Interlude

"Cleveland huh?" Kennedy asked.

Willow sat on the bed and watched Kennedy pacing in front of her.

"Yeah, that's where I'm heading. We hadn't discussed what would happen after everything because you know, there might not have been an after part a-and outta sight outta mind was better we said but-."

"Do you want me to go?" Kennedy asked.

"Absolutely. You've been war tested and you shoot a pretty mean crossbow a-and- ."

"No Willow," Kennedy stopped her. "Do YOU want me there? I mean I don't see any double bride commitment ceremonies this soon, well actually I'd be more the tux type, but you get the point. It's a pretty big step."

"Is it one you don't wanna take?" Willow asked.

"Well if I do go, it's not just for you. I mean yeah it's for you too. I want more Willow," Kennedy added with a grin. "But this sounds important and I'd like to help Giles. Plus maybe I can show the new girls that come a thing or two. And if I can keep you in my life then yeah…it sounds like a good idea to me but like I said, only if you want me there."

"I want you," Willow replied, smiling.

"Oh really?" Kennedy teased before pausing and falling to her knees in front of Willow. "How much?" The dark haired woman's fingers began to make trails up the outside of the witch's denim covered thighs.

Willow gave a bashful grin and stroked Kennedy's face. "More than you realize I think."

"I can imagine quite a bit if last night was any indication," she retorted with a sly smile.

Willow gave a contented sigh. "I'd love to show you but at the moment I-I promised Giles I'd speak with Xander."

"Duty calls huh?" Kennedy said moving away and coming up to sit beside her lover.

"I'm sorry," Willow said sincerely.

"No, it's okay. I get it. I've been around the Scoobies enough to know how this all works."

"Later?" Willow asked hopefully.

Kennedy ran her fingertips over Willow's cheek before pulling her closer by the chin. Her lips lightly teased the witch. "Count on it," she answered in a husky voice.

Willow took an unsteady breath and gave Kennedy's thigh a tender squeeze. "Okay I gotta get outta here now," she replied with a chuckle before standing up.

"Hurry back," Kennedy teased as she jumped on the bed and gave it a little pat.

Willow just smiled and shook her head before she left. "You drive me wild, girl," she muttered under her breath.

"Good to know," she heard Kennedy announce after she had left the room.

Willow still had her grin when she walked down to Xander and Buffy's room and knocked on the door. "Xander? You in there?"

"Come on in Will," she heard him call out.

"Hiya," Willow waved as she entered and closed the door behind her. Xander was lying on the bed watching television. She walked over and picked up the remote, turning it off. "I wanted to talk to you. Well, actually Giles wanted me to talk to you to be more accurate but I did too."

"What's up?" he asked with slight hesitation.

"I'm not sure where to start."

"The beginning is usually a good place," he told her.

"The beginning huh? Okay, well, remember when we met Buffy and found out she was a Slayer and Giles was her Watcher?"

"Do we have to go back THAT FAR Will?"

"Probably not," she reconsidered. "Okay, cutting to the chase now. Giles is gonna start a new Watchers Council in Cleveland. Kennedy and I are going and he wanted me to ask if you'd like to join us. A-and like he told me – no pressure. We're just checking with everyone to see what they think."

"You're moving to Cleveland?" Xander asked. "Where? When?"

"We're not sure yet. But that's where we're heading after I get a few details squared away." She grinned before adding; "You know, transferring a few Old Council's funds to us and such."

"You can do that?" Xander asked.

"Well I don't know how much the cops would like it but yeah. It'll take me a few weeks I'm sure but eventually I'll find their accounts…So what do you say? Wanna join us?"

Xander paused and took a deep breath. "Another Hellmouth?"

"Yeah there's more than one on earth. A-and we could use you there."

"What? For those late night coffee and donut runs?"

"No," Willow answered immediately.

"Maybe a few repair jobs after the baddies trash the place or hey, maybe I can be the resident pirate? Think Giles would spring for a parrot?"

Willow wasn't sure how to respond – there was an acidity in his voice that made her uncomfortable. "Xander, what's wrong?"

"Do you really have to ask that question Will?"

"Yeah I think I do," she replied.

"I lived on a Hellmouth my entire life. I've watched friends and lovers die. I've lost partial sight and everything I owned and worked for, except for a duffle bag, is now buried under a pile of rubble…Don't get me wrong Will. I was happy to help. And if you and Giles and the rest of the gang want to keep up the fight you can but…I just don't have any more fight left in me. I'm sorry."

"So you're not gonna come?" Willow asked. "What are you gonna do?"

"I don't know. No job, no apartment, no…Anya…But one thing I do know is no more fighting evil. I can't. This last one – this battle – short of my own life Will, it cost me everything. I just don't think I can do it anymore."

"Well you still got us Xander," Willow told him. "You haven't lost everything."

"Yeah but how long will that last Will? How many more battle, if I live through them, will I watch people I love die? It's a good fight Willow and you and Giles will do a great job. But I need to get out of it. I need to figure out just what I want in this world. I hope you can understand that."

Willow pursed her lips and took a deep breath.

"Hey, I spent a summer in England trying to figure out what I wanted in life so I can relate," she told him, trying her best to sound optimistic. "Doesn't mean I'm not disappointed you won't come. A-and saying I'll miss you is an epic understatement."

"I'll miss you too Will but…I just can't do the Scoobies scene. Not now and maybe not ever. Everything is just so…"

"Bleak, black and despairy?"

"To name a few."

"Well," Willow began. "A-And this is not any pressure at all to join us but…if you change your mind Xander you're always welcome. You know that right?"

Xander gave her a sad grin. "Yeah I do. Thanks for the offer but I gotta pass. I'm sorry."

"Aww, don't be sorry Xander. Take some time to figure things out. Get back on your feet again. Maybe that will change and you'll wanna come back but again," she added quickly. "No pressure. Okay?"

"I'll try," he told her.

Realizing it was pointless to talk about it further Willow figured she'd check in with Giles and give him the bad news. Quietly she slipped from the room and made her way downstairs.

Rona, Vi and a few of the other girls were at the kitchenette table playing cards.

"Anyone seen Giles?" she asked.

"He was looking for Faith so he's probably upstairs," Vi told her.

"Thanks," she replied before heading up.

She knocked on the door and heard Giles voice. "Come in."

"So how's the big guy doing?" Willow asked walking over to the bed where Robin was sitting up against the headboard.

"As long as Faith here keeps the morphine coming? I can't complain," he smiled.

"I'm turning him into a stoner," Faith quipped. "Heard you're making the big trip out to Cleveland," she added.

"Yeah I am and so is Kennedy too," Willow answered, nodding toward Giles with the news.

"Cool," she nodded. "I've gotta second in command to run things with me then. That'll work."

"Run things? Does that mean you're coming?" Willow said with a hopeful grin.

"Well it was either another Hellmouth or another prison. Talk about your worst of two evils huh?" Faith told her with a smile.

"You threatened her with jail!" Willow asked turning to Giles.

"I did no such thing. I made the offer and she took it."

"Nah," Faith admitted. "Giles here asked and I was going to do one of two things – turn myself in or get a Slayer gig somewhere. His plan fit. So I signed on."

"As did I," Robin added. "And if I said no then Faith would stop the drugs and I'd be in serious pain right now."

"That is so not true Dude," she chuckled and slapped his arm. "You gotta get used to his warped sense of humor Will. It takes time."

"How did it go with Xander?" Giles asked.

Willow gave a defeated sigh.

"Not well I take it?" Giles prompted.

"I'm worried about him Giles. He's not taking things well and he doesn't think he can be a part of it. He's gotta point though. He's lost a lot."

"Well B's comin' right?" Faith asked.

"Well, no actually," Giles told them.

"No?" Faith and Willow both echoed in disbelief.

"She wants to look after Dawn. Try to give her a stable home. I can understand that."

"Well I can't," Faith told him. "Let her find a damn stable home in Cleveland. She was the Chosen One for how long? It's her duty."

"It WAS her duty. It doesn't have to be now," Giles retorted.

"You're okay with this Giles?" Willow asked.

"Yes I am," he answered honestly. "I can't make Buffy join us anymore than you can get Xander to come along. Everyone that's with us needs to be WITH us – absolutely, totally. If they're not committed to it t-then in all honestly they're of little use to us."

"That's true," Willow answered.

"No. It's not," Faith challenged. "It's BS. You all got into this fight to help THE Slayer and she's what? Just gonna quit while we carry on the fight? It's wrong."

"Why does this bother you so much?" Giles asked.

"Buffy could offer so much to these young girls we bring into the academy before we chuck them and their Watchers out into the world."

"You can be an effective leader too Faith, without Buffy," Giles pointed out.

"That's not the point Giles," the dark Slayer answered. "B's got a duty, a responsibility – a birthright! Yeah I did too and I screwed it up royally and ended up in jail. But I'm gonna set things right. I'm not walking away from the fight. And she shouldn't either."

"Perhaps you should speak with her t-to clear the air?" Giles offered.

"Or clean her clock," Faith answered. "What's with her?"

"She wants to care for Dawn," the Watcher explained. "She's tried before but she wasn't able to do both."

"Okay so she wants to take care of her sis. I get that," Faith answered. "But still Giles…to have her walk away. Aren't you the least bit bitter?"

"No," Giles replied truthfully. "Because I've seen her grow from an impetuous girl to a responsible woman. I've watched her battle countless demons; fight major apocalypses; sacrifice her life. She needs this time to think, to gain her perspective. She spent so much time saving the world I think it's time she had the chance to see more of it."

"I can't believe she's not coming," Willow answered. "Xander, yeah, as much as I hate to admit it. I mean I can see why he needs to take a step back from the Hellmouth. I did too after everything with Tara…But Buffy…It's just gonna feel odd. The group's splitting up Giles and I never thought I'd see that happen," Willow added, moving to a chair in the opposite corner. "I need to sit down."

"These people will always be a part of our life Willow," the watcher stressed. "We're not going to go to Cleveland and vanish forever."

"Well it is a Hellmouth. That could happen." Faith snorted.

Giles gave a frustrated nod. "You have a point," he told her before turning to face Willow. "…but all things being equal that's not going to happen. We're not going to forget about them and they won't forget about us. We'll still always be there for each other. We'll do the right thing no matter how difficult or risky it might seem. We will continue to make sacrifices for each other when it really counts. That will never change."

"I suppose you're right," Willow conceded.

"I know I'm right. Buffy and Xander are both just a phone call away. Just the same as we are for them I should add," Giles told her.

"Okay," Faith nodded. "So when the demons of Cleveland are kicking our ass who's gonna be on phone duty? And while we're at it, do you think Buffy can catch a flight soon enough before we're all dead or the world ends?"

"Faith," Giles sighed. Before he could continue Robin reached out and took Faith's hand.

"Baby settle down, please," he said softly.

Something happened that Willow and Giles didn't expect. Faith took a deep breath and sat down slowly on the bed next to her lover.

"It just upsets me," she answered in a calmer voice.

"I know," Robin said tightening his hold on her hand. "The entire room can feel it but…I'm talking from experience here. If Buffy wants to give up the Slayer life – if she doesn't have to the Chosen One anymore – let her. My mom's watcher told me how my mother wanted out to raise her son. Buffy's got the chance my mom never had. I think we should give her that."

"Yeah well your opinion is biased," Faith countered with a grin. "I'm sorry but that's true."

"It's absolutely biased. I won't argue that." He grinned back at her. "But that doesn't make my opinion less valid or wrong."

Faith took a deep breath and squared her shoulders.

"Okay, fine." She nodded. "I see you folks are all in agreement and in keeping with the new and improved Faith I'll let majority rule. Doesn't mean I can't have some quiet resentment. Just means I'll drop it."

"Well thank you for the artificial understanding," Giles replied with a slight grin.

"Yo, you're lucky you got that," Faith told him pointing a finger.

"So moving onto other things," Robin said, trying to stir things away from another potential argument. "…what about the other girls? Have you asked them?"

"We'll have a meeting tonight to discuss our plans; find out who else might like to join us."

"Well give me plenty of notice," Robin advised, "I'd like to be present and it takes me awhile to get around."

"I could always carry you," Faith offered, flexing her arm muscle.

"Slayer or no slayer, my male ego would never let me live it down. No girlfriend of mine is gonna carry my battered body around. Sorry."

"Girlfriend huh?" Faith answered.

"Hey, I don't make promises to just anyone," he said with a smile. "I want something outta this deal too you know?"

"Oh and just what did you have in mind?" Faith added with a teasing grin.

"I wanna know that the beautiful, ass kicking gal on my arm wants to be mine. You gotta problem with that?" he countered playfully.

"I can adjust," Faith replied with a smile. "And you know any other guy that just gave that speech would end up with a punch to the gut."

"No gut punches," Robin said placing his hand over his bandage. "Give me a few months until I'm fully recovered. Then you can try to open fire."

"Boy if that doesn't sound like true love," Willow quipped.

"Perhaps Faith has met her match," Giles said joining in the fun.

Faith paused a moment and looked at Robin before turning back to Giles. "Maybe I have," she confessed with a grin.

"We've called you all here for a reason," Giles began. The entire household was gathered around the living room as the Watcher addressed them. "Many of you have asked about our plans at this point. A few of you want to return to your homes and the lives you knew. After we tell you what we have in mind, take the next few days to decide."

Kennedy sat next to Willow on the sofa with her legs tucked underneath her and her arms curled around the redhead's arm; her chin resting comfortably on Willow's shoulder. Faith was seated next to Robin with her arm protectively yet comfortable around him, the limb resting on the back of the oversized stuffed chair.

"Now many rumors might be floating around so we're going to settle a few things. First, it is true that Willow Rosenberg and myself will be heading to Cleveland to begin rebuilding the Watchers Council. And yes, there is another Hellmouth located in Cleveland. At this time, Andrew, Faith, Mr. Wood and Kennedy will be joining us. You're all invited-."

"What about Buffy and Dawn?" Rona called out.

"And Xander?" Vi added.

"They've been invited as well but they have..."

"Had enough?" Rona quipped.

"I was going to say prior commitments," Giles added.

"Hey!" Dawn said standing up, waving a finger at Rona before Giles could continue. "I've watched my sister fight for 7 years not 7 months. When you start saving the world on an annual basis and saving numerous lives each night you can have an opinion."

"All I'm saying-."

Rona didn't have the chance to finish.

"You've been 'saying' ever since you arrived," Dawn countered sarcastically.

"Dawn," Buffy said, reaching up, trying to make her stop.

It did no good. Dawn just shrugged her arm away and continued.

"You've bitched and whined since the first day you got here. You've never added anything of use to the group and every comment you make is almost as caustic as hers," Dawn said now pitching a thumb back toward Kennedy.

"Hey!" the brunette shouted, moving away from Willow and rising to her feet.

"But at least Kennedy has redeeming qualities," Dawn added in after thought.

Rona stood up, her stomach and arm both healed now thanks to Slayer strength.

"Like what? Boinking the sidekick?"

Willow shot a quick glance to Kennedy and noticed a vein in her neck pulsating. She tried to reach up to her but Kennedy was already in motion. Dawn walked over confidently, coming toe to toe with Rona as Kennedy following behind her. Keeping a tab on things Faith rose to her feet as well but stayed by the sofa.

"Kennedy's a smart ass too," Dawn told Rona. "but at least she backs up what she says. She's not afraid to fight and she doesn't whine about her responsibilities."

"Look, everyone just calm down," Giles said trying to gain control over the group.

A small quiet filled the room until Rona, Dawn and Kennedy began arguing all at once, their words getting buried under each other's comments. After a few seconds, Willow was finished listening and darted to her feet.

"Enough!" she yelled over the debate.

Everything in the room stopped. When she had everyone's full attention Willow turned to the two young women who stood side by side facing off against Rona.

"Kennedy. Dawnie. Please sit down."

Kennedy paused in front of Rona a moment but walked back without question. Dawn, however, put her hands on her hips and turned to Willow. Before the first syllable left Dawn's lips Willow cut her short with a firm voice.

"Now!" Willow ordered, pointing to a chair beside Buffy. Dawn closed her mouth and quickly darted toward her sister, taking her seat again. After she was seated her eyes didn't leave Willow for an instant.

Rona and Kennedy silently squared off from across the room as a smirk crossed Rona's face. "You sure are whipped," she taunted. "Or maybe just well trained like a lap dog?"

Kennedy was on the verge of charging across the room but she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked back to see Faith now standing behind her shaking her head. "She just wants to provoke you, Ken. Don't let her."

Faith's crooked smiled cooled Kennedy's temper and she watched silently as Willow closed the distance between herself and Rona. The redhead got about three feet away from Rona and stopped. At first she said nothing. She just looked at Rona until the young woman broke eye contact first. Only then did she speak.

"You've wanted out from the beginning," Willow stated in a flat, matter of fact way. "...But the fight's over. You're safe for now. And there's the door," the redhead said with a nod.

Rona didn't say anything. She just glanced down at her feet with a look of embarrassment.

"But know this," Willow told her, forcing her eyes up with the wave of her hand. Willow's fingertips never touched the young woman but it was obvious that an unseen force had hoisted Rona's chin so Willow could meet her eyes.

"Darth Rosenberg," Andrew whispered unheard to anyone else around him.

"…that power you have, that strength," Willow continued, "I gave it to you. And with it comes responsibility so use it wisely. You're entitled to your opinions about anything in life, including my relationship with Kennedy. But lucky for you, I know there are things more important, things worth fighting for, than taking payback on someone shooting off flippant comments. If insulting others makes you feel better about yourself, go for it. I can't help you there. The responsibility I speak of goes much deeper than the need to feel superior. It's about making moral decisions – using your gifts and talents to help others and not yourself. I speak from experience and major mistakes. You should also know I've battled a Slayer, THE Slayer in fact. I went round for round, toe to toe. So you SLAYERETTE?"

Willow harrumphed, pointing at Rona. "Don't think I can't take you out in a heartbeat for the 'right' reasons if need be. Is that understood?"

Rona nodded quickly, with fear in her eyes. The unseen force that had gripped Rona slipped away and she was finally able to move her head down again. She let out a sigh of relief as Willow turned her back to casually stroll around the room.

"All of you girls who just received your powers need leadership and training. Don't think for a moment that this one battle, this fight in the Hellmouth is the end. It's not… True, some of you might live the rest of your lives and never see another vampire or demon again. Some of you might see them on a nightly basis. But all of you need training in how to deal with it all. That's what we're offering."

Giles held back a grin as he listened but Buffy smiled openly. She looked over and could tell her Watcher was restraining himself. Giles sat to her right and she motioned him closer.

"I see why you asked her first," she commended.

The comment broke his reserve and he simply smiled and listened as Willow continued.

"Now Giles and I are taking on a monumental task," Willow admitted to the room, "and we don't have time for this kind of petty crap. What we need are people who will be with us 110 percent so if you can't give that, I suggest you leave." Willow stopped and looked directly at Rona before her eyes moved on again. "If you wanna go it on your own, maybe see where life leads you, well, best of luck. You're gonna need it."

Willow stopped in front of Vi and made eye contact with her. "But if you want to take these powers you've been given, use them for the good of mankind as they were intended, then come with us." Willow paused a moment and began to walk around the room again. "If you do then you've got to give us everything you have. We have no room for slackers. We have no need for people who want to half-ass their way through life. And we certainly don't need people who feel the fight is drained from them."

Willow stood behind Xander who was seated next to Dawn and she put both hands on his shoulders.

"Now Xander, Buffy and Dawn aren't just dear friends to us – they're family. And we'll miss them," Willow felt herself tear up but she took a deep breath and pushed it aside. She gave Xander a gentle squeeze before she began walking again. "But they can't give what we're asking. And that's fine. They've already given the world so much. Much more than most of you know or even realize," Willow told the group. "As I said, one fight doesn't make you the be all end all in demon fighting so get that silly notion out of your heads. And if you want to learn more, train more and contribute something to the world then come with us and we'll help. You've got the strength girls but now you need the true power. And knowledge is power. That's what we're offering, the knowledge of what it means to be a Slayer. So with that said, I apologize to Giles. I believe he had the floor."

Without another comment Willow returned and took a seat next to Kennedy who simply beamed and took up her prior position on Willow's arm. Faith leaned in between them.

"Damn, Red. Warn me if I ever get you angry," she whispered while giving her a pat on the back.

Giles rose to his feet. "Well as my colleague, Ms. Rosenberg put it that's why we've assembled you all here. And to be honest I couldn't have said it better myself. But I would like to add that everyone – yes even you Rona – is welcome to join us. Willow isn't the type to hold grudges so don't let that stop you."

Andrew harrumphed and rolled his eyes while Willow reflexively slapped his arm.

"Ouch!" The group turned around to see the commotion and Andrew felt all eyes on him. "Sorry, please continue Mr. Giles."

Giles looked at the two of them for a moment. "Well not usually," he added. He shook his head to return to his thought process and faced the room. "Point is…we need Slayers. We need you…You will be the beginning of a long line of young woman who will defend the human race, an army for humanity you could say. All of you have stood shoulder-to-shoulder and faced unspeakable evil and won. You're all to be commended. But these are just the first few steps in a very long journey. Buffy, and even Faith, haven't survived as long as they have by sheer power or luck alone. Both will acknowledge that they had help along the way. We're offering that help," Giles added as he pointed over to his 'team' that now sat on sofa.

"So think it over," he continued. "Let myself or Willow know of your intentions and we'll see that all who decide to come aboard have a place. Thank you for letting us bend your ear and if you have any questions as you consider it please let us know," he told them with a grin and a brief nod before walking toward Willow.

Buffy rose to her feet. "Okay! Blockbuster night!" she told them, motioning toward Andrew with a wave of her hands. "I believe we've got something prepared if anyone is interested?"

"Oh yes!" he said rising up addressing the gathering. "You are all cordially invited to the video room tonight were we'll be showing the 1960 Stanley Kubrick classic Spartacus starring Kirk Douglas and Sir Laurence Olivier…well, before he was a "sir" that is...It's the epic tale of a small yet brave group of men who led a revolt against the evil, oppressive and decadent Roman Empire. You're all invited for popcorn, Rasinettes and, at Willow's request, Snowcaps, which will be served free of charge…Thank you. That is all," he added nervously as he realized everyone was still watching him and not moving. Quickly he headed off to the kitchen to prepare and the room began to break up, moving around the grand room.

Wordlessly, Giles nodded Willow aside. She rose and walked into the next room with him. Before he could speak, she started.

"I'm sorry Giles. I didn't mean to get all good cop/bad cop. I just-"

"Are you kidding?" Giles said trying to hide his joy so the others wouldn't overhear. "It was bloody brilliant! This is exactly what I need – – what the Council needs! Don't think for an instant that what you did in there requires reprimand. Those girls need to know that you are the Watcher and they are the Slayer."

"Whoa, hold up! I'm the Wiccan leader, the computer engineer and the research lackey, okay? I'm far from the Watcher type."

"Yes I know the role you wish to fill but I think you're wrong Willow. You're understanding and accommodating when it's appropriate but in moments like this, when a firm hand is needed, you always rise to the occasion. You always have."

"Yeah well my firm hand almost killed Andrew once upon a time. A-and it did kill Warren…"

Giles paused a moment and looked at her intently. "Remember when we were in England and I asked what you wanted? You said you wanted to be Willow?"

Willow nodded. "I remember. A-and I've been trying to get back to that."

Giles smiled fondly. "Don't you see? It never left. You've always been Willow. Through all of it."

"That's not very comforting Giles. I don't want 'Willow' to be a murderer," she told him.

"Yes you've had lapses in judgment but you never stopped being the person you are – a good person; a just person. I'm not condoning your actions against Warren or his friends. But in the blindness of your rage you were doing what you've always done, seeing that justice was served. And as I said, your anger clouded that to the point that you couldn't see any other way but exacting that justice yourself."

"Well, what if it happens again?" Willow asked with a slight sob, straining to get the words out. "I don't think I'm as strong as you see me."

"And I know you're not as weak as you perceive."

"Says you," she sighed.

"Willow, we never know our limits until we test them. You know what you're capable of now – both positive and negative. You've seen it. Experienced it. And I'm certain that should the situation arise again you have the foresight to make the right decisions. Most people learn from their triumphs but fewer learn from their mistakes. But I know you. You're highly intelligent and perceptive. You've always been a quick study at everything you attempt. This is no different. And you are one of the few who has learned from her shortcomings. I know demons but I also know people," he quipped with a gentle grin.

"I just get scared sometimes Giles. You don't know what it's like to play God and have the power to hurt people."

Giles just arched his eyebrows.

"Okay," she conceded with a roll of her shoulders, "you told me some Ripper tales and yes, you understand perfectly which defeats my whole entire argument now so I'll just shut up."

"I was in that room," Giles continued, pointing out to the grand hall that was nearly vacant now. "I saw what happened. You have enormous power and you could have done anything you wished to Rona but you refrained and dealt with her in a straightforward manner. You were firm. You were fair. And instead of using your power for revenge you used it to show that this organization we're building is one built on strength and intelligence. I meant it when I told them I couldn't have said it better myself…You're what I need Willow and I'm thankful that you've decided to come aboard. Don't doubt that for a moment. And should the need ever arise for you to take the reins don't shrug your off your abilities because of fear."

"I'll try," Willow told him.

Giles simply gave a knowing grin and nodded.

"What?" Willow asked.

"You say you'll try. But I know the truth."

"Which is?"

"If the time comes, you won't try. You will do it – just as you've always done. It's that simple."

"You're awfully certain."

"Your resolve face is still there," he said teasing her and getting a slight smile. "I just saw it not more than 10 minutes ago. You'll do a splendid job – better than splendid, superb. So doubt all you like Willow but I know the truth."

Giles didn't add anything more. He simply walked from the room with his grin firmly in place.

Slowly a grin crept to Willow's face. "Sometimes I hate it when he's right," she sighed.

Andrew was handing out popcorn to the crowd that had gathered around the large screen television when Willow felt her lover tense beside her. She looked first to Kennedy and then across the room to see Rona approaching them.

"Hey," Rona sighed. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry. To both of you," she began. "What I said was outta line and what you said made a lot of sense. I would like to come aboard if you'd have me."

Kennedy didn't look impressed and although Willow couldn't see her expression she could still feel the tenseness in Kennedy's grip on her knee. Willow reached over and patted Kennedy's hand. She felt the dark-haired Slayer eased up slightly and Willow took the opportunity to thread their fingers together.

"Are you sure you don't want to think it over?" Willow asked. "I'm not saying we don't want you but I know you wanted to leave for awhile."

"No I'm in. I…You gotta understand. I came to Sunnydale without much to begin with and Vi said she's going to Cleveland so…well, she and I got close." Both Willow and Kennedy's eyebrows shot up in surprise and Rona chuckled. "Well not as close as you two. And not that the 'close' you two have is bad or anything but…Damn, I'm not saying this right," she said with a frustrated sigh.

"Why don't you start over?" Willow offered with a grin that became a wince yet went unnoticed. She looked down briefly at the hand that Kennedy held as Rona continued.

"Vi explained why she's gonna do it. And the truth is, after all that's happened, well, I feel the same way. I don't think it ends here and I wanna learn more like she does and having a 'study buddy' will make it easier so I'm in if that's okay with you two. And I'm hoping there's no hard feelings."

Willow grinned. "It's been pretty stressful on everyone lately so no, no hard feelings on my side." Willow looked over to prompt Kennedy.

Kennedy paused a moment and looked Rona up and down. "It's cool," Kennedy finally told her with a nod.

"Good, I'll let Giles know later when Vi goes to speak to him."

"Thanks Rona. For what it's worth…it's not every Slayer who could have fought with one arm tied behind her back. With two functional arms you'll do great I'm sure. But remember," Willow added with a warm smile. "I can still take ya if I have to."

Rona chuckled and nodded in understanding. "I won't let it come to that. Promise."

She walked away and quickly Willow turned to Kennedy. "Sweetie?"

"Yeah."

"My hand really hurts," she whimpered.

Kennedy looked down to see Willow's fingers turning white. "Oh Jeeze. Sorry. I forgot. Slayer strength now. I just…"

"Was holding back from decking Rona? I know," Willow answered with a stained voice as she began to rub her released hand, trying to get the circulation going again.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah it's tingly again," Willow said shaking her hand up and down. "So that's a good sign, right? Means the blood's flowing."

Kennedy made a sympathetic sound and took the hand, lightly kissed each knuckle. "I'm sorry Baby. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Kennedy felt Willow tense all over again and Kennedy found herself releasing Willow's hand quickly. "Did I do it again? You just-."

"No, it's-it's not that. It's…kinda stupid. I'm okay."

Kennedy watched Willow try to force a reassuring grin. "Hey, I just did something to upset you so tell me."

"Baby." It was all Willow said.

"Yeah?" Kennedy asked, thinking she was trying to get her attention.

"No, it's the word – Baby," Willow paused trying to find a way to explain what she was feeling. "It's what Tara and I called each other most of the time and…I told you it's stupid."

Willow sighed and looked down at her hand, trying to avoid looking at Kennedy. The dark-haired Slayer stroked Willow's cheek to get her attention.

"You don't like me saying it? Is that it?"

"No, it's okay," Willow said reluctantly, finally meet her lover's eyes again.

"Why am I not convinced?"

"Cause I'm a terrible liar," Willow replied with a shrug and a nervous grin.

Kennedy gave a half chuckle. "I'm not laughing at you. You're just so damn adorable some times and…would you look at this – you turn me into a mushball. You know that?"

"Sorry," Willow answered sincerely.

"Don't be and since it upsets you I won't say it but I would like to know..."

"What?" the Wiccan answered nervously.

"Is there any other pet names that are off limits?"

Willow finally gave her a genuine grin. "No, I think we're safe."

"So I can call you Sweetie or Honey or Cutie or Gorgeous or…" Kennedy leaned closer and whispered something in Willow's ear before giving it a light nibble. "All of those okay?" she asked as she pulled back.

"Oh yeah," Willow sighed, letting her fingers trace Kennedy's lips. "B-But that last one. Might not want to use it in mixed company," she told her.

"For your lickable ears only then. I promise," Kennedy told her with a sly smile.

"How long is this movie?" Willow asked.

"Too long I'm sure."

"Call it an early night then?"

"Well Andrew did get Snowcaps just for you. We should stay," Kennedy told her.

"The first act," Willow told her. "Then we're gone."

"Can we bring the Snowcaps?" Kennedy asked wiggling her eyebrows.

"Count on it."

It was the last morning of their stay. Giles and Willow already had their notes and were charting out ideas using the information of who was coming and who was going. Only two girls had decided to leave. Willow had already begun to start searching overseas accounts to get Giles the funds they needed for Cleveland. The night before, thinking she was compiling a spreadsheet, he looked over her shoulder and asked what she was doing. The simple reply of 'You don't wanna be an accessory' prompted Giles to cover his eyes and leave the room shaking his head.

But on this morning the sun was shining and the group was assembled in the back yard. Buffy stood before all of them not sure what to say. None of them were 'formally' dressed for the occasion but in the end Willow surmised that it didn't really matter as long as they were there.

Buffy cleared her throat and the small chatter of the group stopped.

"I've given lots of speeches as many of you know. And to be honest I didn't think this was one I was going to live to make. But I'm here. You're all here. But some of us have crossed over. And that's why we're all gathered her today – to say goodbye. Many of you have made sacrifices in this latest fight. The following people," Buffy said holding up a list, "paid the ultimate price and won't be forgotten."

She cleared her throat again. "As I say the name that you've been given please come forward and place your roses to the front," she told the assembly.

Buffy ran down the list and Slayer after Slayer brought forth the roses in their hands. Dawn wanted to be sure to place Amanda's rose. Kennedy was given Molly's and Annabelle's. Name after name. Slayer after Slayer they all came forward.

Buffy read on, trying not to break the stream of fallen warriors for fear that she might not continue. By the time she was toward the bottom of the list she could barely see and had to wipe her tear-filled eyes. She quietly read the name 'William' and as she took a step forward and laid the flower in her own hand with the others. After, she took a step back they all waited for her to finish the last name.

Buffy opened her mouth to speak but not a single sound came out. The only one left holding a rose was Xander.

Buffy looked up to see him patiently waiting. Willow was tucked under his arm and her arm was wrapped around his waist, holding his hip. Both of them had tears running down their faces but neither said a word or made a sound. The sight was Buffy's undoing and she sobbed the last name.

"Anya Jenkins."

Xander stepped out of Willow's embrace and made his way forward and gave the rose a light toss and hand in hand he and Buffy walked back to Willow's side where they all came to stand linking their hands to each other. Giles moved to the front and began to speak.

"From Corinthians 15:51 to 55 and 57…Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?' But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

As Giles finished he nodded to Willow and she stepped up pulling a piece of paper from her pocket. She cleared her throat and began to speak. "Although it's difficult to represent all the faiths of all the fallen young women I'd like to begin with a Buddhist saying…'Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, which is why it is called the present. What the caterpillar perceives is the end, to the butterfly is just the beginning. Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well'."

Willow quietly turned the paper over and began to read.

"The mourner's kaddish in translation." She paused again and cleared her throat before going on. "Glorified and sanctified be God's great name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen."

Willow paused and the group muttered, "Amen."

"May His great name be blessed forever and to all eternity. Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen."

Once more the group echoed back to her.

"May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen."

Again they repeated the word.

"He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen."

In one final voice the mourners said 'Amen'.

Putting the paper back into her pocket Willow moved to stand in front of the roses before kneeling before them. "Hades I praise thee. I implore thee to guide these souls to a land of promise for they have fought brave and noble. Osiris, in your divine wisdom, we ask that you bring these spirits rest. As a flame to the body allows release we ask that the flames of this offering guide our fallen comrades and family to the realm of the Summerland. We ask of this in faith and in love and in devotion…Ignis incende."

The roses instantly combusted and began to burn. Buffy and Xander looked at each other briefly before both of them turned to the sky, expecting a rainstorm. After a few moments when the rain didn't arrive they both looked at each other again and grinned.

"This concludes our service," Giles told everyone. "Inside Andrew has prepared a Wake for all of us this morning. Thank you."

Kennedy took a few steps closer to Willow who stood at the end of the ' human chain' the Scoobies had created.

"Are you okay?" Kennedy asked as she pulled her girlfriend into a hug, letting her hands run over Willow's back.

The redhead tightened her hold for a moment but pulled back giving the dark-haired Slayer an assuring grin. "I'll be fine," she told her. "I'll be inside in a few."

Kennedy just nodded and walked over to Wood, Faith and Dawn who were talking to each other and she motioned them inside. Giles, Buffy, Willow and Xander watched as Faith put her arm around Dawn's shoulder and said something that made the teenager grin and nod.

"Well here we are again," Buffy said turning back to the group.

"You did very well Buffy," Giles told her. "I know you were concerned but you did a wonderful job given the circumstances."

Buffy just nodded and took a deep breath. "So Cleveland huh? You gonna be able to handle winter, Will?"

"I'll manage," she answered with a grin.

Yet again another silence passed between them. Suddenly Buffy put her hands on her hips. "Okay, I'm just gonna say it. Do you two hate us?" she asked motioning to her and Xander.

"What?" Willow asked while Giles issued an "Excuse me?" at the same time.

"Do you hate us?" Buffy repeated. "Because we're not going to Cleveland?"

"Buffy-," Willow tried to start but got cut off.

"I just don't want you to resent me or Xander," Buffy said quickly in explanation. "You guys are the only family we've got left and if you-."

"No," Giles cut her off. "As I said, we understand. Now Faith is another matter but Faith is…well she's Faith," he added with grinned.

"Yeah I sensed a bit of hostility," Buffy confessed.

"I think she misses the old times and hoped to get back to that again," Willow offered. "The patrolling and gossiping and partying – happier times before, you know, she went all homicidal and crazy." Willow paused a moment. "And that's not the pot calling the kettle just so you know," she added quickly. "She just…I think she missed you Buffy."

"Maybe," Buffy sighed. "But you guys are okay, right? I mean you could say no hard feelings and then leave with hard feelings and you wouldn't talk to us and-."

"That's not going to happen," Giles assured Buffy as he spared a glance to Xander. "Neither of you will be 'cut off' I can assure you."

"I'm not sure how I'm gonna handle not seeing you guys everyday," Buffy confessed.

"We're a phone call away," Willow offered. "A-and we'll take a break now and then to visit you as well. Mí casa es su casa – always."

"Well now that that's settled you wanna head back in?" Xander asked.

Willow watched him closely and could see the depression creeping back. He had moments of happiness however they seemed fleeting at best. She walked over and put her arm around him and Buffy, leading them back into the house.

"This is so exciting!" Andrew said as two taxi vans came up to the house and he grabbed his bag.

"Yo, Cleveland isn't all that dude," Faith told him. "Just chill out."

"Well it's not Cleveland exactly. It's everything. A new move. A new start. Helping fight the evil of the world."

"Only thing you're gonna be fighting is dishpan hands," Faith told him.

Willow stood next to Kennedy at the bottom of the stairs and called up, "Giles? Taxi's here."

"Coming now," he yelled back down as he peeked his head out of the bedroom.

"So this is it huh?" Buffy asked.

"You can always change your mind Buffy. You and Xander both," he told her.

"You could always change your mind too," she offered. "Stay in California; play the role of rakish uncle?" Giles simply grinned at her with a slight cock of his head.

"No," Buffy admitted with a nod. "You gotta go. I know. It's who you are. And I understand."

"And I understand that being a Slayer is what you did. It wasn't always who you were." Buffy's shoulders slumped and she couldn't look at Giles. Quietly, he walked over and pulled her into a hug. "Remember what Willow said, we're a phone call away. So take the time, take the funds that Willow's set aside for you and go see the world Buffy. You've earned it, dear. If it leads you back to us someday that's wonderful. And if it doesn't that's quite alright too – as long as you're happy."

Buffy chuckled through the tears that had formed in her eyes after Giles speech. "Oh yeah! You're gonna be so much better than Travers ever was," she quipped, pulling away and giving him a pat on the arm.

"Giles!"

Giles and Buffy both turned to the door at the sound of Willow's annoyed voice that had floated upstairs again.

"She's beginning to bellow," Giles sighed. "That's my cue to go."

He picked up his bag and Buffy followed him on his journey downstairs. "All loaded up?" he asked Willow as he reached the landing.

"Just about."

"I'll take my things out then," he told her leaving the two women alone.

"Where are Xander and Dawn?" Willow asked.

"Kitchen I think. That's where Giles saw them last," Buffy told her.

Willow gave a nod and she wasn't sure what more to say. Instead of saying anything she just pulled Buffy into a hug and stood still for a moment as they tightened their hold on each other.

"I'm not gonna say good-bye," Willow finally spoke. "That's not what this is. I'll just say see ya later, okay?"

Buffy pulled back and wiped her eyes. All she could do was nod.

"About ready?" Kennedy asked her lover from the open door. "We're all loaded up."

"Yeah I'll be right out. Gotta say see ya to Xander and Dawn."

Willow caressed Buffy's arm as she walked past her and began her journey toward the kitchen. Kennedy waited and gave Buffy a grin and a nod before the blonde Slayer closed the distance between them.

"Take care of yourself," Buffy told her sincerely.

"You too," Kennedy said with a nod.

"And as for Willow," Buffy told her. "If you hurt her I will hunt you down and kill you. Do you understand?"

"Where the Hell did that come from?" Kennedy asked.

"As Willow herself likes to say," Buffy told her with a grin. "A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend. That woman has been through Hell and back. Don't drag her through another one. That's all I'm saying."

"I won't Buffy. I promise," Kennedy answered.

"Well then," Buffy said as she pulled Kennedy into a hug. "Look after each other, okay?"

"We will," Kennedy replied.

Buffy didn't add more. She simply walked back upstairs and Kennedy watched every step.

"Hey," Willow said poking her head inside. "Train's leaving," she told them.

Dawn walked over and started crying and pulled Willow into a fierce hug. Willow closed her eyes against doing the same as she spoke, "We're not gonna be gone forever Dawnie and you can come visit whenever you like, okay?"

"I'm gonna miss you guys so much," she sobbed.

"Yeah well just mind Big Sister Buffy or else I might have to come back out here a- and I promise I won't be in the best of moods if I do. I want my visits to be friendly so keep your nose clean, okay?" Dawn nodded and Willow motioned toward the doorway. "Why don't you start by checking on her?"

"Okay. Take care and write me whenever you can. You've got the email right?"

Willow smiled and nodded. "I sure do and I promise. Cross my heart."

Dawn gave a nod and exited the kitchen leaving Willow and Xander alone. He walked over slowly.

"Remember," she began. "It's never too late to change your mind."

"A big part of me wants to go because of…well you. I love you Will. I'm not sure what it's gonna be like not talking to you everyday."

"You still can Xander."

"Yeah but it's not the same," he told her. "Before I could just hop in my car and come on over."

"Well now you just hop on a plane. Not all that different," she said trying to sound optimistic. "Any ideas what you're going to do now?"

"Well I'm gonna take my share of the 'spoils' and see the country. The nomad life sounds appealing. I think I could use some isolation right now. Quiet reflection and all that."

"Well like I said, if you change your mind, you've got a home. As long as Giles and Buffy and I are around you'll always have a home. Don't forget that," Willow told him.

She pulled him into a hug and he wrapped his arms around her kissing the crown of her head.

"Don't let Ken boss you around too much," he said teasing her.

"Oh I think we know the one who's really whipped," she retorted.

Xander gave a half-chuckle. "Yeah you got that whip appeal going on," he admitted before looking serious again. "Take care Will."

"You too Xan."

Willow reached up and pinched his cheek before pulling away. Once she was turned around she walked out not looking back. She couldn't look back. She had to keep moving forward and her bottom lip quivered as she walked.

The only person Willow found downstairs was Kennedy who was waiting at the door. As she arrived, Kennedy put her arm around Willow's waist and joined at the hip the two walked silently to the taxi.

As they settled in next to each other the cabbie asked, "All set?"

Giles sat on Willow's opposite side and put his hand around her shoulder. "To Cleveland?" he asked her.

"To Cleveland."

The End

Read more about the Watchers at: The Watchers Council Website...

Send Feedback to CN

Back to CN's Stories...