Chapter two

Buffy caught the next flight back to London as soon as she could after Willows phone call. Her heart was beating wildly as she thought of the confrontation ahead with her friends. They were so not going to be pleased.

The journey took far too long, and the slayer was not known for being the most patient person in the world. When they finally landed, she breathed a sigh of relief, and proceeded to collect her suitcases. Why she'd bought anything with her she didn't know, not when she could soon be heading into some strange reality, where she probably wouldn't need anything from this world in the first place. From her vision, it had looked like something from the dark ages. That was if she was going to go through with this crazy plan.

When she finally met up with Willow at the airport, it was just like she'd imagined. Very, very awkward.

"Hey," she said finally, trying to break the silence.

Willow didn't say anything and looked away. "We'd better get back," she said coldly. "We've all got a lot to talk about."

Buffy sighed and nodded. "Sure we do. OK, let's go."

They made their way to the waiting taxi, which would take them to the Watchers council's new headquarters. Buffy looked at her friend, filled with a sudden sadness.

"Come on Will," she said. "It shouldn't be this hard should it? I mean…we're best friends right? We should be able to talk about anything. So…you had a visit from Tara, didn't you?"

Willow hesitated, and then finally looked at Buffy. "Yeah. I did. So I was asleep…having normal every day dreams, well, as normal as you can get when you're a witch…and then wham. There's my ex girlfriend standing right in front of me. Something that's so impossible…..and then you know what happens? It turns out it's not a dream. It's real."

Buffy nodded. "I know. It was a shock for me as well."

Willow shook her head. "No, you don't understand anything Buffy. I miss her so much and I never thought I'd ever see her again. And then suddenly she's there and telling me all about her offer to you. She's planning to take away someone else that I care about. And she expects me to just accept it and understand? Not meaning to sound selfish, but haven't I been through enough? Haven't we all? Do you expect me to accept it? You can't…can you?"

Buffy looked out at the rain pouring outside. She had been right. This wasn't going to be easy…but it was so much worse then she thought.

When she entered the council, she felt like she was going to stand in front of a firing squad. And then, they were all there, Xander, Dawn, Faith, and Giles. Her family.

"Hi everyone," she said brightly. "I've missed you guys so much!"

Dawn shook her head. "Don't Buffy. Don't give us that. Willow's already told us what you're planning to do."

Buffy looked at the ground, but then she suddenly thought, no. Why am I letting them make me feel this way.

"Ok," she said. "I'm going to explain everything, and you're going to listen to me. I've been asked to help someone by the powers that be. And I'm a slayer, right? Helping people is my job, and just because we defeated the first evil, doesn't mean it's over. I can't just stop doing my job. You guys are supposed to be my family and friends, people who understand me and respect my decisions. I'm not saying you have to like this…but you do have to understand were I'm coming from and not treat me like some kid, who has to do what you say."

The Scooby's looked at each other, and Buffy was pleased to see a little bit of guilt on some of their faces.

"Willow, I know it was a shock to see Tara, but you should have been glad. At least now you know she's safe, and not in a hell dimension somewhere."

Willow had tears in her eyes and she nodded.

"But….we're just worried B," said Faith. "And you know it takes a lot for me to say that. We're talking about another dimension here."

Giles nodded. "There's always consequences. Times differences…and what if we need you here?"

Buffy shook her head as she looked at her watcher. "I can't always be here. And you've all managed fine with out me this past year haven't you?"

"That's because we know your only a phone call away Buff," said Xander gently. "We know you just wanted some space, but we could always come and visit you."

"And you'll still have that chance," a new voice was added to the mix, and they all turned in shock to see Tara standing there.

"There will be a certain day in the year, the longest day, when the power of light is at it's strongest, that the powers will be able to open the gateway between dimensions, and you'll be able to see each other. That will be part of Buffy's reward for taking up this …offer."

"The Summer Solstice," said Willow softly.

"Yes," Tara answered with a smile. "And you'll be able to make sure you're all ok."

"It'll be just like seeing family each Christmas," said Buffy, looking at Dawn when she said this, but her sister wouldn't even look at her.

"Dawn, look," said Buffy, feeling frustrated. "I have to do this…I can't explain why. But something tells me it's the right thing, and I'll be ok in the end. We all will be. Please understand. Sometimes, we just have to look out for ourselves, you know? Do what's right for us?"

For a moment it looked like Dawn would relent, but then she shook her head. "No, it was bad enough when you left me the first time. When I though you were dead…this will be just like that! I don't understand how you could do this!"

Dawn then rushed out of the room, before anyone could stop her. Dismayed, Buffy looked up at the others.

"She'll be ok B," said Faith. "I'll talk with her later."

"She's just upset…you know how dawn can be," added Xander, trying to sound like he was ok.

Buffy looked at them doubtfully. "You guys are ok with this now though?"

Giles answered her this time. "I don't think we'll ever be ok with this choice Buffy. It's dangerous and reckless. But…I for one will respect your decision."

Willow nodded again, but she didn't say anything else to Buffy.

Buffy's heart felt a little bit lighter, it wasn't the perfect parting that she would have liked. They were all still mad at her, she could tell. But at least they weren't trying to lock her up or something.

"So, have you made your choice?" asked Tara. Buffy nodded and walked to stand beside her.

She turned to look back at her friends. "Take care," murmured Willow, finally, before turning away and following Dawn.

"I'll see you guys soon," Buffy promised them. "Time will fly by, you'll see."

Tara raised her hand, and a portal opened up before them, shimmering with silvery light, making ripples in the air around them. Giles, Faith and Xander's images began to blur.

Buffy took a deep breath, and stepped forward.