Chapter 21: Down the Well Road Traveled
CLEVELAND - HOPKINS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -
NEW YEAR'S EVE 1:37 PM
KENNEDY'S POV
It's amazing how planes are always late. Why don't they just give the arrival time as a half hour AFTER the time they think the flight is going to get in? It would really make my life easier. I already gave them an extra 40 minutes between Customs and Immigration, what a pain in the ass. Good thing Faith didn't come with me; she'd be stalking around jonesing for a smoke, silently brooding that she could have been with Buffy. I laugh to myself. She doesn't fool me; I know they've been cramming a lifetime into this past week, almost like they expect something bad to happen.
The house has become a research library, well, more so than it already was. Willow talked to Ms. Hartness and they realized the spell wouldn't work. The four of them had too much power: combined it would put out a dangerous shock wave through the Nether Realms. So now everyone is working on finding a portal that will lead us to the Goddess. Kinda wishing Fred was still around right about now, that was her thing, portals.
"Kennedy!" It's Vi and Rona; they wave and walk over to me, finally.
"Hey guys," I hug each of them, "really good to see you. Glad you could get here so quickly. Things are kinda heating up fast."
Rona gives me a smile, "Well there better be a party at the house tonight to make up for me missing New Year's with my guy. You have now idea what he wants me to do to make up for this." She wiggles her eyebrows at me.
Then Vi laughs, "Well, I'm a free agent at the moment so it's all good on my end."
"Ok," I chuckle, "I'll fill you guys in on what's been happening in the car. And yes, we are having a party so hopefully that will make up for coming on New Year's Eve."
The car ride is pretty quick, just about 20 minutes. I really just have enough time to gloss over the bits about Faith coming back, her and Buffy hooking up and a little about Emma when we reach the house.
Faith is out on the porch having a smoke when I pull into the driveway. "Sup guys, long time no see." She calls out to the girls who grab their duffels and high tail it up the steps both giving Faith a big hug. You know I just realized they haven't seen her since the day we beat the First. "Whoa, chill, B's gonna get totally jealous," she smirks a them.
Rona playfully punches her in the arm, "Yeah, you're cute and all, but you're so not my type."
Faith narrows her eyes, "And what exactly would be your type?" She asks never wanting to hear she's not all things to all people.
"Male." Vi answers for her.
We all have a good laugh and go inside. Then we hear Dawn scream.
HALLWAY – 2:30 PM
FAITH'S POV
"FAITH!"
Dawn's voice is shrill as we come in the door. I close my eyes to locate her then know she's in Red's office. I try the door, but it's locked so I bust it open. Ken, Vi and Rona follow me in and see Dawn sitting on the floor over Willow who's unconscious. The curtains are closed, there is incense burning, candles are ablaze.
"Are you fucking kidding me? What the fuck were you two doing?" I look at Dawn, "Like, now Dawn!"
Buffy and Emma come running in as Dawn tries to explain, "We found a safe way into the Nether Realms to scout out the portal. W-we've done it before so it was no big deal, I was Willow's anchor. B-but when we got there, and the Goddess – she was waiting for us; She took Willow in and pushed me back here. I-I don't understand, you guys said she wasn't evil, what are we going to do?" Then she broke down. Andrew squeezes past the crowd and gathers her up in his arms.
Ken is kneeling beside Red gathering her head in her lap smoothing her hair. Ken looks up at me, then B, "Faith? Buffy?" the sadness in her voice is matched only by the urgency.
"Fuck!" I'm so pissed they did this on their own.
B lays her hand on my back, "We should call Ms. Hartness."
"We can bring her back together, Faith," Emma says with a conviction I've never heard in her voice.
Dawn looks up, "But the Coven - "
"Fuck the mother fucking Coven, Emma's right. We need everybody out of here." I try to usher them all out.
B grabs my arm, "What do you think you're doing?"
"Getting Red back," I turn around and hold her gaze. "Em and I can do this and we won't damage the Nether Realms, we'll be quick. I have enough power to get us there and back but I need hers to guide us home. Don't worry, we'll be ok."
She shakes her head at me, "Don't worry? Are you insane? What makes you think I'm going to let you do this?"
Smiling at her, I put one hand around her waist and another on her forehead, "I love you Buffy… now sleep," I whisper. Confused, she furrows her brow then her eyes close as she faints in my arms.
"Oh Faith," Kennedy groans as she bows her head, "You are so gonna get your ass kicked later."
"We don't have time to argue." I tilt my head for her to leave and after kissing Red's forehead she does.
"Vi, Rona, take Buffy. Don't let anyone in here; I don't care if the fucking house is burning down. If we are disturbed we could all get lost, got it?"
They're kinda freaked but nod then each grab an arm and take B out. Andrew leads Dawn away crying. Then Ken gives me a last look, "I'll try to explain to Buffy when she wakes up. And Faith," I look up at her, "thank you," then she shuts the door.
"You ready?" I ask Emma.
She shrugs, "Doesn't really matter does it? I have to be."
"Come here," I take her hand and pull her to the other side of Willow and put Red's limp hand in hers. Then I do the same on my side. "I want you to follow me, in thought, and in deed. When we find Willow I'm going to need you to help me retrace our way back, ok? I know it's going to be weird, but you have to pay attention so we can get back. I won't have the strength to bring us all back alone."
"Ok." She seems a little unsure now.
I close my eyes and think to her 'You can do this; we can't save her without you. Remember your center and feel your power rise through mine.'
'I won't let you down.' She replies and even through all of this craziness, I smile. I take her other hand in mine, then we plunge into darkness.
"Whatever you do, even if your minds strays, never, and I mean NEVER let go of my hand."
THE NETHER REALMS – TIME DOES NOT EXIST HERE
EMMA'S POV
The darkness is soon filled with streaks of every color you can possible imagine. I try to remember the colors, the streaks, then I notice the streaks are actually different realities and dimensions zooming past us.
"Remember all of this, don't let yourself be distracted," Faith calls to me then I look up and I see she is right next to me, holding my hand.
"How would I be - "
"DON'T!" She yells, but it's too late.
We stop our meteoric pace as my parents engulf me in their arms. I-I can't breathe, it's like they are really here. They look exactly the same… Emma, Willow can die if we don't get her back now. Faith's thought crashes into my head and it's the hardest thing I've ever done, but I push them away. I know I have to, but it doesn't make it hurt any less, and then we are speeding along again.
I'm crying, but through my tears I try to concentrate on the worlds flying past me. Then everything seems to converge, and we stop. We're in a bright room, all white, the walls, ceiling, floor. Then I see her, Ereshkigal, the Goddess, my Grandmother.
"My child!" she comes to me. I shrink from her and try to hide behind Faith. "There is nothing to fear from me, child." She tries to coax me out.
I hold on to Faith just a little bit tighter, "Then why did you take Willow?" I attempt to give her my very best sneer.
She smiles sadly, "Because she needed answers and I knew you would come for her."
"Fuck, couldn't you have possessed some vamp for Christ's sake?" Faith was beyond exasperated. "There were other ways."
The Goddess regards Faith for a moment. "Ah the Champion of the Powers that Be, we meet in my realm now. Therefore you must acknowledge I have my reasons."
Faith wasn't buying it, "Did you have to kidnap her, or is that just the way you operate?"
"Faith!" I try to calm her. The last thing we need is for either one of them to lose their temper.
"It's alright my child, I understand, The Champion cares for her friend and wants to see her returned. No need to fret, I will allow you to take her back. But I need to warn you, the track you're on is incorrect; you must look to Anu and Ellil. The time of the clash is close. You must be prepared to fight on our terms because you will be fighting for all of mankind."
This is all getting a little over my head and I'm having a hard time paying attention; because I keep hearing Faith's voice in my head repeating, remember the way back over and over again.
Then the Goddess brings us to another place, this one pastoral with the sun shining brightly over us. And now I see Willow in the distance speaking to a blond woman. They turn to face us and I see Willow smile at me. She embraces the woman then comes to us.
"Thank you for coming for me." She looks from me to Faith and I see something unspoken go through their eyes. Well, more like volumes are unspoken but I feel it, the shared guilt, loss, pain and, and something else I can't place, I think it is acceptance. Then I realize Faith and Willow share a bond that Buffy and Kennedy can never understand. It's a connection that holds them down to the core, always will. It's a part of the darkness they share, a darkness that's never touched their lovers; because as much as Buffy and Ken have killed, they've never murdered, and that is what's passing between Faith and Willow now, that acknowledgment, that acceptance, that forgiveness, all of it. Wow.
Faith takes Willow's hand, "We need to get back, Red." Then Faith looks at me and I take Willow's other hand.
"Goodbye, Goddess, eh Grandmother, thank you for letting us take her back."
She nods to me then looks to Faith, "Champion – you have the power to bring them back. It will also be your power that frees your world. Remember all I have said here."
"I will," Faith promises.
Then we are back in the darkness, with the colors streaming alongside of us. Willow is exhausted and Faith is concentrating on keeping us together as she propels us through space and time. Suddenly I realize I know the way home. And I smile because I know it's up to me to bring us home, to keep us on course. They need me now and I won't let them down.
LIVINGROOM – 5:45 PM
BUFFY'S POV
Ok, I am totally freaking out. It's been hours and I want to bust the door open, but I know I can't. We are all just sitting here like a bunch of morons.
Baby, come, we're back.
Ok, what the fuck? Was that in my head? It sounded like, felt like, "Faith!" I jump up and head for Wills office.
Kennedy grabs me, "Buffy, don't, she said - "
Shaking my head, "No, she just told me to go to them."
Ken looks at me through narrowed eyes, "Ok, we'll go together."
I open the door and the three of them are lying on the floor, all holding hands. I walk over to Faith and kneel in front of her. "Come on baby, come back to me." I whisper as I bring her head to my lap.
Then her eyes flutter open and I see her focus on mine, "Buffy," she breathes.
"Are you ok?" I stroke her hair then lean down and kiss her cheek. Tears are cascading down my face, "Because as soon as you are I'm gonna kick your ass."
She smiles then mumbles, "Whatever you want."
"Yeah, remember you said that." Then I bring her into my arms and can't believe how close I came to losing her all over again. I look up and see Willow and Emma wake as well. I don't know how to start thanking the Gods they made it back.
"B? We need research… she said… on the wrong track." Faith struggles to sit up.
I keep her in my arms, leaning against me "Whoa there, stay put for a minute. Nothing earth shattering is going to happen in the next five minutes. Catch your breath, ok?"
"Don't be mad, ok?" she asks as she looks up at me, "Had to act fast."
Not ready to make any promises yet, "We'll talk about it later." I say as I help her up. Ken brings Willow to her feet, then Emma. I look at them, "Is everybody ok?"
Willow collapses against Kennedy who picks her up and carries her to the couch. "We'll be along," Ken says to me as she lays Will on the couch then sits next to her.
As soon as Faith, Emma and I walk into the living room Andrew asks, "Ok, what happened?" He's poised at his laptop, ready to take every bit of it down so we can dissect it later.
Faith is tightly holding onto my hand, then she relaxes her grip and falls back into the couch.
"Faith!?" oh shit, please God don't let this be happening.
Her eyes flicker open, "Sorry, babe… so tired." She closes them again, passing out.
"Emma, are you ok? How do you feel?" I look at her closely.
She's actually relatively perky, "I'm fine, good even. Faith did most the work, her power got us in and out, I just pointed the way. Don't worry about me, take care of her. I'll stay with Andrew and tell him everything I remember.
Jeeze, it's like she's reading my mind. "Good, I'm going to take Faith upstairs to sleep this off. I'll be down in a little bit."
WILLOW'S OFFICE – 7:30 PM
KENNEDY'S POV
As I watch Willow's eyes shut tight then open again I see she's finally awake.
"Hey," I stroke her cheek with the back of my hand, "how you feeling?" I haven't moved since I put her here. I've been watching over her, willing her to wake up, to be alright.
"Ok, weak," she's a little horse. She shakes her head as if clearing it, "I saw Tara."
I can't help but clench my jaw.
Will reaches up and rubs the knot of muscle until I relax, "She was a very powerful witch baby, she told me how to get to the portal and use our magic to go to the Goddess."
Shit, now I feel like an ass for being so self conscious. I just can't help but feel inadequate when it comes to Tara. There's just no way I can compete with her.
She pulls me down to her, "It's not a competition; you are the one love, the one I've chosen to spend my life with. I will always have a spot in my heart for her, but my heart belongs to you."
Nodding I graze her lips then jerk up, "Wait, Will, you just read my mind."
"Oh, did I?" Her voice is very high. "Then it must be love, right?" she squeaks.
"Willow…" I narrow my eyes at her.
She looks down then back up at me with a sheepish grin, "Sorry, it's temporary, should wear off in a couple of hours, I promise. It's just a residual from the Nether Realms."
"Alright, stay here. I'm going to find out how Faith's doing. I'll be right back ok?"
"Ok." She closes her eyes again as I softy close the door.
I walk into the living room and Emma is still being interrogated by Andrew, man, the kid has staying power. I'm just about to ask where Buffy and Faith are when Emma turns to me, "They're upstairs in Buffy's room, Faith was pretty wiped."
Ok, this is getting really freaky. "Uh, thanks." I run up the stairs then can begin to hear them talking as I get closer to Buffy's room. I knock on the door and peak my head in.
BUFFY'S ROOM – 7:45 PM
BUFFY'S POV
"You ok?" Kennedy asks as her head pops from behind the door.
I'm leaning up against the headboard with Faith wrapped in my arms resting on my chest "Yeah, she just needed a nap."
"How's Red?" She doesn't wait for me to respond. "Cool, I was worried."
I stare at Faith then Kennedy.
"They're all doing it and it's very annoying. Willow said it will wear off."
"Too bad, this could come in handy," Faith smirks.
Ken ignores her and looks at me, "Will just woke up too so I'm going to ask Andrew to rustle up some dinner then we can see what's the what, ok?"
"Sounds good, Ken, thanks." I smile at her. She nods then leaves. I turn to Faith and brush her hair back from her face then rest my hand on her cheek. "You sure you're ok, baby? You can rest some more and I'll fill you in on everything later."
She leans into my hand as holds my gaze, "I'm good," she brings her arms around me, "You still mad at me?"
Looking down at her I shake my head, "I feel like I should be, but I'm not. Dawn and Ken talked a lot of my anger away while we were waiting for you guys to come back." I take her face in my hands, "Thank God you came back." I smile again, "Come on, let's get you downstairs. I'm sure you're ravenous."
I start to get up but she pulls me down hard on top of her, "I really like your choice of words," her hand reaches up to the back of my neck and WOW, I can feel how hungry she is in her kiss. And yeah, it's that other kind of hunger.
I'm a little, ok a lot, breathless when we break apart, "Is this another after effect of your jaunt?"
She slowly nods, not taking her eyes off me, "It's like slaying, but more." I feel like she's a tiger ready to pounce on her prey, and I would be the prey. It's not at all unpleasant.
Leaning back away from her, "We need to get downstairs, but later on…" I let the sentence stay unfinished.
Her eyes close as she tries to calm herself, "Yeah, later on."
MEANWHILE BACK IN DAWN & ANDREW'S OFFICE
WILLOW'S POV
"I'm absolutely certain She said Anu and Ellil." Emma was adamant.
I'm at the white board, "It's not that I doubt you, it's just that Ellil and Enki are very similar."
"It was Ellil," Faith concurs as she and Buffy come in. I put the marker down and walk straight into Faith's arms, "Goddess, how many times are you going to save my life?"
She returns the embrace, "As many as I have to, right Ken?"
"Damn straight," Ken smiles at her then winks at me.
"Thank you, I'll try and return the favor sometime." Turning back to the board I write Anu and Ellil. "Ok, we know Anu is the Skyfather, basically the God of the Heavens and Ereshkigal's father. What about Ellil? Dawn? Find anything?"
Dawn's been going though all we have on ancient Sumerian Mythology. "Yeah, and shit I get why She wants us to stop this. Ellil is the God of the Earth, the Wind and Storm God. Remember the Noah and the flood? Well, in Sumerian Lore there is a great flood too and guess who unleashed it?"
"Great," I shake my head, "Does it say why?"
"Just that he is short-tempered."
Faith sighs, "So the Goddess said we 'must look to Anu and Ellil' it could mean that either their fight is a reference or that they will fight again. Either way, we need to - "
"Go it," Dawn interrupts, "Sorry Faith, but there is an Essay here interpreting the Great Flood saying that Ellil brought it about to annihilate mankind. Anu was the one to appeal to Ute, the God of the Sun and Justice to stop the rains and dry the land on behalf of mankind."
"Fuck," Faith leans forward on holding her head in her hands.
Buffy puts a hand on her back, "You ok?"
"No," she looks up and around at all of us, "We are not a bridge or a conduit or even fucking facilitators, we have to fight him," she shakes her head, "on his ground."
"What?!?" I can't believe what she's saying, "Where do you get that from?"
"Holy crap, she's right," Emma looks up at Faith then me, "Ereshkigal said 'You must be prepared to fight on our terms because you will be fighting for all of mankind.' So that has to mean it's going to be us doing the fighting right? Like, the four of us, against an ancient Sumerian God? hee hee," there's no mirth in her laughter. She takes a deep breath, "yeah, this is gonna be great."
Vi finally speaks up, "Ok, can this get any crazier?"
"Happy fucking New Year, it's so past time to drink," Rona adds.
"Not a bad idea." Faith joins in. "Look guys, first things first. We all need to get something to eat, definitely something to drink and then we need to find a plan that's going to work. We have enough power, knowledge and technical expertise to make it happen."
"So what kind of odds do you think they'll give us in Vegas?" Kennedy tries to joke.
Buffy stands up, "The same ones they gave us against The First."
"Dinner's ready guys," Andrew calls from the kitchen.
Dawn gets up, "I'm gonna set the table, I want to do something normal for a change." She does a quick headcount, "Nine of us, wow."
Rona tilts her head to Vi who nods, "Wait up, we'll help."
"Me too," Emma joins them as they follow Dawn out leaving the four of us.
"I'm going with you," Kennedy's voice cuts through the silence, "Don't" she holds up her hand to quell my protest.
Faith leans forward, "As much as I want you there, you can't. The magic we use to get through the portal needs to come from all of us and be the same for it to work. So no dice my friend. You'll have your hands full here once the local demons find out the four of us are gone."
"Gone?" Ken's eyes get wide as she takes my hand.
"Whoa, I don't mean gone, gone, I mean in another dimension gone," she tries to calm my girl down. "Look Ken, you know I won't let anything happen to Red." She rises bringing Buffy up with her, "Come on, Andrew will get pissed if dinner gets cold because of us."
Ken nods, "Go on, we'll be in in a minute." Once they've left she turns to me, "I'm no witch babe, but I have a really bad feeling about this." She holds my face in her hands and brings me closer to her so our foreheads are touching, "I can't lose you Willow, you're a part of me."
I smile then lean into her kiss. Through these years she has been a font of patience and support. Her protectiveness of all of us knows no bounds. She's been my rock, my safe-haven against the draw of the dark magic, my tower of strength when those we love have fallen. Now I finally realize she draws that strength from me and from us, "You won't."
FAITH'S APARTMENT – 1:15 AM
BUFFY'S POV
Faith throws her keys on the counter as she takes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot from her fridge. Setting up two flutes she pops it open and pours.
I'm leaning over the nook in the kitchen watching her intently. There's a lot going on in her mind, and I don't need to be an Empath Demon to figure that out.
She hands me my glass and touches it to hers, "Here's to the official start of 'Later On,'" she gives me that smirk of hers that shows off her dimples. "Happy New Year," she leans over for a short but sweet kiss.
"Hmmm, nice," I lick my lips then take a sip of the champagne, "Oh, this is nice too." Faith laughs then walks around to my side of the nook, taking my hand and leading me to the couch.
She places the bottle on the coffee table and draws me into her arms. Taking a deep breath she starts, "Buffy, I need to..."
"Don't," I turn to her placing my fingers on her lips, "Don't make me think about tomorrow, or what might happen. I just want to be here, with you, right now."
She looks at me then sighs, "Buffy," she pulls my hand down, "let me say this, ok?"
Relenting, I nod.
"The last two months with you have made my past 32 years worth living. I know that sounds really stupid and sappy, but it's how I feel. All I've ever wanted was this, here with you, but now this fight is upon us and before we go, well I want you to know - "
"NO!" I yell, breaking away from her knowing exactly what she's trying to do, "You are NOT saying goodbye to me! We are going to be ok, we are going to fight this thing and win and come back and everything is going to be ok." God damn it I didn't want to cry tonight, but listening to my own pathetic denial sends probability and reality crashing into my mind. "Faith, please don't do this," I can barely see her now through the river of my tears, "I can't think about my life if it's without you. I-I can't - "
Her lips crash onto mine. I wrap my arms around her, never, ever wanting to let go. Soon blind want is threatening to take over, then it does. Hearing a ripping sound I realize I've just torn her shirt literally off her back. She pulls away, a little shocked then lowers me down to the couch. We are both half dressed but fully charged, there is an urgency that just won't back down, we need to feel, possess, devour. Far too quickly we are temporarily sated, gasping, saturated in each other's sweat.
I can't think, 'What if this is the last time?' I can't. Pulling her up, I lead her to the bedroom. There is no way we are going to sleep tonight.