Brown Eyes Blue

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Chapter 28

The Final Road

As the bus moves along the main road leading to the vineyard the passengers are quiet. Giles glances in the rearview mirror at the people on board. His eyes settle on Buffy as she shares a seat with Spike. He can’t help but smile. Did his Slayer actually think she was fooling anyone? Her love for the bleach blonde vampire was obvious to all. A Slayer in love with a vampire-he just shakes his head.

A few seats back he sees Anya with her head on Xander’s shoulder. The boy had become a man against all the odds. He was responsible, hard working and he would be a good husband. Giles again smiled as he remembered the ring he saw Xander give the once demon that was to be his wife. No one else knew-he had been sworn to secrecy. The announcement would be made after the apocalypse was averted.

To their left and back one row was Faith. The once dark Slayer was again on the side of good. Her years in prison had changed her, her new found maturity and sense of duty was refreshing for the ex-watcher. The potential sitting next to her began to talk nervously and the Slayer simply smiled, listening to the girl.

In the seat that stretched the back of the bus sat Willow, Tara and Kennedy. The three of them were quiet as they thought about what was to come. Willow would do the incantation and try to connect with the mystical realm, while Tara would anchor her here. Kennedy’s job was much as it had been in England-protect the witch no matter the cost but now the protection would have to cover Tara and their unborn child as well. The young woman is nervous but tries hard to keep it hidden from the blonde. Tara smiles up at the Slayer-to-be, in her mind she speaks. ‘Don’t worry we’ll be fine,’ are the soft words she hears.

‘Yeah-just jitters. Piece a cake right?’Kennedy sends nervously.

‘Absolutely-’ adds Willow and the two smile at her. ‘Sorry-’ the redhead smiles. ‘But you looked all with the worrying-’ she presses a kiss to Kennedy’s lips and speaks softly. “No worrying-”

“No worrying-” says Kennedy. Her eyes fall to Tara’s rounded stomach. “I just-”

Tara takes her hand and places it on her stomach. On cue the baby kicks, “She knows you’ll keep her safe. She trusts you-we trust you.” She kisses the girl. “Okay?”

Kennedy nods as she tries to relax-she focuses her attention on the movement of her child beneath her hand. “I can’t wait to see you,” she whispers.

“It won’t be much longer,” smiles Willow-her hand joining Kennedy’s. “A couple more months.”

“Twelve weeks,” amends Tara. “We haven’t even started on the nursery.”

“First thing when we get home-” assures Kennedy.

“Can we decorate it with Winnie-the-Pooh?” Asks Willow with a smile.

“We’ll see,” smiles Tara. Their conversation stops as the bus does.

They look around at the wooded area and Buffy speaks, “We walk in from here. Remember-stay quiet and stay together.” Everyone starts to unload from the bus.

As they approach the old Mission Buffy speaks telepathically to Willow. ‘Just inside the door there’s a room. You should be safe there. Give us two minutes to get into position and then start.’

Tara joins their conversation. ‘You have the light balls we made?’

‘Distributed among the group-’ confirms the Slayer.

‘And Spike’s ring?’ Asks Willow.

She smiles as she hears the vampire’s words in her mind, ‘Got it love-meet you in the bus.’ He walks ahead to take the point.

Buffy glances up at him and then back to the witches before her eyes meet Kennedy’s, ‘No one gets in-’

‘Got it-’ says the younger girl.

Buffy jogs away to catch Spike as Faith joins the three women. ‘When this is over you’ll be one of us.’

‘Just want to make sure my family’s safe the rest-’
‘Right-’ she looks at Willow, ‘Red did you tell her about the Double H’s?’ Willow blushes and shakes her head. Faith leaves with a laugh barely audible.

‘Double H’s?’

‘I’ll explain later,’ Willow assures her lover.

‘Is it bad?’

Tara is the one smiling now, ‘Just leave it to us,’ she smiles at her redhead and then back to her soon-to-be Slayer. ‘We’ll take care of it.’

‘Okay-’ they look up and see the building in front of them. Spike and Buffy are standing at the door waving them in. They move to the door cautiously and follow the pair inside. Faith covers their rear as she enters as well followed by the potentials.

Once inside the room Kennedy looks around and decides that it is indeed secure. She nods to Willow and Tara, at her okay the witches begin to ready the room with candles. After placing and lighting them Willow sits on the floor. Kennedy smiles as Tara starts to sit as well, the younger woman takes her blonde’s hand and helps her to the floor. Tara smiles up at her, “Thank you-” she says softly. Kennedy begins to make the circle with the sand and the witches begin to call the corners.

Moving to the bag on the floor Kennedy gets the scythe and places it next to the redhead. “Ready?” She asks.

Tara looks at Willow and her lover nods, “Yeah-ready.” They all three kiss softly. Kennedy sits next to them outside the circle in a position to see them and the door. The chanting begins.

As soon as the redhead touches the scythe it begins to glow. “Ancient ones release the power to those who are chosen-” she repeats it again and on the third time the glow increases. She gasps as does Tara as the power surges through them. Kennedy watches unsure- “Oh-my-”

“Goddess-” finishes Tara as she feels more energy. Kennedy stands unsure as both the witches begin to glow a soft white-Willow’s hair is changed as well.

“Willow-Tara-” her words stop as the scythe begins to float into the air.

The Scooby gang is now standing outside the wine cellar. As they break through the door the shocked Bringers launch an attack. As the gang tries to hold them off with the help of the potentials, Buffy, Faith and Spike seek out the First.

As they climb down a set of stairs they find what they expected only the number is far more-closer to a thousand. They look at the uber-vamps, Turok-Han, Giles had called them and Faith is the first to speak, “Son of a Bitch-”

“I’ll second that love,” adds Spike. They ready themselves for the fight as the vamps turn to attack.

In the other room Willow’s hand has returned to the scythe, her eyes are now locked with Tara’s and they turn to Kennedy. The young Slayer is overwhelmed as the power of the scythe races through her, but unlike with Willow and Tara the power stays. Her breathing quickens and she begins to smile. The others smile as well. “Kennedy-” says Willow, “Sweetie-”

“You’re a Goddess-” pants Kennedy, “Both of you,” she amends.

“And you’re a Slayer-take this to Buffy.” The redhead hands the scythe to the new Slayer.

Kennedy stands unsure about leaving her family, “Willow-”

“Go-” whispers Tara, exhausted. “We’ll be okay.” Kennedy nods and runs from the room with the scythe.

Willow and Tara move closer and fall onto their sides. The redhead pulls herself to Tara and holds the girl in her arms protectively. “Got you-rest,” she whispers as she places a kiss to the blonde’s temple. Without protest Tara’s eyes close. Willow fights to stay awake.

Kennedy runs into the cellar to see the Bringers nearly defeated, no match for the newly born Slayers, “Damn-I missed the fun!” She looks around for Buffy. “Where’s Buffy?” She asks. But before they can answer she hears the fighting from below. “Let’s go!” She orders and they start down the stairs.

Buffy, Faith and Spike fight against the prehistoric vamps. They are getting backed into a corner as the new Slayers enter the room. Kennedy quickly spots Buffy and yells- “Buffy!” The Slayer turns and she tosses her the scythe and the balance of power shifts. They fight hand to hand with the demons and though some fall most are able to defeat their foe. As others approach and the First’s laugh fills the cavern Kennedy reaches into her pocket and takes out the stone. “Buffy-” the older Slayer sees what she is about to do and nods.

“Now!” Shouts the blonde and those present take out the stones they too carry.

“You’re up Junior,” smiles Faith as she continues to fight.

Kennedy closes her eyes and begins to chant. As the words fill the room a soft light begins to appear. As the light gets brighter the vamps try to retreat but have no place to run. Giles, Xander and a few new Slayers have barricaded their escape route. They growl in frustration and then pain as they begin to turn to dust. The fighting stops as they watch the scene unfold around them.

The First turns to the small group of Bringers who enter, “Find the witches!” The Bringers run from the room.

Kennedy hears his words and turns to Buffy- “Go-” instructs the Slayer. “We got it under control.”

Kennedy turns and runs from the room. Faith looks to Buffy her eyes unsure and Buffy nods. Faith smiles.

Kennedy runs through the cellar and towards the room she left her lovers in. Just as she’s about to open the door she is jumped by two Bringers. She fights them but is knocked to the ground. Just as the Bringer is ready to stab her a hand grabs him and he falls. Kennedy looks up to see Faith smiling above her. She helps her to her feet and they continue to the witches.

They enter the room to find them surrounded by a group of twelve Bringers. Willow is trying to keep a barrier in place but her power is weak. Kennedy and Faith begin to fight and Bringers begin to die as the barrier collapses. Tara pulls Willow closer and she holds up a hand just as two Bringers reach for them. Her magic causes them to be thrown away. Kennedy and Faith finish off the enemy, the last two run away. The new Slayer runs to her family. “Are you okay?” Both witches nod. “Sure?” Again they nod too drained to speak. Kennedy sits down between them and hugs them both.

Faith smiles but it fades as she hears running feet approaching. “We got company,” she states and Kennedy stands. “Let’s get out of here.” She helps the witches to their feet one at a time but neither can walk unaided. Faith looks to Kennedy and picks up Willow, Kennedy picks up Tara and they start out of the room.

In the outer room they find Giles and the others. “Faith-the cavern is collapsing. Get them to safety.”

“Where’s B?”

“Still fighting,” he states.

Xander steps closer to Faith as he sees Willow, “She okay?”

“Just drained,” she puts the now sleeping girl in his arms, “Get her to the bus.” She goes toward the cellar.

“Faith-” Giles starts.

“Get them out, we’ll meet you at home.” She turns away again.

Kennedy looks at the Slayer who saved her and makes a decision to help. She hands Tara to the watcher. “Kennedy,” Tara starts.

“I’ll be careful,” she kisses her and leaves with the Slayer. Xander looks worried but he leaves and the others follow.

Faith and Kennedy fight their way to Buffy and Spike. The cavern is filled with Turok-Han, at least twenty still stand. The light has faded somewhat and they refuse to die. The new Slayer and the once rogue one begin the fight to finish off the evil.

Later at the house Willow and Tara sleep on the couch snuggled together. As they slowly wake up Dawn runs from the room and returns with Xander and Giles. “Kennedy?” Mumbles Willow.

“Be still,” instructs the Watcher. “Rest-the magic was powerful.”

“Damn straight,” mumbles the redhead with a smile. Her eyes start to close but then she remembers. “Where’s Kennedy?” She looks up at the man.

“She’s with Buffy and Faith.”

“Where?” asks Tara.

“The vineyard,” states Xander.

“You left them?” Willow tries to sit up.

“Wills-” her life long friend starts, “we followed orders.”

“How long?” Asks Tara as she too sits up.

Dawn looks at her watch, “A few hours.”

“They should be back-I’m going-” Willow tries to stand but her wobbly legs barely hold her. She leans against Xander. “Help me find them?” She looks up at him with tears in her eyes.

He helps her sit back down and looks at Giles, then back to the witches, “You rest-I’ll find them.”

“You can’t go alone-” Tara says-her voice soft.

“He’s not-” the words Giles speaks surprises him. “Get the weapons." As they prepare to leave, the door opens and Spike enters with Buffy leaning heavily on him. She is covered in blood. “What happened?” He asks as he sees Faith being carried by Kennedy.

“Bloody Bringers-jumped us as we left the Mission.”

“How bad is it?” Asks Xander as he helps Kennedy with Faith.

“Lost a lot of blood-” answers the young Slayer. “But they heal fast right?” Her eyes search those of the men around her before falling on Willow and Tara.

“Let’s get them upstairs.” Giles leads the way as Spike and Xander carry the Slayers up the stairs.

“Are you hurt?” Asks Dawn.

“It’s nothing-” says Kennedy frustration filling her voice.

“I’ll get the First-Aide kit,” she leaves the room.

Kennedy walks slowly to her witches and sits between them. “You’re okay?” She asks them.

“Some sleep and we’ll be fine-” assures Tara. She kisses the younger girl and wipes blood from her neck.

“Faith’s,” whispers Kennedy. “She pushed me out of the way. It’s my fault she’s hurt.”

“No-” assures the redhead. “She was just being a Slayer. Protecting-you know?”

“Who protects her?” Asks the younger Slayer as her tears fall.

“We all will-from now on she’s home,” says Dawn from the doorway.

Willow nods her agreement, “Dawnie we can clean this up-” she touches the cut at Kennedy’s side. “Check on them okay?”

“Yeah-” she nods and leaves.

Willow and Tara are snuggled together in their bed. Kennedy slowly opens the door and walks into the room. She sits on the bed careful not to wake them up but Willow’s eyes open. “Hey-” the redhead whispers softly.

“Hey, you’re not asleep.”

“How are they?”

“Buffy’s good-resting-healing.” She hesitates then speaks. “Faith hasn’t-she’s still unconscious, they’re taking her to the hospital.”

“Go-” she touches her Slayer’s face and leans up to kiss her softly. “We’re fine.”

“You sure?” Kennedy fights the tears that threaten to fall.

Tara speaks, “Listen to her-my eyes are closed and I can tell she’s using her resolve face.”

Kennedy smiles and reaches across Willow to put her hand on Tara’s stomach. She smiles as she feels the baby kick. “Be back soon.” She kisses each of them and then leaves.

The next day Kennedy is pacing in Faith’s room. She walks to the side of the bed and looks down at the woman. “Open your eyes,” she says and softly adds, “Come on-” she looks towards the door as it opens and sees a battered Buffy there with Willow at her side. “You both should be in bed.”

“So should you-” says Buffy.

Willow walks to her and wraps her arm around her waist. “Let’s get you home and into bed.”

“Too wired to sleep-” assures Kennedy.

A soft voice from the bed gets their attention. “Double H’s-” Faith laughs and then coughs. “Red-thought you’d have taken care of that by now.”

“Been a little wiped out,” states the redhead.

“Better now?” Faith asks with a smile.

“Better-you?”

“Hate hospitals-take me home.”

“Faith you’ve been unconscious for like twelve hours-” informs Kennedy.

“That all-beats the hell out of last time Junior-”

The new Slayer is confused, “What’s she talking about should we get the doctor? She’s not making since.”

Willow smiles, “Let’s go home-we’ll make breakfast.”

“I am kind of hungry-” Kennedy states.

“That’s the first H,” smiles Buffy.

“What’s the second?” Asks the young Slayer innocently.

“You know that antsy feeling you got?” Faith questions with a smirk. Kennedy nods.

“We’re leaving now-” smiles the witch as she pulls her Slayer from the room. As they leave they hear the older Slayers laughing.

In the hallway Kennedy stops and looks at her redhead, "Okay-tell me."

Willow acts as if she doesn't know what the new Slayer means. "Tell you what?"

Kennedy glares playfully, "What is she talking about?"

Willow blushes a little, "Ah-well-I-when we get home okay-Tara and I we'll-we'll explain-or show you."

"Show me?" Kennedy raises an eyebrow. Willow nods. "Am I gonna like it?"

"Yes."

"Will it help me not be all hyper?"

"Yes."

"Is yes all you're gonna say?"

"Yes." THe redhead grins. "Till we get home." She bites her bottom lip.

"Then let's go home."

Two weeks later Willow is standing in the kitchen with Buffy. “Sure you won’t stay?”

“We need to get home-there’s a lot to do before the baby,” the redhead smiles.

“You’ll call?” Buffy fights tears.

“Promise,” assures Willow. “And I’ll e-mail you pictures of the baby.”

“I’ll miss you Wills-” states Buffy as she pulls the girl in for a hug.

In the living room much the same scene unfolds with Tara and Dawn. “You know you can come spend the summer with us.”

“Buffy would never-”

“We talked,” before Tara can finish Dawn begins to jump up and down and the mother-to-be laughs. “That a yes?”

“Absolutely-totally yes-” she jumps again. “I can’t wait.”

“It’ll be fun-we can take the baby to the park and go to museums.”

“I’ll miss you Tara-” Dawn says.

“I’ll miss you but it won’t be long,” Tara hugs the teenager.

Kennedy is in the basement with Faith who is working out on the heavy bag. Faith stops and looks up at the younger Slayer, “When’s your flight?”

“A few hours,” Kennedy answers.

“Need a ride?”

“I think there’s a caravan-you can come with.”

“Nah-”

“Faith I-” she starts to thank the Slayer for protecting her but Faith interrupts.

“Don’t sweat it Junior-things had been different you’d have done the same.”

“Yeah-count on it.” Kennedy nods.

“So what’s it like in England?”

“Cool-” she says and then adds, “Wet-” Faith raises an eyebrow and Kennedy turns red. “It rains a lot more than here.”

“Right-sure-” the older Slayer smirks.

Kennedy moves around and starts to hit the bag. “You should come visit.”

“Yeah-maybe- see the kid.” Faith smiles, “Might take you up on it.”

Later Willow, Tara and Kennedy stand in the bedroom. They are quiet. “It seems weird,” states Kennedy.

“What sweetie?” asks Tara.

“Leaving-” she says softly.

“Yeah,” Willow agrees.

“We don’t have to-” Tara concedes.

“No-but we should,” Willow admits. “We should go home.”

“Home sounds nice,” says Kennedy as she feels Willow’s arms around her waist. “What did we decide about Pooh?” She looks toward Tara.

“Please?” Pouts Willow. Tara smiles and moves to join them. She kisses each of them. “It would be so cute with Eeyore and Tigger-and baby roo. Especially Tigger all with the bouncy-” she starts to babble.

Tara stops the babble with her lips as they share a soft kiss. The blonde looks at Kennedy who smiles. The witch speaks. “Who could say no to that?”

The redhead jumps up and down-her smile lights the room.




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