Buffy walked around Sunnydale trying to figure out what had just happened. Her 'friends' kicked her out of her own house, even her own sister asked her to leave. They wanted Faith to be the leader. She was a Slayer too and she should lead; she wouldn't get them killed or their eyes poked out. Giles told her to take charge. "Be a general, lead the troops; now it's bad Buffy, you took unnecessary risks with these girls; they're only children. Who, the hell, asked him to bring those children to my house for me to take care of? I don't see him doing anything but clean his glasses and clucking his tongue. I'm so tired of everybody telling me what I should and shouldn't do. Buffy, save us; Buffy, you should date him he's a regular guy; Buffy, I can't believe that you're in love with that monster. Don't do that Buffy; we don't like it when you act scared because then where the hell does that leave us. So, here I am walking in an empty town with nothing but a few clothes and Mr. Gordo. No friends, no family, no home where does that leave me?" Buffy stopped walking, standing up straight as her entire body changed.
Those words echoed in her mind to another time, another fight - Angelus. She smiled. "I have ME! Just like always when it comes right down to it, it's just me. The Master, Angelus, Adam, Glory and now it's going to be me that kicks the First Evil's ass. It pushed those people at me until I couldn't think straight. They came at me all at once, needing something, food, clothes, training, protection. I've been so tired I could barely think, let alone fight. No wonder creepy preacher dude kicked my butt; it's dragging so low it was an easy target. All right Buffy, what do you need to do first? Find a place to stay and get some sleep. I can't remember the last time that I really slept. Let's go shopping. Since the town's empty, I think I'm gonna move up on up to the good side."
She kicked open a large mansion's door, grinning as she looked around. "A girl could get used to this." She walked upstairs, climbed into a large bed and snuggled under the covers. Buffy was almost asleep when she felt him. Turning over, she saw Spike standing in the doorway. "How'd you find me?"
"Been all over town looking for you. I can't believe what those wankers did, Slayer. They got no bloody right and I told them so. Whatever they took you can just take back," he growled.
"Spike, it's all right; in fact, I'm glad it happened. They were just a distraction. I'm going to the vineyard tomorrow and find whatever they're hiding there."
"Slayer, I understand why you don't want those bloody gits along, but let me help you. You don't have to do this alone. You're right about the vineyard. Whelp Jr. and I went to some mission for Rupes. There was a stone that said, 'It is for her alone to wield.' That's you, Slayer. Can't wait to see their faces when they see what we find. Preacherman's scared that you'll get your mitts on it too." He smirked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'll find out in the morning when I take it away from him. This is my fight; I have to do this alone. Thanks for believing in me, Spike. You're a good friend. You always told me the truth even when I didn't want to hear it. You can stay here if you want but I don't want the others to know. Deal," Buffy said sleepily.
"Sounds fair, get some sleep, ducks. You're looking right knackered. I'll find me a room and catch me some kip. Gotta say, I like the new digs. Especially the lack of yammering chits; right homey tis."
"Spike, you can sleep with me if you want. Just as friends. Please, I don't want to be alone. I'm sorry that I couldn't love you the way you wanted but I do love you." Buffy turned to scoot across the bed making room for him.
"I know, Slayer. We almost had a chance before it went arses over teacups, but a friend's good. Don't remember having a friend." He lay beside and held her until she fell asleep. He kissed her softly on the head, closing his eyes as tears slid down his face.
Buffy strode towards the vineyard feeling completely rested, for the first time in a long time. She decided to find out what they were hiding and take it. She saw Caleb yelling at someone and leaned against the wall. "I hear you have something that belongs to me. Isn't it supposed to be a sin to steal? You know that you can go to hell for that, same as lying, I think I am just the girl to send you."
Caleb spun around. "So, you came back for more, did you bring more of those dirty little girls for me to kill? Which one of your friends do I get to maim this time?"
"You know you evil jerks are all the same - kill, maim, blah, blah, blah. Can we fight now? It's just you and me. Think you can handle that or is it more than your itty-bitty bwain can deal with."
"Whore, I'm going to kill you," he lunged at her, but she wasn't there. He spun around and she kicked him in the head splitting his lip. "Come here you slut," he growled, moving towards her after he spat the blood from his split lip.
"You know you really need to learn some new words." Buffy punched him in the chest, sending Caleb flying backward. He got up to run towards her, at the same time that she noticed a trapdoor in the floor. She flipped over his head, landing by the door, ripping it open and jumped down. There embedded in stone was a beautiful silver Scythe. Its handle was black and red and came to a sharpened point. As Buffy walked closer, it whispered to her.
Her hand was on the handle when Caleb screamed. "Get away from that."
"Why would I do that, it belongs to me." The Scythe felt right beneath her hand.
"You're not the one. You'll never be able to even move it."
"You mean like this." Buffy pulled it from the stone twirling it in her hands.
Caleb scrambled backwards, trying to get out of striking distance. She moved closer with the Scythe moving faster and faster in her hands. Buffy lunged at Caleb, and he barely moved in time to keep his head, receiving a cut to his arm. He tried to grab the gleaming weapon, but screamed in agony when he touched it and quickly let go.
"Don't you know that you shouldn't touch what doesn't belong to you? When you get to hell tell everyone, the Slayer said hi." With one smooth swing, Buffy took his head. She crawled back up into the vineyard, only to see the First sitting on a cask of wine.
"Oh pooh, good help is so hard to find. I thought he would at least last longer than this."
"I really wish that you'd get out of my face. You might stretch it or something," Buffy replied. Just then, three Turok-Han came running at her; the Scythe had a mind of its own. The ancient vampires were dust in seconds and Buffy was walking away.
The First yelled after her, "You think that's going to make a difference against what the Shadowmen showed you? One girl against an army, one girl dies another's chosen, too bad you don't have an army."
Buffy just kept on walking, a smile on her face, the beginning of a plan taking hold. She started thinking of everything the First had told them and realized she could win. She returned to the house to talk with Spike and to show him the Scythe.
Spike went to watch over the others while Buffy patrolled on the opposite side of town. She wanted to get more comfortable using the Scythe. It seemed to be leading her somewhere, like it wanted to tell her something. She ended up at her favorite cemetery, Westfield, the oldest in Sunnydale. It had beautiful crypts and mausoleums. Buffy noticed that a mausoleum at the back had a light coming from it, and went to investigate. She didn't remember ever seeing this one before as she walked down the stairs. It looked more like a temple with marble columns and with drawings on the walls. Looking closer at the pictures, she saw the Shadowmen putting the demon in the First Slayer, some women in robes, the Scythe and an amulet. The last scene showed a woman that looked like many women at once. It reminded Buffy of when they did the enjoining spell to fight Adam. The Scythe started vibrating in her hands and whispered louder.
"Come in child, I've waited a long time for your arrival. There's much to do and little time." Standing there was a woman in white robes with long white hair. She was neither young nor old.
Buffy gasped stepping back. "Who are you and where'd you come from?"
"I'm the Guardian of the Scythe. I've been waiting here since almost the beginning. Please child sit. There's much to tell you if you hope to defeat this great evil," she said kindly.
For some reason Buffy trusted the woman, her spidey sense didn't go off. Two chairs appeared, Buffy looked around hoping that wouldn't keep happening or Mrs. Dumbledore was going to freak her out. She sat down waiting for the woman to talk.
"We created the Scythe, and then hid it from the Shadowmen, knowing the time would come for its need. After the First Slayer was created, they were meant to help her adjust to having such a powerful demon in her body then serve her until her death. They grew arrogant with the power they saw as theirs; choosing to do with the Slayer as they saw fit. We saw the outcome of this corruption, your sister Slayer is a direct result of it. She wasn't able to handle her gift rather used it as she saw fit. Each act allowed the balance to shift; it is time for it to shift back. The Powers sent you back for a reason. You're the only one who hasn't corrupted the gift. The witch wouldn't have been allowed to bring you back if there wasn't such an urgent need here. You are our only hope to win this fight. Slayers weren't meant to die young but to reach their full potential of power, to gain access to their predecessor's knowledge. You came close with the enjoining spell but when you defeated the First Slayer in the dreamscape, it was lost again. She wasn't trying to kill you Buffy; she was trying to give you her gift. I can give it to you if you choose to accept it. You've almost reached the full potential of your strength, speed and healing. Those I will also give to you as well. Are you ready to receive your gifts and gain the full potential that should've been your birthright?"
Buffy looked at the woman, trying to take in the information. She remembered the dreams that spoke of what she would become, then Giles mentioning something about her full potential. She decided to trust in herself and nodded. The Guardian stood touching her fingertips to Buffy's forehead. A golden glow sent warmth rushing through Buffy's body. She saw the ones that came before from the First on; her body knew their training, languages, the demons they fought, information flooded her mind. Dizziness swept over her, taking deep breaths, the room stopped spinning and Buffy felt complete. "Whoa, what a head rush. Too bad you weren't around when I was still in school." She grinned at the Guardian.
"We must hurry; my time on this plane is almost through. You'll need the amulet of B'cming to bring the evil and its body to this plane. The Scythe will then be able to kill it, banishing it forever and closing the Hellmouth."
"Where do I find the amulet of BB King at?"
"Now, that you have drawn the Scythe; it will come to you. Once you have both, you must use them to destroy the evil within two days or all is lost. Good luck and Godspeed my child," the Guardian disappeared.
Buffy shook her head walking out of the crypt; she turned to look back and it was gone. She felt something behind and kicked out; swinging around with the Scythe ready to kill whatever was there.
"Buffy! It's me," Angel gasped, from the ground, leaning up to hold his side. I think she broke my ribs, when did she get so strong? She's as beautiful as I remember. "I didn't mean to startle you. Can I get up, now?" She's just upset about being thrown out of her house. I know that she'll be relieved to be back with her friends, Buffy's lost without them.
"I'm fine Angel. Sorry, about kicking you, but it's hairy around here. Plus, I didn't expect you; you normally don't show up for our apocalypses."
"Buffy, that's not fair. You know I'm always here if you need me. I have obligations in LA, but that doesn't mean I don't miss you or wouldn't help you if you asked," his voice held a hurt tone.
I wonder if he believes that crap. "Angel, I wasn't making an accusation, just an observation. You never did say what you're doing here." Buffy waited impatiently for Angel to explain.
"I came across some information about what's going on here. So, I brought it to you right away. There's a file and an amulet. Someone not quite human is supposed to wear it."
"Cool, how'd you get this?" She watched him puff up with pride.
"We stopped a big apocalypse. Wolfram and Hart gave us the LA office and they were part of the deal for me to take it. You could probably have Willow do a spell to see who should wear it and Giles can do something with the file. I know that they feel bad about what they did. They walked into a trap tonight so they should understand how you made a mistake. You could take this information and go back home." Glad that he was able to give Buffy everything she needed to help fix her problems.
"Willow hasn't been able to do any magic since the First came around. She's too scared of becoming Dark Willow again. But thanks, I'm sure that I'll be able to figure out what to do with it."
"What do you mean Dark Willow? She was fine when I saw her a we, I mean a while ago." Angel tried to cover his slip that Willow had restored his soul only a week ago.
"Willow got addicted to magic and tried to end the world. She hadn't been back from rehab in England long before she went to LA last week to restore your soul. Its okay, Angel. I know about LA," Buffy said, enjoying watching the souled vampire squirm.
Angel paled, if that was even possible. "What do mean by that, Buffy?"
"Angel, you're big gossip at Willy's. How an evil law firm brought back Darla, your miracle child, Quar Toth, Cordelia, blah, blah, blah. You're big news. If demons published an Enquirer, you'd be their poster boy. Listen, thanks for the stuff. I'm sure it'll come in handy. You'd better start back if you're going to make it before dawn." Buffy turned to leave.
"Buffy, wait! I'll stay and help if you want me to." Angel gave her his best smile.
"No, go back to LA. You can be our second front in case we fail here." She walked off with a smile on her face.
Angel watched her walk away from him without a backward glance. The last time we saw each other she clung to me, begging me to stay with her. Now, it's as if she can't wait for me to leave. It has to be an act to get me to leave, to make sure that I'm safe. I better get back to LA before Cordy realizes that I left and get ready for a second front. But, I know my girl she doesn't lose.
Spike met Buffy back at the house. They discussed everything that had happened to Buffy and the others tonight. He told her about the trap, who got injured and what they planned to do next. The SiTs were scouring the town looking for Buffy, and then they were heading for the vineyard. The two friends laughed at Angel riding in to help poor Buffy. She was furious at first about his nerve, until she realized he always treated her. Buffy planned to go into the Hellmouth first thing in the morning, to finish this for the last time.
"Slayer, please let me go with you," Spike pleaded.
"No. I have to do this alone. I just need you to take care of Dawnie. When this is over, I'm looking up our deadbeat dad. He's going to raise at least one of his kids. I'm leaving this town and not coming back. I promise that I'll keep in touch with you. Let you know where I end up. I'm going to get some sleep you coming."
Spike followed her upstairs, knowing this would be the last night that he'd ever spend with her.
Early the next morning, Buffy walked down into the high school basement to the Seal of Danzalthar. She cut her hand and bled onto the seal, watching it open. Climbing down into the Hellmouth, Turok-Han stood as far as the eye could see. Something held them back; some invisible force kept them in place.
The First still in Buffy's face appeared. "You came by yourself, no army just you." It laughed.
"Yep, just little ole me," Buffy grinned, "and this pretty little doohickey. Kinda gaudy. I think it's from the Joan River's line. What do you think?"
"That little bauble's supposed to take scare me. I don't think so."
"Why are you backing away then? I didn't think anything could touch you. Certainly not just a single little girl wearing an ugly necklace," Buffy taunted walking forward. "If you're so tough that nothing can hurt you then touch the stone. Either put up or shut up and get the hell out of my face." The First took another step back. "That's what I thought, all talk no action."
"I'm not afraid of you or anything else those foolish old women could create." The First snarled, touching the stone. Suddenly it morphed into a medium sized man of build, height and color. The only remarkable thing about him was that he was just so ordinary.
"If I were you I would've looked into one of those extreme make over shows. To bad you aren't going to get a chance where you're going."
The First realized it was in its actual body, which it had left in Hell. It stepped back from Buffy, who was advancing with the Scythe already in motion; she was on the First in a flash. "Shit"
"Such language, for someone so old. You would've thought you could've had something better to say." Buffy kicked the head that landed by her feet before the body, then the head winked out of sight. The amulet started to glow brilliantly as light burst from her chest. It swept across the Hellmouth, the ground shook and the Turok-Han were suddenly no more. Buffy climbed back up through the seal using more blood to close it. The seal closed sinking into the ground then it to wink out of existence. The atmosphere had changed, even the air tasted different; the Hellmouth was closed forever.
Buffy found Whistler waiting for her in the high school. "What do you want?" she growled.
"Wow, kid don't chop my head off with your toy. So you were the one, I had a feeling about you. You always did the right thing no matter what. The Powers are proud of you and me too."
"Do I get a plaque or a gold pen?" She snapped at him.
"Much better, you get to make some choices. What do you want to do now?" Whistler asked, remembering the bubbly teenager. The Powers sure don't understand about giving their champions rewards along the way. He finally made them realize that they were about to lose the greatest warrior they had if they didn't do something. Poor kid the Council treated her like they owned her and so did everyone else; she finally had had enough. Buffy became one hell of a woman with no help from anyone but Spike. Pretty sad, when you think about it, but that champion was a different story.
"I want to go somewhere and lie on the beach for a month. Give myself a chance to figure out what I want to do with my life without anybody telling me. I want my father to take responsibility for Dawn, and for her to never be anywhere near this life again. Maybe, a job where I can do what I'm good at and still slay my own way. Make some friends that see me as an equal. Can you do all that, Whistler?" Buffy started to walk away.
"Sure can," Whistler told her with a grin. "Well most of it." Buffy stopped walking and waited for him to catch up to her. "Here are plane tickets and money for Hawaii. You have a month to get your head together. Consider your sister a done deal. I have this friend. Name's Augustus Gibbons. He works for special operations. Mostly terrorists, he's always looking for recruits. You could slay anywhere you want and travel around the world. They're already fighting demons. I can make sure that you get veto authority on your assignments. Gus is a hard ass but he's good. I think that you'd like him; he doesn't pull any punches. He has full government backing. They aren't into making monsters, just taking them out. You'll have plenty of time to think it over while you relax before you go see his operation. He'll send someone to meet you. Do you want to stay Buffy Summers?"
"Nope, I think I'll change it to go with my new life. How's Casey Dupree sound to you? The only other question that I have is what I do about clothes?" She grinned at him.
"Why Miss Dupree, you're in an empty town that you just saved. The Chamber of Commerce is honored to provide you with a new wardrobe," he told her with a hearty laugh.
"Really it doesn't break some big cosmic rule that is going to come back and bite me on the butt," she asked, giving him a doubtful look.
"No, they cleared it. You have about eight hours before your flight leaves LAX. Spike should be able to get you there on time. He needs to be in LA. He can do a lot of good there. Hopefully, he can be a good influence on that crew." Whistler shook his head.
"Angel sure has turned into a major jerk. What happened? I thought Cordy was their pipeline to the Powers. Knowing that dork, they probably waited around for a vision before they did anything. Someone always needs saving. If you wait around for a vision how many people are going to die, like I said dork," Buffy ranted.
"You're preaching to the choir sister."
"I better get back before Spike starts wondering where I am. I need to let him know the 411. I'm sure that I'll see you sooner than I want." She waved walking away.