Chapter 9

"Are you saying all I had to do was read the same spell backwards?" Xander asked and Willow nodded.

"Yeah, if you knew more about spells you would have known that. This is why you should never mess with what you don't understand." She explained.

"Alright, I get it. No more spells, I'm done with this stuff." Willow nodded again as she walked into the living room and found Buffy and William cuddled together on the couch. Willow didn't want to disturb them, but she knew it was time.

"We're ready guys." Buffy looked up at her friend and then at William. She took his hand in hers as they both stood up. "We have to do it in the same place where Xander opened the first portal." They all then headed to the cemetery and Xander showed them the spot where William came through. Willow and Tara said the spell together and the portal opened a few seconds later. They moved out of the way except for Buffy and William. They looked at each other one more time before William enveloped her in a hug. He kissed her hair and whispered words of love in her ear. Buffy tried to keep the tears from falling, but it was a losing battle. William pulled away to look at her face. He wiped her tears away and gave her one last kiss on the lips. He rested his head on hers when he broke out of the kiss.

"I will never stop loving you." He said to her and Buffy nodded.

"I won't either. Good luck with everything." William brushed the hair out of her face and kissed her one more time before he pulled away and walked over to the portal. He realized it wasn't as strong as the first one. He looked at Buffy one more time before he took a deep breath and walked into the portal. It closed once he was inside and Buffy then couldn't be strong anymore as she fell down and buried her head in her hands as sobs took over her body. Xander again felt guilty as he kneeled down next to Buffy and wrapped his arms around her. She buried her face in his chest as she continued to cry. Willow and Tara just watched the display, both of their hearts breaking for Buffy. They were like that for what felt like forever when they all finally left the cemetery. Willow and Tara both hugged Buffy and then headed back to their apartment. Xander and Buffy walked into their house, neither knowing what to say. Xander didn't know how to make his sister feel better. He blamed himself for her pain and knew that she would probably end up hating him for it. She was about to head upstairs when she turned back to look at him. Xander was sure that she would yell at him when she suddenly hugged him. Xander was confused as he hugged her back. They were both quiet when Buffy decided to break the silence. "Thank you for bringing him into my life." She whispered and Xander was surprised again.

"Don't mention it." Was all he could think of to say when she then pulled away from him. She gave him a small smile and went upstairs. Xander watched her go and hoped that she would be okay.

London, England 1880

William found himself back at the lake and he saw that his horse was still tied to the same tree. He realized that a lot of time didn't seem to pass there. He looked at the lake one more time before he mounted his horse and headed back to the palace. He walked inside and went to his mother's room to find that she was still sleeping peacefully. He smiled as he watched her and turned around only to bump into someone.

"I'm terribly sorry, sir. I did not see you there." The servant girl said as she bowed her head. William smiled at her.

"It's quite alright. It was my fault. You don't have to bow." The girl then looked up at him and William's breath caught in his throat. She reminded him so much of Buffy. With her long, blonde hair and green eyes. He wondered why he never noticed her before. "Would you like to go for a walk?" He asked her out of nowhere and the girl seemed surprised.

"I...I have more work to do." He gave her another smile.

"You can take an hour out of your busy schedule, can't you?" The girl returned his smile.

"I suppose I can. Thank you, sir." William waved his hand in the air.

"Please, call me William. What was your name again?" He asked her.

"My name is Elizabeth." He then took her hand in his and gave it a soft kiss.

"That is a very beautiful name, love." She blushed and he kept her hand in his as they both walked out of the palace together.