A/N:

Well this is it, the season finale, and a double length one at that. I thought a lot about music and how important it was to the show. I racked my mind to think of a song that would truly epitomize and encompass all that BtVS was/is;one that will play in the back of your head as you read this. So after being completely inspired by the vidder Luminosity's incredible rendition of Abbey Road in 'Scooby Road', I came up with The Beatles song below. I think it captures the feel of all I've been trying to put into this fic as well as all that Joss & Co intended in the show. The last line, as well as being one of the central themes here, also gave me the title for this final chapter.

Enjoy, and thank you all for your comments and encouragement while I wrote this first fic. It is for you as much as it is for me.

All Latin transcription from tranexp dot com, and once again I couldn't have done this without - Kramer, Samuel Noah, Sumerian Mythology, Harper & Brothers, New York, 1961

The epilogue will follow.

CB

Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/Ending - Lyrics by The Beatles
Once there was a way, to get back homeward,
Once there was a way, to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry, and I will sing a lullaby
Golden slumbers fill your eyes, smiles awake you when you rise
Sleep pretty darling do not cry, and I will sing a lullaby
Once there was a way, to get back homeward,
Once there was a way, to get back home
Sleep pretty darling do not cry, and I will sing a lullaby
Boy you're gonna carry that weight, carry that weight for a long time
Boy you're gonna carry that weight, carry that weight for a long time
I never give you my pillow, I only send you my invitations
And in the middle of the celebrations, I break down
Boy you're gonna carry that weight, carry that weight for a long time
Boy you're gonna carry that weight, carry that weight for a long time
Oh yeah, all right, are you gonna be in my dreams tonight?
Love you, Love you, Love you, Love you, Love you, Love you, repeats 4x
And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love, you make

Chapter 22: And in the End

FAITH'S APARTMENT – NEW YEAR'S DAY – 5:30 AM

FAITH'S POV

There are absolutely no words to describe the depths of how exhausted we are right now. Sleep really wasn't an option for either of us last night. And as morning breaks you can hear our ragged breathing fill my bedroom. My arms are around B's waist holding her tightly to me. She's lying over me; her head nestled between my shoulder and neck. She kisses my ear, "Happy 2014."

"Hmmm, yeah it is isn't it?" I groan as I nuzzle her damp hair.

"Shower then sleep? or sleep then shower?" She raises her head to see my response.

I run my hands up her back then down her sides, "There is no way you are getting me out of this bed until we have to go back to yours."

She giggles, "Ok, sleep then shower it is."

Gripping her tighter, "I think I already told you about wasting our time sleeping," I growl reaching out my hand to guide her face to mine. God, I will never get over the feeling of her lips against mine, so indescribably soft.

"Baby, you have to, we have to, we both need to rest. It's only that the fate of mankind is depending on it... again." She grins at me then her face grows serious, "We've been very selfish, we need to be at our best today, everyone's counting on us."

"Selfish? Are you fucking kidding me?" I swing her around so she's on her back and I'm leaning over her, "We've given our entire lives for the 'greater good' without so much as a nod of thanks from ANYONE. Is one night too much to ask for, especially when it can seriously be our last?" I search her eyes, "I don't think so babe."

She tilts her head at me, knowing I'm right but there's such melancholy in that beautiful face.

"Hey," I stroke her cheek, "Sorry, didn't mean to get so angry."

She shakes her head then brings her arms up around me, "Can it all really come down to this? I mean, we've done so much over the years. Defeating evil, averting apocalypses, can a loose cannon God really just wipe us all out on a whim? It seems so… random."

I smile, bring my hand up to her face and lean down, kissing her briefly, "I thought we weren't going to let that happen?"

"We're not," then she grins, "besides I still owe you an ass kicking for your little stunt yesterday. You know I'm not going to let that slide without some payback. Making me faint in front of everyone, why I oughtta…"

"Oh, but you did, many times in fact," I wiggle my eyebrows at her then laugh. "Ok, I'll tell the Big Bad God to lay off us cause my girl has her own plans for kicking my ass." I gently caress her cheek.

She leans into my touch, suddenly very serious," I won't let him kick your ass."

I kiss her again, "And I won't let him kick yours." I roll onto my back bringing her with me. She settles into my shoulder and sighs deeply. Rubbing my chin against the top of her head I softly murmur "Ok, we'll sleep."

MEANWHILE BACK AT THE HOUSE – WILLOW & KENNEDY'S ROOM

KENNEDY'S POV

"Go back to sleep," I whisper as I pull Willow into me. She was so exhausted last night, but still couldn't sleep soundly. After midnight, Faith and Buffy left to go to back to Faith's place. I'm amazed they lasted here as long as they did; you could feel they wanted to be alone. Emma was cute; she had a couple of glasses of champagne then promptly crashed on the couch. Will and I brought her up to bed, leaving the others to music and more drinks.

Both of us are facing the window, she's melded into me, "You've been up most the night, you need to rest."

She looks over her shoulder at me, "How did you - " then she laughs and holds my arms closer to her. "You think Buffy and Faith got any sleep?" She asks after a while.

"Not a chance," I laugh, "well, at least not last night. They were both pretty hyped up, itching to get out of here the second after midnight. They're probably just getting to sleep now."

"Babe?"

I snuggle closer still, not wanting her to leave my arms, my bed, my life, "Hmmm?"

"I know you're worried because I'm not so much the fighter, but I think we can really do this. Emma really seems to have really come into her own: both as a Slayer and as a witch, we already know she has the Empath demon thing down pat." She pauses, "I don't think any of us realize how much power Faith has. She's been exercising such control, I can't even imagine what's going to happen once she lets loose. And Buffy, well, for as long as I've known her she's always done whatever it takes to see things through. She's never given up, never."

"And that's why you are my 'glass is half full' girl."

"Yeah, I guess," she blushes, God she's so cute.

Leaning away, now resting on her back, she looks up at me as I brush her hair away from her face. "If anyone can get them through the portal and back, it's you. Don't think I don't have every confidence in you, because I do. I just wish I was there to protect you from whatever is on the other side."

She searches my eyes then reaches up capturing my lips, moaning into my mouth.

"Will," I try to ignore the pounding in my chest, "you should go back to sleep," I'm really trying here, but she's not making this easy.

Her hands drift under my shirt and up my back pulling me over her, "There'll be plenty of time for sleep later."

THE KITCHEN – 10:00 AM

EMMA'S POV

Shocker no one is up yet, I laugh to myself as I make some coffee. I hear the front door open and close. It's Buffy and Faith, I feel them, in fact I feel everyone, right through my blocking spell.

"Hey," Buffy smiles, "Good morning." She comes over and gives me a hug. I feel her… conflict… love, sorrow… oh today is going to be hard.

"Morning," I try to be cheerful.

Faith comes up next to me laying a hand on the back of my neck then starts to rub, "You feel it?"

"Yeah, it's because it's happening today right?"

She nods at me then looks at Buffy.

I sigh, regarding them, my new 'parents' how bizarre my life has become, "How about before things go all oogly-boogly I fix everyone a huge breakfast?"

Buffy laughs, "I think you've been spending way too much time with Dawn." She's pouring coffee for all of us, "Sounds like a great idea Em, I guess I should put another pot on huh?"

One by one, everyone comes down; I guess the magical smells of coffee and bacon wafting though the house is better than an alarm clock. Not sure if they were nursing hangovers or just lost in their own worlds but few words are exchanged. Maybe they can feel it too, in their own way, that this is the end of… I don't know… something.

Willow gets up and smiles at me, "Thanks Emma that really hit the spot."

"You're very welcome. How about we do it again tomorrow?" I ask hopefully.

"Yeah," she reaches out and tucks an errant strand of hair behind my ear, "I think we'd all like that." She looks at me intently, then away as she tears up, "I'm a… I'm going to go down to the triage room and get everything ready."

BASEMENT – TRIAGE ROOM – 1:00 PM

WILLOW'S POV

Well this is it, everything is ready. I look around the room and see the cold determination on everyone's faces. It's just the five of us now. Dawn and Andrew went upstairs with Rona and Vi to show them how to read the security controls and prepare for a possible attack from the local demons once they find out we're in another dimension. Dawn doesn't do goodbyes, never has. The others followed her lead. We've all lost so many friends over the years; goodbyes are usually silent and understood.

Emma walks out to the rec room and soon you can hear the thump of the dart board. It reminds me that we can't bring weapons through, which sucks because we need all the help we can get, I need all the help I can get...

Faith is sitting on one of the exam tables with Buffy standing between her legs, leaning into her, arms wrapped around each other. Buffy's head is tucked under Faith's chin, each staring in different directions, lost in thought, lost in each other.

Kennedy comes over to me and silently takes my hand, leading me out of the room and into an empty classroom. She leans against the door, closing it and pulls me into her arms. I snake mine around her neck and let myself revel in the feel of her against me.

"I love you," I whisper to her through my tears.

She pushes me back gently, "And I love you." Her hands hold my face; thumbs wiping my tears away. "Come back to me Willow."

I nod then lean into her again. We kiss, then know it's time to go.

We walk back and call for Emma to join us. We figured the triage room made the most sense, that way if – ha! if! – anyone is hurt when - yes when - we get back there isn't far to go to get patched up.

Ken looks at all of us, "Good luck and happy hunting." She takes a deep breath, "I'll be here waiting when you guys get back."

I smile at her then begin:

Oh valde Dea of vicis quod locus nos dico vobis.

Oh great Goddess of time and places we call to you.

Plumbum nos ut via of Dea of barathrum.

Lead us to the road of the Goddess of the Underworld.

Permissum nos insisto Suus semita, Suus spatium, Suus transitus, Suus universitas.

Let us follow Her path, Her interval, Her transition, Her world.

Audite meus dico quod patefacio ianua ut Suus universitas.

Hear my call and open the door to Her world.

Permissum nos saluto Suus universitas pugno pro men.

Let us visit Her world to fight for men.

Quod tribuo nos ops tutus reverto.

And grant us the power to safely return.

Permissum is exsisto sic, iam.

Let this be so, now.

The portal opens wide; we walk though then watch it close behind us.

MOUNT EBIH – TIME DOES NOT EXIST HERE

FAITH'S POV

"Where are we?" Emma's voice is very soft.

"Mount Ebih," Red replies.

"And where the fuck is that exactly?" I ask as I realize we are in a valley of some sort.

Red exhales slowly, "It's the land of the Gods, also called Kur. Kur literally means "mountain," "foreign land," or "land" it's the area which contains the Abzu. The primeval sea (abzu) existed before anything else and within that, the heaven (an) and the earth (ki) were formed. Sumerian or Babylonian, the names are a little different, but it's all the same meaning."

Emma screws up her face and turns to Red, "Wasn't the dragon that took Ereshkigal called Kur?"

Willow nods, "Yes, a dragon-like creature. The old texts suggest that it was an instrument of the land of Kur - its stones or its creatures hurling stones. So as in all mythology, the same words are used over with similar but at the same time, slightly different meanings."

Buffy ignores us looking around trying to find the best place to make our stand, higher ground would be best, but it doesn't seem like we can get there from here.

"You have learned the history well, young Wicca." Ereshkigal's voice booms over our hushed ones.

We look up to see Her next to two men, my guess, Anu and Ellil, and to my surprise the Powers that Be.

"Yes Champion," she acknowledges my curiosity, "The Powers have a roll here as well."

"This is who is Chosen? Four scrawny women will defend the Earth and all upon it against the demons I send? This will be far easier than I thought." The younger man glared at us.

The older man only smiles as he watched our reaction.

"Do not discount the strength of those who give life, Ellil, theirs is a tenacity and endurance rarely matched," the older man, apparently Anu, gently states, "especially when protecting their young."

And with that, Emma is flung through the air and slammed against a wall of rocks. B and I back up into a defensive stance as Red goes to her.

"I'm ok," Emma gasps, "just, winded." She lets Red help her up.

Scores of creatures I've never seen before begin to pour into the valley, surrounding us. "Red, stay back and try to conjure something that will repel them. Emma stay with Red, let her use your power." Then I send her; Don't let anything happen to Red, Em. You can do this. Then I look at B, she nods and as if reading my mind we walk towards the demons and to the fight.

BUFFY'S POV

These nasty, grey, hairless things start to attack us as we walk towards them. They kinda look like the Über vamps from Sunnydale. I sidestep a punch to the face while bringing my elbow crashing down on its back, sending him to the ground. How the fuck are we going to kill these things? I think to myself as another comes flying at me. I grab it by the head and twist, hearing the crack as it goes down. I look up at Faith and she smiles at me. Ok, so now we know one way. I stomp on the other one's neck, and hear another snap, he goes limp. Cool, two ways.

Faith is somehow fighting three, no wait four at once, and winning mind you. This woman, this force of nature… never before has poetry in motion been better enacted than watching her fight. In the 30 or so seconds I've been watching her; she must have taken out at least 20 of them. If she had this kind of power and strength in Sunnydale… well a lot of things wouldn't have happened. A demon comes running towards me bringing me back to the now. I jump up and kick him in the chest; his momentum causes both of us to fall to the ground.

He kicks my ribs, flipping me over onto my back. Putting my arms behind me and pulling my knees up, I jump to my feet. The fucker, spinning to my left I hit him with a straight right hand, then a closed backhand to the face. We do the dance: trading blows until I have him backed into the side of a boulder. I spin again, my elbow crashes into his throat, he falls. Ok, warmed up now.

EMMA'S POV

Willow is next to me chanting, anything that comes near us is being completely disintegrated. I feel kinda suspended, torn: my slayer senses are throbbing for me to join the fight yet the Wicca in me is completely connected to Willow. I can feel the power running through us as if we were one, so pure and strong.

Buffy and Faith are beating down the creatures that Ellil sent to fight them. They've killed hundreds, but more keep coming. They really aren't getting a second to rest. I notice movement atop the mountain where our spectators are watching us. Ellil is now pacing as he observes the battle. You can see he is frustrated we are all still alive. I open my senses and feel the hatred and disgust emanating from him. Why is he so angry with us? Why does he want to destroy our world?

He looks over to me then Willow and something flashes in his eyes. I can't make it out; he is a God after all. "Willow, be careful," I murmur as I sense his attention is not something anyone wants.

With a quickness that could be called instantaneous, the javelin he was holding is now soaring though the air, then there are many, and they are all coming straight for us. I begin to knock them down telepathically, but it takes from the power I'm feeding Willow. One of the demons gets through; it's time for me to stand and fight, to protect Willow.

Punch to the head, kick to the chest, head butt to throw him back, then a somersault and another kick but this one to the face. I'm using everything Faith and Kennedy ever taught me. Then when he's weakened and on one knee, I reach out and break his neck like Buffy did to the M'Fashnik demon. Only I don't tear his head off or anything.

"That was amazing Emma!" Willow exclaims right before a javelin impales her to the tree behind her. It's sticking out right under her collar bone, the end still swinging from the force of the throw and the connection with its target. She's gasping for air, looking down as blood starts seeping though her clothes.

I run to her, I don't know what to do. I – I think I should pull it out, "Willow?"

"No, don't, not yet," she pants, "It will bleed more. I can hold a barrier around me for a while, help Buffy and Faith."

"But I should stay with you," I won't leave her side.

Oh Dea, permissum nex non adeo mihi dum huic beatus terra.

Oh Goddess, let death not come to me while in this blessed land.

"I will not die here, Emma. Go… help… them… now." She gasps, "The sooner you win, the sooner we get home."

I back away then run through the barrier, catching one of the vile creatures unawares. My anger cannot be contained as I start to plow through the beasts. I know I am mixing the Slayer and the Wicca now, the strength combined with the magic is consuming, with the hate brewing in my heart I feel invincible.

FAITH'S POV

B and I are crushing the bastards but more keep taking their place. It seems never ending. Another score at least are rushing towards us fuck! Looking around for some kind of weapon, I grab one of the javelins Emma stopped. Turning to the onslaught, I alternate between stabbing and slamming into them with it.

I see Emma has joined in the fray and can't help but wonder why she left Willow but I can't hold that thought for long cause one the beasts has a javelin of his own now. It's one of the oldest types of weapon a javelin; we fight as they did before time, using it more to deliver whacks then to spear. Andrew can map out the essence of every Slayer, Watcher, Witch and Demon but here I am fighting with a mother fucking javelin, against a million freaky demons that never stop coming, fuck! I finally stab the little bastard good in the heart. He stumbles back as I withdraw the tip from his chest.

He looks at his wound then narrows his eyes at me. I tilt my head for a moment not understanding why he hasn't fallen yet. He raises his javelin again and I go to a defensive stance in case he tries to throw it. He doesn't, he crumples at my feet revealing another one right behind him. This one's arm is cocked to throw so I do a side roll then spring up watching the javelin as it sails through the air, a perfect arc, cutting through the wind as it hits its target, not me, but Buffy.

She of course wasn't expecting it; she had her back to us fighting two demons of her own at the time. I see her fall to her knees on impact then one of the creatures she was fighting backhands her across the face. She goes to ground, the javelin protruding from both sides of her stomach.

Everything seems to grind to a halt as if in slow motion. The demons are still attacking me but I throw them off me as I make my way to her. When I get to her I realize Emma is standing next to me crying. I look past her and stab a creature that was readying to do the same to her.

Leaning over Buffy I thank the Gods she's still breathing, the wound looks bad, but we've both lived through worse. Suddenly I'm rolling on the ground because one of those mother fuckers slammed into me. Before I can get up, one grabs my right arm and breaks it between his legs while another slices my side open. Ok, what is it that people want to gut me like a catfish? I look down at the bones protruding from my arm. Fuck me, I take one by the neck with my left hand and rip out his throat, then grab hold of the javelin of the other and smash it through his face.

I look over to see Emma fighting off two or three of them and holding her own. I get up, taking my javelin and start swing it one handed into any of the bastards I can get close enough to. Now I see Red, pinned to the tree, Jesus, how did this get so out of control.

This isn't a fight, this is a slaughter, a death trap, we were never meant to leave here alive. We will all die here unless I can do something to stop it.

"ENOUGH!" I shout and everything stops: the demons fall back and the Gods rise. Holding my stomach with my useless right arm I stagger over to where their perch is and kneel before them. "What do you want for their lives? We can continue this without them. Let them live, take me, if it pleases you, as your sacrifice."

Anu steps forward, "You have already given sacrifice to us, Champion."

"I gave my body over to the whim of a sadistic dungeon keeper for a specified amount of time to pay a debt."

Ellil speaks next, looking at me warily, "You give your life, your very soul for all eternity to save these here and those you have never met?"

"I do," I reply as my eyes rest on Buffy lying on the ground. I look up to him and Anu, the PtB, then take in the stunning blue sky and see the beauty of the valley around me. Finally, I bow my head, "It's a good day to die, my life is forfeit to you."

Intrigued, Ellil continues, "And what of the Powers that Be? Won't they need their Champion?"

The Powers answer as one, "If our Champion's supreme sacrifice is accepted, we will turn to another."

While the Gods speak to the PtB I turn to Emma, I'll get you safely home.

She smiles at me as she shakes her head; But my home is with you and Buffy.

Biting my lip, I know this sounds crazy, Em, but sometimes you have to lose to win.

Slowly, she nods, Yes; I think I understand that now.

I furrow my brow, not comprehending her meaning. Then she speaks aloud, "Ereshkigal, Anu, Ellil, Powers, I too present myself to your will in hopes you will spare our companions. My offering is to take Faith's place as Champion for the PtB."

I can't believe my ears, "Emma!"

"It's my life, my choice." She says calmly.

I know it's insane, but I am so proud of her right now. She has a better head on her shoulders at 15 then I did at 21. It seems like an eternity as they once again speak among themselves.

Ereshkigal steps forward, "You can take your comrades back to your world. Both offerings have been accepted. Your life will not be taken now Champion, but at a time after the new Champion is ready to perform her duties. Know the Gods have smiled on your honor and humility. Now go."

Emma gives me her hand and I take it, slowly rising to my feet. We both stand in front of them and bow our thanks. We go to Buffy first, she's unconscious; Em holds her down as I pull the javelin from her stomach. A new wave of blood begins to flow from her wound. As Emma places her against my shoulder, I scoop up her legs and manage to carry her. She's leaning fully into me now and I feel her blood mix with mine, by the Gods, what a rush.

When we get to Willow she is almost incoherent. Knowing Red can't and I'm too weak, I look at Emma, "Do you think you can? I'll help keep it open till we get through, but I don't have the strength to open the portal."

She pulls the javelin from Willow's chest, and picks her up in her arms. "Yeah, I can do it." I'm getting used to her quiet confidence. "Willow taught me, just in case something happened."

"That Red's a smart woman."

Then she begins:

Oh valde Dea of vicis quod locus nos dico vobis adlido.

Oh great Goddess of time and places we call to you again.

Plumbum nos ut via aiax.

Lead us to the road home.

Audite meus dico quod patefacio ianua ut nostrum universitas.

Hear my call and open the door to our world.

Permissum is exsisto sic, iam.

Let this be so, now.

BASEMENT – TRIAGE ROOM – JANUARY 4th - 11:00 AM

KENNEDY'S POV

"Got some coffee for you," Dawn puts the steaming cup in my hand.

"Thanks" I haven't slept in three days; I just stare at the wall, willing it to fade into the portal. We both know the whole time thing can get whacky, so 3 days here can be like 3 hours there, or 30 years, oh shit, I can't deal with this.

"Hey, they'll be back," she lays a hand on my shoulder. Dawn's been a real trooper. She never talks about them not coming back, it's always when, never if, she has a strength you just don't expect, must be a Summers thing.

The wall shimmers for a moment then Faith and Emma walk in carrying Willow and Buffy. The mug falls to the floor and I take Willow from Emma placing her on the first exam table, "What – what the fuck happened?"

"Javelins – Buffy got hit too, but hers isn't as..." Emma's voice trails off as I rip open Willow's shirt and see exactly how bad it is, it's bad.

Dawn runs to the intercom, "Sophia, we need you down here now." Sophia is our only Slayer-MD. After they were gone a full day, I told Dawn to get her on a plane here fast.

Faith rests Buffy against the other table as I started to clean the blood off Will's chest.

Helping her, Emma eases Buffy down on the table. "Faith, you need to sit, are you still bleeding?"

Faith grimaces as Buffy's weight shifts on her arm, "I think it stopped." Then she looks at me, "Sorry Ken I guess I really fucked up."

Emma turns Faith to face her then lifts the front of her blood soaked T-shirt. "Holy fucking shit Faith," She's got a nice slash across her stomach, I'm sure carrying Buffy didn't help any.

Sophia comes downstairs and carefully looks at the three injured women. "Ok, Ken finish prepping Willow; Dawn, cut Buffy's shirt away from the wound then clean it." She looks over at Emma, "Think you can do the same for Faith here while I take a look at this arm?" Emma nods then grabs a pair of scissors as she helps Faith lay down on the last table.

"Faith, you didn't fuck up, you got everyone home." Christ, I think I can actually see some of her internal organs. I don't know which is worse: her partial eviscerated stomach or the bones sticking out of her skin from the compound fracture of her arm. "Everyone is alive and everyone is home, that's what's important." I look at her, then relenting she nods. "So I'm guessing the world is safe to live another day?" I ask as Sophia sets her arm.

Faith winces, lets out a breath then nods again, "Yeah."

Sophia starts to attend to Willow and I'm trying to stay out of the way, so I offer to stitch Faith up, God knows I've had enough practice over the years. "You ok there Emma?" The kid hasn't left her spot between Faith and Buffy, holding one of each of their hands.

She speaks softly, slowly opening her eyes. "I don't know how, but neither have internal injuries."

"Slayer healing works inside out," Sophia answers, narrowing her eyes at her.

"Oh, that makes sense I guess," Emma nods.

Buffy wakes up as I'm bandaging Faith.

"Hey." She breathes out as Emma smoothes her hair.

"What happened to Willow? Sophia? What are you doing here?" She looks around, "Faith?"

"Don't you worry about a thing B; Ken's got it all under control. She'll stitch you up next, right Ken?"

"You bet," I nod.

"Stitch me?" She tries to raise her head, "Aggghh, shit."

"Take it easy Buff; you're all hurt, well all except for Emma here." I smile at her.

She lays back then looks at Faith's arm and stomach still a little disoriented, "Babe?"

Faith blows out her breath heavily then drags her left hand through her hair, "Guess I didn't do such a good job of not letting him kick your ass, huh?"

"Doesn't look like either of us did," Buffy's eyes are resting on Willow.

Dawn and Sophia bring Willow to our mini-OR for some scans. Hopefully they won't need to operate, patching up is one thing, but a full scale operation? I don't think I could deal with that being preformed here. We're all quiet as I stitch and bandage Buffy up. Then I splint Faith's arm. Then we just wait.

Too soon Sophia comes back and turns to Emma, "You're a witch? I thought you were a Slayer?"

Putting my head in my hands, "It's a long story, Soph," I'm tired, weary and just want to know if Will's gonna be ok.

Ignoring me, she corners Emma and continues, "You tried to heal her didn't you?"

Emma's eyes get wide, "I – I – I didn't mean to do anything..."

I look up, "What the - "

"No, no, no" Sophia puts her hands on Emma's shoulders, "you saved her life. You stopped the bleeding and closed her internal wounds. Willow's going to be very proud of you. Hell, I'm proud of you!" Then she turns to me, "She's going to be fine thanks to Emma here. Go ahead in Ken. She's unconscious and probably will be for a while, but she's stable."

Thank the Gods, I think as I run to the OR with Sophia following behind me.

BUFFY'S POV

"Emma?" I can't believe what Sophia just said.

She sits down on the exam table next to Faith, "I don't know how, I just, when I was carrying her I felt her pain, she was in so much pain. Then in my head I could hear my Dad telling me to allow myself to feel the pain, then follow it, then stop it. I really didn't think I did anything until Sophia said so. All I did was keep thinking follow the pain then stop it, over and over. I thought I was stopping the pain, I didn't know I was actually healing her."

Faith shakes her head, "And you were doing this while you were opening the portal?"

"Well, after. Opening it took a lot, but once it was open I could feel you keeping it open with me, guiding us. I just wanted to help Willow."

"Sweetie," I reach for her hand and stop short, oh, ok, that hurt. She leans to me and takes mine. "Thank you, Emma."

"But I didn't even know…" She starts.

Faith puts her good arm around Emma's shoulders, "It doesn't matter, all that does is you wanted to help and you did. Ken's gonna be your new BFF."

She looks at Faith quizzically, "BFF?"

Faith laughs, "Best Friend Forever."

"Oh, I get it, funny."

"Hey Buff," Dawn comes in and smoothes my hair from my face, "How do you feel?"

"Like some ugly ass demon made me into a shish ka bob. Oh, wait, that really happened..." I joke trying to get that worried look off her face.

Dawn grins, stroking my cheek, "At least you know you're not allowed to die on me."

"Yeah, I already tired that, it didn't work out." I keep up with the quips.

"Ok, smart ass, rest now," Dawn turns to Emma, "Let's leave these guys alone so they can let their healing to do its thing. See you guys in a bit."

Emma gives each of us a kiss on the cheek then looks at us, "I know I never said this before, but I love you guys and there's nowhere else I'd rather be right now than here with both of you." She ducks her head, suddenly shy as if realizing what she just said, "I'll see you upstairs." She disappears upstairs with Dawn.

"Wow," I look to Faith as she eases off the table.

She nods, "Yeah, she's something else." She looks around the room then shifts from one foot to the other.

I hold out my hand to her, "You ok?"

She looks at it for a moment, "Yeah," she takes it, pulling it to her face then kisses it. "You want me to help you up? I'm sure you'll be a lot more comfortable in your own bed."

I raise my eyebrow.

"Get your mind out of the gutter, Buffy; you know that's not what I meant."

"Take a nap with me?" I ask, pouting just a little bit.

She looks to the floor then back up at me, "I kinda just want to go back to mine."

Trying to be amiable, I offer, "Sure, we can nap there."

"No Buffy, I mean I want to go back to mine, I need to be… by myself for a little bit."

"Oh," I really hope I don't look as crestfallen as I sound, "Ah, ok, I, ah, I guess I'll see you later, ok?" I fumble my words as best I can because I don't understand why the sudden wall just came crashing down between us.

"Want me to help you up to your room?" She asks softly.

Not knowing what else to do, I let her off the hook, "No, that's ok; I want to stay here for a little while and see Will once I feel a bit better." The look of relief on her face makes my eyes water. "No walking, tell Andrew to drive you, ok?"

"Ok," she nods then leans over and kisses me on the forehead, "I love you, Buffy."

"I love you, baby." I choke out. She gives me a sad smile then leaves. And as I watch her go I suddenly feel so incredibly alone and confused and why the fuck is she calling me Buffy? Then the tears flow.

BACK PORCH – JANUARY 12th – 10:30 PM

FAITH'S POV

I love the snow, how it's so pristine, so perfect. I've missed it.

"Hey," Emma walks outside, "you mind some company?"

Taking another drag of my after dinner cigarette, "Not at all, it's pretty isn't it?" I point my head to the newly fallen snow covering the backyard.

"Beautiful," she sighs. "I'm glad you came over tonight. We haven't really had a chance to talk a lot have we?"

"Not so much. Having second thoughts about your decision?"

She shakes her head, "Oddly no, I think I've come to accept it."

"Good, that's the first step."

Pulling no punches Emma dives right in, "Are you going to tell Buffy about what we did? I mean, I know we talked about keeping it quiet for a little while but are you gonna tell her ever?"

"Honestly, Emma? I don't know."

She turns fully to me, "I think you should, they all should know."

"Know what?" B asks as she closes the kitchen door and walks over to us quickly folding her arms across her chest to keep warm.

I look at her narrowing my eyes, "Stealthy girl, huh?"

"Emma, can you give us a minute?" B glances to her then right back at me. Oh isn't this just fucking perfect.

Emma looks at us for a moment, "Ok, see you inside," then returns to the kitchen.

We're alone now, just the two of us. We haven't been alone since, well, since that morning, New Year's Day. I crush my cigarette into the ashtray then lean my back into the rail. "What's up B?"

She shakes her head at me, "You are a very silly woman, Faith," she comes over to me opens the flaps of my unzipped jacket and leans fully into me, wrapping her arms around my waist. "I know what you offered them; I heard it before I passed out. I didn't remember at first, but it came back to me. I know you haven't been able to talk about it yet. I was kinda hoping you'd tell me on your own. And I really didn't want to push you, but we have to talk about this Faith; I need to know what's going on with you. I'm not going to let you hide out at your apartment anymore."

I exhale loudly then rest my chin atop her head, "Are you angry with me?"

She laughs, "Baby, you've made a better life for me, endured years of torture for me and now you've given up your life for me and you ask if I'm angry?"

"I didn't know how to tell you."

She looks up at me, "That's why you've been so far away?"

I search her eyes then just nod.

"I love you, you big jerk. Now spill it."

I pull her tightly to me, "Not much to tell really. I don't know when they'll take me. It's something I'm going to try to talk about with the PtB. I'm going to go and see them next week with Emma."

"With Emma? Why?"

I pull back a little, "Because Emma also made them an offer which they accepted."

"WHAT?!"

Blowing out another huge breath, I look her straight in the eye, "She's going to take my place as Champion of the PtB when, when it's time. They said they won't take me until she is ready to step into the role."

She pulls her head back as she tries to hold back her tears, letting it sink in. "So I'm going to lose both of you at once?" Her voice cracks, she's not trying to hold them back anymore. No one I have ever met can cry rivers like my girl.

"You won't lose Emma; this will be her home base just like Akumal was for me."

"I guess."

"I know - we already talked about it."

"Oh," she raises her head and swipes at her tears. We're quiet for a little while, just standing there, holding each other. "So I guess it's really just like it was before. I mean none of us know when we are going to die. By them choosing a time that's after Emma is ready to take over for you, who knows when that will be? It could be a couple of months it could be a couple of years. It's not like we all aren't living on borrowed time."

I tilt my head and look at her, "That's an incredibly healthy way to look at it."

"Hello," she scoffs pointing to herself, "psychologist... remember?"

"Yeah, Dr. B, I remember."

She leans up and whispers to me, "Can I lure you inside with promises of warmth, wine and women? Well, not women, one woman."

I kiss her forehead, "I only want one woman."

"Good answer," she smiles as she snuggles into my neck.

Taking a deep breath I pull her closer, God, I've missed her touch, the very feel of her. I need to tell her... "I was ready, Buffy. I was completely prepared and acknowledged that it was my time. I mean, it was weird but I was ok with it, at peace with it, I knew it in my heart, in every fiber of my being. I never felt that way before. I never felt a truer thing."

Looking up at me she runs her arms up underneath my jacket, rubbing my back, "I know, I've been thinking about that ever since I remembered you saying the words 'It's a good day to die.' God, baby, that gave me chills, and it wasn't that I was hurt. It was how you said it, the conviction, the resignation, it blew me away."

"It's, it's the real reason I've been so distant. I wasn't ready. It's taken me a while to accept that I didn't die, that I'm here, that I still have time with you. I didn't give a flying fuck about the rest of the world, everyone else was just gravy. When I saw you lying there I knew if I could do something to save you, I was going to, so I made them the offer. It's like we had such a perfect night and a perfect morning, I was finally happy, in love, content. I mean, we were in the ancient land of Gods, the sky was so blue, the valley so beautiful. If there was ever a time, a place, a reason to die, that was it." I stop and swallow hard, trying to bring myself back to the land of the living, "Sorry it's taken so long for me to come back from there." Pausing again, I shake my head, "I - I know this all sounds really stupid especially after everything I've been through…"

She reaches up to touch my face, "Faith, it's so not stupid. It's how you feel, and that's important."

"Are you getting all clinical on me?" I lean back.

Her hand drops to the base of my neck, "Never happen baby, you break all the psychological rules."

I just look at her, enjoying this closeness after what seems like so long.

She grabs my shirt in her fist and pulls me down to her, "I missed you," her breath is warm and sweet as her lips traverse over mine.

How I could have stayed away so long I don't know, temporary insanity maybe? Yeah that must be it. As our kiss deepens and our tongues reunite, I feel that familiar heat build between us, those tingles course through my body as I feel every inch of her leaning up against me and then that delicious ache tells me I'm home again.

She pulls back, a bit winded, and smiles, "Come inside with me?"

I nod, "Yeah."

FIN