They all arrived back at the apartment around ten, as planned. Buffy noticed that Willow and Kennedy both seemed in rather high spirits; God, she hoped that whatever they did, they didn't do it in her bed.
They all spent about an hour or so getting ready. After showering, Buffy changed into a white blouse and a loose knee-length skirt…something to make herself presentable to the Immortal, but also convenient for fighting in. Faith, as usual, donned leather pants and a black sleeveless top.
What really puzzled the rest of the group, however, was what Andrew and Dawn wore. They were dressed up as though they were going to a business meeting. Andrew was dressed in a gray business suit with a white shirt and red tie, and a pair of freshly-shined black shoes; his neck-length hair was nicely combed into place. Dawn was wearing a black skirt and a red long-sleeved button-up shirt. Buffy looked at Dawn's feet and was thankful to note she was wearing flats; fighting in heels was a bitch.
Buffy pulled out her weapons chest and opened it up, allowing everybody to take whatever weapons they felt they needed. She chose for herself a small axe; something she could hide in the long coat she'd be wearing.
Finally, they gathered in the living room for the last time.
"Alright, we're all set to go," said Buffy. "After we finish our battles, we will meet at the street corner that this building sits on. You know which one I'm talking about, right?" The others nodded. "Okay, then, good luck to everybody; we'll see each other soon."
The other people in the room hugged each other. It was rather humorous watching the awkward embrace that Andrew and Giles gave each other; it was reminiscent of a time involving Spike when certain members of the Scoobies had lost their memories. Giles told Andrew to take care and that he made a "damn fine" Watcher.
Buffy released her embrace on Dawn, and looked her in the eyes, hands placed on her shoulders. They both had tears in their eyes.
"You make sure to make it to the corner in one piece, you got that, Dawnie?"
"I will."
"Good. Just remember that whatever happens, I love you always."
"There's no need to talk like that, Buffy; we'll be seeing each other in a few hours." Dawn was on the verge of sobbing.
"I know, Dawn. I know."
Wiping her eyes, Dawn left with Andrew.
"Oh! I almost forgot! Faith, I have something for you." Buffy went into her bedroom (cringing when she saw how messed up the bed covers were) and pulled a large rectangular case (with a swivel handle attached) out from underneath it. She carried it into the living room and handed it to Faith.
"What's this? A guitar?"
"I said I was going to give you something that would help you against D'Sulok."
Faith thought for a moment before her face lit up with realization.
"Is this what I think it is?"
Buffy nodded. "I had the carrying case specially made for it."
"Wait…are you sure you won't need it?"
"I'm only dealing with the Immortal; sure, he won't be easy to take on, but I've fought more difficult foes."
"Well, what about Kennedy? She's going to be taking on a lot of vampires."
"I have a witch to help me out. You'll need it more," said Kennedy.
"Take care, Faith." Buffy leaned forward and kissed Faith on the forehead.
Faith kissed her back, and then Buffy turned to Giles.
"You left me when I was in Sunnydale; don't try to leave me this time." Buffy said this with a smile. The older man smiled back, and hugged her tightly. Then he and Faith walked out the door.
Finally, Buffy turned Willow, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
"I'm sorry to get you into all this, Wil. Kinda ruins the vacation, don't it?"
"Buffy, I've been one of your best friends since that day we met back in tenth grade, and I've almost always been there for you. That's never going to change." She smiled sweetly. Then she and Kennedy walked hand-in-hand out the door.
"And I guess that just leaves me," Buffy said to herself. She glanced around the apartment one last time. Putting on her long coat, she slipped the small axe into a loop inside the coat and walked outside. She did not bother to lock the door behind her.
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Author's Note: Woo! I'm finally done with all the buildup. Next chapter, I PROMISE YOU, you will finally see the beginning of the big payoff.
Oh, and don't forget: please, please leave feedback. It costs nothing to leave feedback, and I absolutely thrive on it. Heck, make it anonymous if you wish. I don't mind criticism, either; just make sure that it's constructive. Read and review!