giles answered, then looked between the two women as they stopped at a table behind the filled one holding the others in on the true nature of this seemingly quiet town. " I happened upon the battle on my way as well. It was quite astonishing really. I do believe Christian has a knack for telekinesis that I have not seen in some time. And Michelle, well her potential is easy to see."

"I was quite taken with Richard. He actually staked one of the beasts himself." Anne offered.

Samantha seated herself on the stool with some effort. "Well, it is the hellmouth. I would think any well trained watcher would eventually be forced to fight for his life."

"Hmm..." the female watcher nodded thoughtfully. " I tend to agree."

Giles nodded, remembering the numerous times he'd fought instead of watched. "You can count on it."

"Or you can have a watcherless Slayer." They both heard and turned to see Buffy beaming at the both of them before smiling at Sam. "Not that I recommend it. They can come in handy sometimes."

Giles shared a gentle smile with her. "And of course, we supply cash if needed."

"That does help." She agreed and sat on the last free stool still grinning.

Giles looked past her towards the dance floor and saw that Dawn and the other young ladies in the group were congregated on the floor dancing. The gentlemen we already setting up for a billiard game. :Have you and Spike settled back in?" He asked her earnestly curious.

Buffy nodded and suddenly found it hard to look directly into Giles's eyes as her mind went to the activities that had helped them settle in. "Yup". All reintegrated into society, no 40's flashbacks or anything." She looked over at Sam. "Just good memories."

The retired Slayer nodded and had to agree.

"So when are you going to be leaving?" Buffy asked Anne.

The Watcher checked the timepiece strapped to her wrist. "We have precisely two hours and 27 minutes before we must go."

Buffy hopped up and announced. "I'd say that's enough time to get down and boogie." And with a wink she turned to leave. Stopping on her trek to the dance floor only to gather the rest of the Scoobies, both old and new, except for the pair playing pool. A bit later Zeek came in and turned the game at the billiards table into a fierce match between the three young men

The evening was simple fun. Drinks and laughter, stories and jokes. A rarity for all beings included in the small celebration. The live band played on and the lights blinked above them in a strobe of colors and darkness.

The night went off without a hitch. No Vampire invaded the local hangout this night, no demon threatened to steal a sister, no Troll begged for babies.

Before any of them knew it the evening was nearly over and Anne was rounding up her troupe.

Of course all were to be in attendance at the sendoff of their new friend's departure, Ant the Scoobs gathered themselves as well. Even Zeek decided to tag along.

In the ally outside the Bronze there was a quick head count before heading to the magic shop when Buffy felt a familiar tingle. "Knew things were going too smoothly." She mumbled to herself.

What's that Buff?" Willow turned to ask just as they were leaving the ally.

The Slayer just shrugged. "Demon."

"We can not be late." Anne pointed out. "the Shaman will be expecting us.

Buffy looked behind her into the darkness of the ally before addressing the female watcher. "Go on ahead. It's just one. I'll do the slaying thing and be back before ya know it."

Spike nodded. "I'll stay 'ere with Buffy. In case she needs backup."

Giles still couldn't get over the pair but didn't disagree. "Very well then. We will delay as much as possible."

"You sure Buffy?" Dawn asked.

"One demon. One Buffy. Pretty sure I'll be ok."

"One demon, one Buffy and one Spike." The former vamp corrected giving the younger Summers a wink.

With that the group strolled out and towards The Magic Box, leaving behind the blonde duo who headed deeper into the ally.

"So whatcha thinkin'? Doesn't feel like a vampire to me." Spike asked just before a green form appeared from the darkness walking towards them.

The creature did not seem to be in a rush, and both the warriors knew they recognized it.

"Stand fast, Slayer." Spike warned.

As the figure approached he began to stand straighter, and clothing formed over his skin as it changed hues.

Buffy shook her head and came to a stop crossing her arms. "Nope not a vampire, but still a pain in the neck."

"Awe come on Slayer. My feelings might get hurt." Whistler said as he approached the pair.

"And this should concern me why?" She asked plainly.

"Who is this bugger?" Spike pointed over to the little man who's clothes were some haphazard rainbow of colors.

"He's whistler." They both heard a clear familiar female voice and saw a leather clad Faith walking in from the same direction the demon had come. "The big wigs had him fixin the mess he made."

Buffy's eyes grew. "Faith?"

"In the flesh." The brunette answered and stood by Whistler. "Whish is pretty kickin', all things considered."

"Either I'm loosing my mind, or a dead Slayer is havin' a chat with us, luv." Spike cocked his head and waggled a finger towards the living breathing corpse.

"Don't get all riled up." Whistler started, "She's alive. One of the perks to being getting herself killed because of my mistake."

"Mistake?" Buffy asked. "What did you do?"

The demon eyed the former vampire and looked back to Buffy. "I couldn't get him to make the right decision when he should have some 60 years ago. But no matter now. Everyone's where they should be, and doing what they were meant to."

"And I get a free pass." Faith smiled and put her hands on her hips. "Sort of."

"Hey well, at least you get the perks, and not the downfall." Whistler answered.

"Hah, working with you for all eternity." The rogue slayer gave him a once over from shoes to hat. "Just not what I consider a perk."

"Indefinitely is not eternity." The two continued to bicker.

Spike couldn't help but chuckle despite himself.

Buffy interrupted the pair. "Hey, you two. Did ya come here to give us a show? Or what?"

"Oh.. right." Whistler nudged Faith who gave him a perturbed look before pulling something from her pocket. It was a small black orb.

Buffy took it from Faith and cradled it in her hands. "What's this?"

"Oh, it's for the newbie. Michelle. She's gonna need it pretty soon and with everything she did, well I-" Faith was cut off by her new instructor.

"We," Whistler nodded at himself. "Decided to help her out a little. She's gonna have it tough the first few months over there. Tell her to watch out for some fella named Rufus. Always up to something."

"Yeah, and never good." Faith added.

Still a little dumbfounded, Buffy gave a simple response. "Alright." The blonde Slayer stashed the orb on her inside jacket pocket and studied the fallen Slayer for a moment.

"Job's done." Whistler told Faith. "You got you're last peek in on em for now." And he headed back the way he'd came, slowly shifting into his frogish form. "You comin' kid?"

"Yeah." Faith called back and smiled at Buffy. "Tell the brat I said bye, and not to worry. It's not her fault." And with that Buffy watched Faith also walk away.

The pair waited for her to also turn in to the short green demon, but instead heard her calling to Whistler. "At least I get to stay cute." And she disappeared into the darkness as well.

"You don't see that everyday." Spike mused, then smiled at Buffy. "Only every few years."

"What's that?" She asked a bit confused.

"A walking talking dead Slayer."

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Tara let the raven haired girl go from the hug. "And make sure you let your instinct guide you."

"I will." The girl agreed and smiled at the witch.

Xander kept looking down the familiar back ally of the magic shop hoping Buffy would round the corner. "I hope they're ok." He said aloud.

Anya held onto his hand and looked back as well. "I'm sure they are sweetie. Or the demon had a powerful amulet to destroy all life within 10 feet and they had no chance to escape." She saw all eyes turn to her with different scales of disdain in their eyes.

"But I am sure that could never be the case." She began to mumble to herself. "The sign of Mefelle was overpriced anyway."

"Wait!" They all heard and then saw both blondes sprinting the short distance towards the group waiting as instructed.

Buffy came to a halt in front of Michelle and quickly handed her the black token. "You're gonna need this." She instructed. "I have no idea what for, but I know you'll need this."

"And a bloke named Rufus."

Michelle looked over Buffy's shoulder. "I'll need someone named Rufus?"

"No, avoid him. Or watch out for him. 'e's up to no good." Spike added.

Michelle nodded. "I will, thanks."

"I'm afraid it's time." Anne announced and held a familiar green crystal to the walk only a few feet from the back entrance to The Magic Box. An outline quickly appeared and a small knob formed. "Are we ready?"

The three teens had their bags, which had been stored inside the magic shop for departure. And the elder watcher carried her satchel and case as well.

Christian gave Dawn one more hug before chancing a peck on the cheek and a shy nod. Richard looked over the group and shook Xander's hand, then Zeek's and last but not least Spike's.

"Ready mother." Michelle announced.

Anne pulled the door open to reveal a bright African desert day, and walked through the door followed by Michelle, Richard and finally Christian.

Giles held the door and they all waved briefly before the doorway closed, then vanished.

Buffy walked over to Dawn when she saw her sister beginning to cry. "It's ok Dawn. Just a doorway away."

"I know, just gonna miss them is all."

"We all will sweetie." Tara chimed in.

Sam walked beside Giles as they headed towards the streets again, and Zeek told them he'd see them later and departed the group.

The band made their way towards the center of town, where they would go their separate ways when Giles turned to Buffy. "What was that you gave to Michelle."

Buffy shrugged. "I'm not sure." She smiled. "Faith gave it to me for Michelle to use."

"Faith?" Willow asked. "Was this before or after she died?"

Buffy Grinned. "After."

"Oh."

They came towards the hotel, which once again was the temporary home of Sam. "This is where I get off. I'll need my beauty sleep for the trip home tomorrow."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Buffy asked.

Sam shook her head. "This is not my place. It's yours. Mine is home, in my little house, with my memories. Besides, I will get Kenna home one way or the other. That girl will just have to visit her sick old mother." And she gave the group a quick wink, before heading across the street and up the steps to her room.

It wasn't few seconds before Willow eeped. "Sick. Oh gosh, Um Buffy. There's something you need to know about some papers the University had. About your dad." She said somewhat guiltily.

Buffy gave her friends a questioning look. "Hu?"

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Now.. for those of you who are gonna ask for another part. NO! No! No! No! HeHe. I'm just so not wanting to continue this. And I'm still being asked about Scoobs in Space which I desperately want to finish. so I hope the ending to this didn't suck and I'm real sorry it took forever and a year. :P Love to all who have read and or reviewed cuz man.. I really had fun doing this (