A/N: I want to thank all my betas, who have helped to make this update possible
Chapter 5 – Goodbyes
The funeral wasn't an extravagant affair; held out in the middle of nowhere that few people even knew about. On a hill outside of Los Angeles, now stood two tombstones; one simply bearing, "My Watcher Merrick", and the other stating 'Buffy the Greatest Slayer Ever".
From around the world slayers and Watchers came to pay a final tribute to one of the greatest slayers of all time – the hillside filled with hundreds of people. But to those who stood closest to the grave, they weren't burying a legendary slayer; they were saying goodbye to a friend, a daughter, and a sister.
A Wiccan priestess finished the ceremony and slowly Giles walked forward to address the crowd.
"I had the honour of being Buffy's Watcher for seven years – and in my eyes there has never been a greater slayer. She was willing to sacrifice everything, even her life, to protect her friends and family, and even complete strangers. She had the rare gift of being able to see the good in people, and brightening the lives of others just by her presence."
Giles reached into his pocket and brought out a letter.
"This was found in Buffy's room after…and it's addressed to everyone here."
Clearing his throat, he began to read.
"I'm not entirely sure how to start, so I'll just get to the point or I'll start babbling like Willow," a small bout of laughter trickled through the crowd, "Everything is going to be okay now. I talked with the First Slayer and I found out what the problem with the Slayer line was – it was me. I existed but I wasn't part of the line or something mystical like that, so I had to go. I'm sorry to leave, but I know everyone can handle it. I've watched you all the last three months, and you've all grown into wonderful slayers with long lives ahead of you. I'm proud to have been around long enough to see it happen. I'll see you all again, but hopefully not too soon – Buffy."
Giles slowly folded the letter back up and walked back beside Dawn, who was sobbing. The funeral over, the people left but for the seven figures standing by the two graves making no move to leave – as if leaving would make it a reality.
Andy walked hesitantly towards the grieving group, holding several envelopes in her hands. She held them out and said softly, "Um, Buffy wanted me to give these to you when…um, just…here."
Faith glared at the younger girl.
"You knew, didn't you? You fucking knew she was going to die and you didn't do anything about it!" Faith yelled, stalking towards the other girl. Andy cringed as Faith raised her fist, but the dark slayer's arm didn't come down. Instead, she just grabbed the letters from the other girl's hands.
"Just go." And Andy left.
Returning to the apartment building, the Scooby gang dispersed to read their letters in privacy – not yet willing to share Buffy's last words with anyone, if ever. The letters weren't long, but they said the important things that could never be said enough.
I forgive you.
Thank you.
Be happy.
I love you.
Good-bye.
Faith returned to her and…her room and looked around helplessly. Though they had shared the room, Buffy had definitely left the stronger impression. The dark slayer gently picked up Mr. Gordo and sat down on the bed. Looking around, she realized that Andy had already left. Anger swelled up within the eldest slayer at the thought of the new slayer.
She knew! She fucking knew that B was going to die and she didn't say anything.
Faith sighed softly.
I knew something was wrong – ever since she talked with the First Slayer B had been acting strange… Faith started at the thought. Still holding the stuffed pig, Faith rushed out of the room to find Willow – who was cuddled up with her girlfriend in their room. "Willow! I need a favour." Willow lifted a tear-stained face from Kennedy's shoulder and looked at Faith in confusion. "Sure, Faith, with what?" "I want to talk to the First Slayer."Faith walked nervously through the sandy landscape – looking around curiously, never having tried to visit the First Slayer before. The idea of asking the help of a dead Slayer a little unnerving, though at least this girl stayed dead unlike another Slayer Faith knew. That thought brought Faith back to herself and she began to shout.
"Hey! First Slayer, or whatever you're called! I need to talk with ya!"
Faith turned around as she shouted, and was surprised when she turned back that she was now standing in front of a small fire. Trying not to stare at the fire – to protect her night vision – the dark slayer looked around.
The Slayer spun around when she heard her name and gasped.
Standing in front of her was Buffy.
"B!"
The elder girl smiled gently, but then frowned.
"Faith, what are you doing here? This is a place of death, you don't belong here."
"Neither do you!" Faith yelled before she could stop herself. Buffy blinked, slightly surprised by the outburst.
"I explained why in the letter…"
"So! The First Slayer is wrong," Faith stepped closer to the other girl, "We do need you, and more importantly you deserve happiness. You think I haven't noticed how happy you've been the last three months? All that sadness you've been carrying around was gone, hell, you even looked seventeen again!"
Buffy giggled slightly at her counterpart's dramatics. Then grew serious.
"Faith, my death was necessary…"
Faith interrupted again.
"Then let her tell me then, from wherever the hell she is hiding!" Faith shouted into the surrounding darkness. Buffy continued to silently regard Faith, then shook her head slowly.
"She won't be able to answer your call," she said slowly.
"She's afraid?" the dark slayer asked, throwing a cocky smile at Buffy – but the blonde didn't smile back.
"She's gone to the reward that awaits all slayers," Buffy said quietly, staring at the ground. Then, staring straight into the other Slayer's eyes, she said, "I'm the First Slayer, now; she gave me her powers as the First."
Faith tried to say something but suddenly found she couldn't speak. Buffy raised a hand to cup the dark girl's cheek gently.
"It's okay…I'm okay. And now it's time for you to go back."
Faith felt her consciousness flow back into her body. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see the concerned faces of her friends. The grief had taken its toll on the group; Willow's eyes were red from crying; Xander had fixed everything in the apartment (even a few items that weren't broken); Giles' breathe gave away his late night drinking sessions. And Dawn…secretly, she held on to the belief that her sister would come back – just like she always did. So Dawn leaned forward with tears running down her face.
"Did you talk to the First Slayer? Can she bring Buffy back? It was all a mistake, right?" Dawn asked hopefully – knowing even as she asked the questions what the answers would be.
Faith shook her head slowly – still reeling from her encounter with Buffy…the First Slayer.
"What happened," Giles asked gently.
Shit, what do I tell them? Oh, you know, Buffy's dead but instead of going to heaven like last time, she's going to spend eternity as the First Slayer. Guess I'll just do what I do best… "The, um…First Slayer said the same things that B's letter said…that B is in heaven...and she's happy."…and lie.
Andy walked for a few blocks after gathering her stuff from the apartment and sat down on a bench. A few minutes later, someone sat down beside her – but Andy didn't bother to turn her head.
"Are you sure you're not a vampire?" she asked.
"Daylight."
"…right…and you're human?"
"Pretty much."
"…huh…"
Silence.
"But you're not going to kill me…right?" Andy asked a little nervously.
"I will if you keep asking me these questions," the other answered with a smirk.
"So, where do we go now?"
"How do you feel about San Francisco?"
Andy got up off the bench, gathering her bag, and started walking – the other girl walking beside her without a moment's hesitation.
"So, Buffy, what's in San Francisco?"
The blonde slayer turned and grinned at her companion.
"Her name's Ellie."
TBC
A/N: Those of you who are confused (hopefully not too many of you), don't worry all will be explained. And for those of you awaiting the crossover – it happens in the next chapter.