Chapter 18: Nibiru
I keep your photograph and I know it serves me well
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel like I am strong enough
'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome
And I don't feel right when you're gone away
Seether, “Broken”
NEXT DAY – TUESDAY - ZURICH – 6: 53 PM GMT+1 [12:53PM EDT]
BUFFY’S POV
We finally are wrapping up for a dinner break. You know, I can’t believe it, but Mrs. Pinnington has really been a huge help the past couple of days. She took all my files and cross-referenced them with Kristen’s. Then she stayed with us all day and night since yesterday morning to take detailed notes.
Right now, Marc, Kristen’s husband, is with Mrs. P – yeah, she hates it when I call her that – checking on dinner. It’s funny how the men in a Slayer’s life are always in the kitchen, I wonder what that means? I chuckle then smile as I think of Andrew and what a kick he’s getting out of teaching Nicky how to cook. That quickly brings me back to Cleveland and how much I miss my family, how much I miss Faith.
Why is it so different? The separation is harder to bear for some reason. Maybe it’s because I can’t shake the feeling that this is it this time? I mean really it? Shaking my head, I can’t stand it anymore, so I call her again. Come on, it’s been more than 12 hours, right? I tell myself as I dial.
“Hey, B.”
Her voice just pours over me and I sigh. God I love her. “Hey, F. What’s going on?”
“That’s spooky,” Faith laughs.
Finding her laughter contagious, I join her, “What?”
“Well, you caught me sitting at your desk in your office,” she laughs again.
Deciding I should tease her a little for fun, “Were you snooping?”
“Nope, just being a big dork and sitting at your desk, feeling your presence, looking at the picture of the four of us.” She stops, then almost whispers, “I miss you B.”
God, how she does that every time, just cuts right through to the heart of me, “I miss you too, baby.” I laugh a little, “At least it’s not just me being all sappy.”
“No babe, I’m right there with ya,” she murmurs.
Taking out my filo-fax, I trace her face in that same photo of the four of us at Emma’s graduation from Medical school as I allow a couple of tears to fall. Taking a breath, I wipe them away and quickly change the subject. “Are you guys all ready for Emma’s jump?”
“Yeah,” she knows what I’m doing, but plays along, “Red’s doing some kind of spell for Em, so if she gets injured she’ll come back here.”
Thank god for Willow, “How would that even work?”
“Well, Red said that if her blood is spilled the spell will make her jump back to triage. I didn’t ask how, but if it works, at least she won’t die there.”
Sighing, I softly say, “Yay, reasons to be cheerful.”
“She’ll be fine, B, we all will,” she coaxes.
Forcing myself to believe it, I answer, “Yes, we will.” Needing to hang up, I sigh again, “Tell Em I love her, ok? Call me when she gets back, no matter what time it is ok?”
“Ok, I will,” she pauses, “I love you,” she tells me softly.
Letting her words wash over me, “I love you too, talk to you later.” Not knowing if the loneliness I feel is better now or worse since we spoke, I try to shake it off and make my way to the dining room.
KENNEDY’S OFFICE – 5: 23 PM
FAITH’S POV
Em walks into Ken’s office slinging her backpack off her shoulder, “Hey.”
“Hey,” Ken and I answer in unison.
Emma smiles at that, “Ok, so day job is over, check,” she makes a strike off motion with her free hand, “I’ll be ready for my night job after I drop this upstairs and get a little something to eat.”
“Go ahead, Nicky’s been preparing a whole cheese and salami platter for you since lunch,” Ken laughs, “She wouldn’t let us touch it, saying it was your snack for when you got home.”
Her smile slowly turns into my smirk, “And we thought we had our hands full with Andrew being the original Kitchen Gestapo.” Em shakes her head.
I grab the papers I was going through and place them on Ken’s desk, “I’ll tell her you’re here. She wants to make a production out of it, so when you come down, come to the dining room.”
Em nods, “I hope this special treatment doesn’t end when she becomes a teenager - that would really suck.”
“What, you’d become one of us mere mortals?” Ken calls out after her.
It’s about 6:30 by the time Em finishes picking on Emma’s ‘creation’ and we all relax a little. Andrew comes in with his device just as Nicky is clearing the table.
“It looks like a rock,” I observe as I take the oval device and turn it around in my hands.
He snatches it back from me, “It is desert sandstone,” he informs me condescendingly, “you know, so it won’t be out of place.”
“Sorry,” I smirk at him, “totally my bad.”
Moving over to Em, he hands it to her, “Here, Em.”
She takes it gingerly then looks up at him.
“Ok, once you’re there, you just squeeze it, then turn it on, close it then throw it out of the way somewhere.” Her looks at her, “Go on, give it a try.”
Squeezing the rock, a hidden hinge allows it to flip open, “Cool,” Em nods as she looks at the buttons inside, “Ok, way too many buttons,” she lifts her head at Andrew.
“You only have to press the red one to activate it,” he says soothingly. “I used the others to program to talk to the satellites.”
She nods at him, “Ok,” then she looks around the room, “Let’s get this show on the road already.”
TRIAGE ROOM – 7: 10 PM
KENNEDY’S POV
I put a hand on Faith’s shoulder after Emma disappears, “Come on, it’s gonna be a while.”
“Yeah,” she turns to me, “you got any of those smokes of yours?”
I narrow my eyes at her, “No way, Buffy will kick my ass.”
“I promise I won’t inhale,” she raises her eyebrows at me, “Come on, Ken, do I ever ask for much?”
Taking pity on her, I sigh, “Alright, but let’s take a walk to Willy’s, I don’t want anyone to rat me out.”
“Cool, let me just let Nicky know I’m going out,” She bounds up the stairs, running into Andrew on the way. He tells her to be back for dinner at 8:00. Man, Emma was right, he is the Kitchen Gestapo.
DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND – RICAHARD’S APARTMENT – 7: 15 PM
RICHARD’S POV
Lounging in bed, I wonder when the Gods will call us. It will be soon, I can feel it. The pictures did their job well. The little one shrieked like the child she is, doubting her strength. Faith lay in wait for me, as if I would make it that easy for her. And Emma fled to Chicago, to another Slayer... interesting she’s following in her adoptive parent’s footsteps. Another lesbian Slayer is added to the bunch, how trite. But how can I use that to my advantage before the end of days is upon us? I’ll have to find a way.
“Richard!” Camille yells from the other room.
Jumping up, I run to my current Wicca companion. Taking in the frightened look on her face I ask, “What’s happened?”
“She’s gone,” she looks at me seeing my confusion, “The Catalyst, the Light... she’s left this dimension. I can’t feel her at all.”
The bitches, they’re up to something. “Not to worry, Camille, we’ll find out where she is. Let’s take a short trip to get some answers, shall we? It will be nightfall in a few hours and I know just the place.”
HIGH ON THE HELLMOUTH DEMON BAR – 7: 30 PM
KENNEDY’S POV
Willy set down our beers and shots then moved back down the bar as a bunch of rowdy Anomovic Demons come into the bar shouting about a ‘Bachelor Party Discount’. Knowing Faith has something to say, I speak first, “What’s going on?”
“What do you mean?” she furrows her brow.
I take a sip of my beer then turn to her, “You’ve been really out of it today.”
“I don’t know, I guess I’m just really missing Buffy, that’s all. It’s like I’m feeling everything I have to lose. And what’s weird is that it feels more real this time, that something bad is gonna happen, can’t explain it any better than that.”
Nodding, I don’t really know how to answer that. We down our shots then something occurs to me, “You mean in a Slayer premonition type way or a regular bad feeling type way?”
“Just the regular bad feeling type way,” she smiles, “That’s kinda funny, huh?”
I’m about to reply that it’s not, when a huge hand clamps down on my back, jarring my arm and sending my beer flying.
“Hey Guys!” it’s Clem, “What’s going on? Oh, I’m sorry Ken.”
Recovering my prone pint glass I look to Willy, who is already pouring me another, “Hey Clem, looks like you owe me a beer.”
“You got it, let me buy you both one. Come on, all the times I ate at your place, I must owe you a million beers.” He looks at us, “Ok?”
Faith laughs, “We have to be home at 8:00, so we’ll just collect on one tonight, ok?”
“Oh, ok,” Clem reaches into his pocket and take out a very nice pocket watch, “Yeah, it’s 7:40; you’ll only have time for the one.” He puts it back in his pocket.
I pull at his arm, “Hey, that’s really cool, where’d you get it? Let me see?”
“Yeah,” he grins, “but promise you won’t tell Nicky?”
Nodding I make the international/interdimensional ‘gimme’ sign with my hand until he unclips it from his belt loop and hands it over. “Nice,” I whistle as I take in the carvings all over the silver watch. Opening it, there are jewels imbedded above each number. You just don’t see pocket watches anymore. Looking up at him, I nod, “So, spill it.”
“I won it playing poker when a snotty English vampire ran out of kittens,” he whispers as if Nicky could possibly overhear him. “He was so angry, but I won it fair and square.”
Faith looks at me then holds out her hand, “Let me see it, Ken.”
Taking in the masked expression on her face, I give her the watch, “Here.”
“Really? You won’t tell Nicky? She was very angry with me the last time she found out ...” he stops short when Faith throws her head back, you can see the electricity flow over her hand. “Holy shit!” He shrinks from her.
Faith slams the watch on the bar, then gasping looks at Clem, “When did you win this?”
“I... I...” he stammers.
Faith grabs him by the throat, “Speak!”
“A – About 2-3 months ago... right here... we were all playing in the back room.” He’s scared to death.
Putting my hand over Faith’s, I remove it from his neck, “What’s going on Faith?”
“It’s Richard’s,” her breath becomes more even, “and it’s spelled to observe and relay all thoughts in the room it occupies,” she shakes her head, “That’s how he knew such minor details about us.” She sighs, “I broke the spell.”
Picking up the watch, I hand it back to Clem, “You might want to bring this by Willow tomorrow so she can do some kind of anti-spell-cleansing thing”
“I don’t understand,” he looks from me to Faith, “who is Richard?”
She shakes her head then glares at him, “He’s the fucking vamp that bit Emma,” she sighs, “Your little time piece got him a ton of inside information on her and on us, Clem.”
“I’m so sorry,” Clem looks like he’s gonna cry, “I had no idea.” Now he does start crying.
Punching Faith’s arm, I motion over to Clem, “Come on Faith, he couldn’t have known.” Looking at her imploringly, “How could he have known? He’s always with Nicky not us. He’s just a big kid himself.”
Faith gets up and sighs, “I know,” she puts her hand on his back, “it’s not your fault, Clem. I should have expected something like this. Come by in the morning like Ken said and I’ll ask Red to de-hex your watch, ok?”
“Ok,” he sniffles.
She looks at me, “Come on, we better get home before Andrew has a canary.”
NIBIRU – TIME DOES NOT EXIST HERE
EMMA’S POV
Stumbling to my feet, I gasp and choke on the dry air. As I look around, I let my senses ‘feel out’ for another presence, but I’m alone. Looking down, I tug the stone out of my pocket and squeeze it. Just like at home, it flips open, revealing a tiny panel of buttons. Freaking Andrew, how the hell does he do it? Pushing the red button, I close the lid then toss the rock into a pile of others. I’ll be damned; I couldn’t pick it out if I tried.
I know they said to come right back, but I decide to do a little recon. Hey, you never know when it might come in handy.
When I reached the dimensional window, I stood at the edge and felt for that part of me that was borne of the Goddess. Separating myself from the tether of my world, I reached for the essence of Ereshkigal with all my power. I don’t know how long it took me to get here, but I feel that I’ve traveled far.
Looking around me, I realize the dusty plains are actually soothing in a way. Slowly, I make my way to the gathering place and the three sided pyramid. Now circling the monolith, I try to remember as many figures as possible. I silently curse myself for not bringing a camera.
“I doubt it would work here, my child,” the Goddess’ voice stops me in my tracks.
Turning to her slowly, I bow my head to her, “Goddess.”
“There’s no need to be so formal, Emma. My blood does flow in your veins after all,” then she smiles and opens her arms to me.
Stepping closer to her, I allow myself to be engulfed in her embrace.
“Come, sit, I have much to tell you. Time passes much slower here, you have already been gone an hour in your world.”
Allowing her to take my hand and lead me to the benches, I ask, “Will you tell me how to fight this? How we can save my world?”
“You and your Earth family know so much of it already, and will know more before their night is over.” She takes my hand, “I need to tell you about your counterpart, you know him as Richard.”
Immediately stiffening, “How can he be my counterpart? He’s like 500 years older than me, that’s an incredible advantage. And he doesn’t have a soul. I guess that would come in handy when you’re fighting to the death, huh?”
“And you are the grandchild of a Goddess,” she tells me softly before continuing. “The Miller’s son is the Earth bound Champion of Ellil. As God of the Earth he created the vampires to walk it for all eternity. Ellil chose the Miller’s son, Richard, to be his Champion when the former one lost his mind.” Taking in my confused look she continues, “Vampires often lose their sanity when they have been undead for more than a couple of centuries. Richard is truly unique.”
Narrowing my eyes as I remember what he did, “Yes, unique is one word to describe him.”
“Emma, hear me well, he uses his power to exploit your weaknesses. There is no shame in that you have weaknesses; it is only in allowing others to abuse them by accepting their guilt as your own, it’s then your weakness is truly realized.” She raises her hand from mine to graze against his bite, “He will harm others close to you. You mustn’t allow your anger to cloud your judgment before your task is accomplished. There are larger issues to be dealt with first, then you can have your revenge.”
Letting what she told me sink in, I look at her “Will you tell me what the pyramid says?”
“Yes,” she leans close to me and cups my face in her hands. Her thumbs brush my eyes closed, then as the wind blows through my hair, the knowledge of what was carved on that stone over 3 millennia ago becomes known to me.
Opening my eyes I know we have a chance, and that’s all I ever wanted, “Thank you Goddess…” then I smile, “Grandmother.”
“You must leave soon,” she smiles sadly back at me, “but know this: Your blood is of both worlds that is why you were chosen to decide the fate of both. It is written, Emma, it is carved in stone for all eternity.”
Knowing I don’t have much time left, “Then why do the others have to come too? Why do they need to be in danger?”
“The last sole Chosen will lead the Three to Nibiru’s plains,” she nods, “It is written as well.” Once again she grasps my hands, “Everything that has and will happen is for a reason. Find the reason, and you will find your answer.” She stands, “You must go now before the others are disturbed by your presence.”
I look up at her and pull her into a quick, but warm hug, “Thank you, thank you so much.” Then I back away and concentrate on the dimensional window, trying to fixate on Faith, I reach out to feel her essence, then in a flash I’m gone.
CHICAGO - GRANT PARK – 10: 45 PM
SOPHIA’S POV
Today has been rough. I spaced through most of the paperwork I had. I just couldn’t shake this empty feeling inside me, like I don’t feel right. No matter what I did today, I couldn’t get Emma out of my mind. How can I miss her so much? It makes absolutely no sense at all. I mean, she was just here yesterday morning, but it feels like ages since I saw her. Maybe it’s because she’s there, Nibiru, so far away from me. I feel her, but it’s so faded. I guess I know why Buffy freaked out when she stopped feeling Faith. Losing this connection to Em would... I can’t even think about it. Shaking my head I try to clear my thoughts.
Then I feel that twinge and close my eyes, sensing a couple of vamps nearby. Getting a general direction, I make my way to the trees that line the lake. They’re toying with a young skateboard kid who looks absolutely petrified. The teenager is mute in his fear as the vamps in full game face are making little gashes on his arms then licking up the blood.
“You guys are getting sicker by the second,” I say as I make my presence known. The vamps, a man and a woman, look up at me while the kid faints. Using their hesitation, I jump kick the guy in the face as I spin and my fist comes down across the girl’s head. Both are knocked on their asses for a moment.
Shaking off my attack, they jump up and rush me. “Fucking Slayers, always ruining our good time,” the female chides as she advances.
Not really up for a long drawn out fight, I pull out my 9mm and dust them both in about 2 seconds flat, cool.
Taking in the shock on their faces, I can just about hear the dude whining, “Guns aren’t fair,” before he disappears into a pile of dust.
I move over to the kid and shake him awake, “What? What the fuck was that?”
“Some sick junkies,” I say evenly, not too far off from the truth, “You ok? Where do you live?”
He dusts himself off and picks up his skateboard, “I’m fine, I’m just across the park.” He shakes his head, “They were real freaks, kept telling me they were gonna drain my blood and shit. What psychos.”
“Alright, get home before your parents start to worry,” I put my hand on his shoulder and squeeze.
He looks over at me, “Thanks, lady, I don’t know how you scared them off, but I really appreciate it.”
“Just lucky I guess,” I smile at him as he turns to go. Well, at least one kid is going to make it home safe tonight. Looking out onto the lake, I remember being here on Sunday with Emma. I sigh, yeah, that was a good day.
In the distance I hear the kid shout out, “Hey, what’s your damage?”
Looking out towards him I see two others standing near him. Then one bends to his neck... oh shit! Breaking out into a run I get to them just as the vamp throws the dead boy to my feet, “Not so good with the follow up, eh Sophia?”
“Who the fuck are you and how do you know my name?” I sneer at him and the Goth looking woman standing behind him. Narrowing my eyes at them, I feel their power and suddenly get a very bad feeling.
He smiles broadly as he comes nearer to me, “Such language for a woman of your stature: Chief of Staff at a prestigious hospital, one of the Slayers to defeat the First, and let’s not forget the current love interest of our Emma.” He flashes another smile as he reaches out a hand to mine, “Richard Welsh, my dear, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Do you really expect me to shake your hand?” I ask incredulously
He shrugs, “Ah, there is no honor among adversaries anymore, those days are truly gone.” He shakes his head, “It’s a pity, really it is.”
“What game are you playing now?” I know I shouldn’t bait him but I can’t help but feel antagonistic towards this creature.
Standing in front of me, he holds my gaze. Oh no, the thrall, I can’t move my head away from him, I can’t break his stare. “No game, Slayer, I need to know where she is. Camille tells me she’s jumped and we need her here. So tell me, where did she go?”
“There’s... no... way... I’m... telling... you... anything,” I finally manage. Gods, every word is an indescribable effort. My arms seem glued to my sides and then I realize it’s a spell; the Goth woman is a Wicca, shit. Although I try to hold on, the gun slips from my hand and falls to the ground.
His gaze is so penetrating, I feel like he is looking through me. “I can see why she desires you, you’re quite stunning.” He puts a lazy hand through my hair, “So loyal to your lover aren’t you?” He sneers, “It’s going to be such a shame killing you, she must enjoy you immensely.” His gaze turns lecherous, which only serves to fuel my hatred.
“Just do it,” it takes all my strength to say it in one go. I’m scared, but I will not allow him the satisfaction of seeing me show any emotion beyond anger. For a single moment, knowing my life will be over soon, I think about Em and how I wish we had more time
He puts an arm around my waist; I’m completely powerless to move. Staring at me intently he narrows his eyes in realization, “You have not yet consummated your relationship have you?” he says with awe. “How chivalrous of her, it’s refreshing really, especially in this day and age.” He strokes the side of my face, “Sadly for you, I will not be so gallant,” then he quickly sinks his teeth into my neck.
As much as his thrall had me swooning, the feel of him feeding from me is like I’m tripping on acid. A myriad of colors flash before my closed eyes and I swear I can hear the blood flowing out of my body into his mouth. I try to speak, but only manage to vainly gasp for air. The sound of my blood pounding in my head is starting to slow and I hear him moan in delight. Through it all though, just as I’m falling limp in his arms, I feel my connection to Emma grow stronger. She’s back; thank the Gods she made it.
“Richard,” Camille hisses, she sounds so very far away, “She’s returned.”
Slowly he pulls away yet hovers over his mark, continuously licking the wound until it closes. He’s almost gentle. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it? Just a taste,” he pants, “it’s been so long since I’ve had a Slayer, don’t want to be piggish.” His face is very close to mine and I’m too weak to push him away. Only the ringing of my cell breaks his stare. Lasciviously sliding his hand down the length of my body, he digs into the front pocket of my jeans and takes the phone out. Looking at the screen, he smiles as he answers it, “Hello, Emma darling, Sophia and I were just talking about you. Did you have a nice trip? Where did you go my dear? Your girlfriend wouldn’t tell me.”
“If you hurt her - ” the sound of Emma’s voice, even enraged, while I’m in the arms of an ancient vampire, brings a relief to me I can’t begin to describe.
He laughs then looks at me as he says, “Oh not too much. Do you wish to speak with her, Emma? Of course you must, hang on my dear,” then he places the phone to my ear.
“Hey,” I manage as I swallow hard, trying to sound ok, “I’m fine.”
Hearing her take a breath, I can feel her willing herself to be calm, “Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” I look at him, now knowing in some crazy way he’s going to let me go, “Call you in a little bit.”
He takes the phone away, “Until we meet again my dear,” then he hangs up. Finally releasing me, he hands me my cell. “And perhaps we too shall meet again.” He smiles then takes the Wicca’s hand. In a flash they disappear.
Still woozy, I stumble then fall to my knees. Resting back on my calves, I try to pull myself together and find the strength to get home. I pick up my 9mm and put it in my waistband at the small of my back as I sigh and rise. Looking over to the skateboard kid, I shake my head. I really fucked that one up, shit. Realizing my cell is still in my hand; I dial 911 and call it in as I make my way out of the park.
By the time I get to my apartment, I’m fighting to keep my eyes open. Knowing I have to eat something, I grab some juice and make myself some eggs. Feeling better after I eat, I toss my plate in the sink and decide to deal with dishes tomorrow. Right now I need a hot shower, a really big drink and to call Em.
CLEVELAND – LIVING ROOM – 12:17 AM
EMMA’S POV
Faith and I are sitting in the living room waiting for Sophia’s call. Even though I feel she’s ok, tired and weak, but ok, we decide to jump to Chicago if we don’t hear from her by 12:30. I’ve been a nervous wreck and Faith has been trying to calm me down. Willow and Dawn are researching spells while Andrew and Kennedy are re-working the security program to scan people for spells as they enter the compound. We told them we’d let them know if we were going to jump to her. Dawn was really freaked about it, but Andrew got her to help Will with the spell, if only to take her mind off Sophia not calling us for so long. We haven’t even begun to talk about when happened on Nibiru; somehow, I don’t think anyone can concentrate on that right now.
When she finally does call, I pick up my phone on the first ring, “Are you ok?”
“Yeah,” she slowly breathes into the phone, “Sorry it was a while, I had to eat something, took a shower, had a drink, well, a couple of drinks...”
Shaking my head, I’m ready to blow a gasket. How the hell can she be so blasé? Didn’t she realize I’d be worried… then it dawns on me what she said, everything she said: eat, shower, drinks; I push out a breath, “That fucking bastard bit you didn’t he?” I can’t help the venom escape my lips. When my question is met with silence, I look at Faith’s expectant face and nod. Her hand comes crashing down on the coffee table, smashing it to bits. She jumps up and starts to pace.
“What was that?” Sophia asks a bit panicked.
I sigh, “Faith,” as I watch her stalk into the kitchen.
“Oh,” she pauses, “anything irreplaceable?”
Shaking my head again, “No, just the coffee table.” Taking the drink Faith offers, I watch as she picks up the shards of our former coffee table and places the bits in the log holder by the fireplace. Not wanting Sophia to be alone tonight, I offer, “I can jump to you and be there in less than a minute.” I can feel her indecision as the silence drags on.
“No,” she finally breathes out, “it’s ok, besides you already jumped twice today, and you’re going to have to again soon right? You know how it messes with your body.”
She’s so reasonable, so calm, almost too calm, “It doesn’t matter, I don’t want you to be alone.” God I want to wrap her in my arms and make her feel safe.
“It matters, Em, a lot. I’m fine, really. It’s not like the fledgling that bit you, it’s a clean bite, only the two punctures, it’s almost healed already.” She’s trying really hard to convince me.
Shaking my head again, “The damn wound is not the only thing I’m worried about, Sophia.”
“I know,” she takes a breath, “I know,” it comes out so pained.
Realizing I shouldn’t press anymore, I finally relent, “Ok, it’s your call, I’m not gonna push. But if you change your mind, call me, ok?” Faith looks up at me and I shake my head ‘no’. She nods as she gets up, rubbing my back as she passes me on her way upstairs.
“What are you drinking?” she ventures, ignoring my last comment.
“Bourbon,” I reply as I pour another then place both the glass and the bottle on the mantle.
“Yeah? That’s funny, me too,” she laughs for a second then stops abruptly.
Letting a moment pass, I sigh, “Come here.”
“Yeah, I think I will,” she pauses, “Let me get things squared away at the hospital tomorrow, I’ll try to get it all done in time to make the last flight, ok?” She’s quiet again, then, “I miss you, Em.” I can tell she’s choking back tears now.
My heat is breaking for her as I feel a lump rise in my own throat, “Soph?”
“Yeah?” I hear her determination to keep it together.
Trying to project to her how much I care, I answer, “I miss you too, very much.” I can almost see her nodding. “Try to make that last flight, ok? I’ll pick you up.”
“Ok, ‘night Emma,” she says as she hangs up the phone before I can respond.
Folding my cell, I set it on the mantle. Resigned, I reach for my glass and drain its contents, knowing there’s not enough alcohol in the world to calm me down right now. And as I stand there, I swear to all the Gods I’ve ever heard of: if I ever see Richard again, I will tear him to pieces with my bare hands.
BUFFY & FAITH’S ROOM – 12:45 AM [6:45 AM GMT+1]
FAITH’S POV
When I get upstairs, I check on Nicky then go up to our room to call B, “Hey baby, she’s home.”
“Oh thank God, I think I had 5 minutes of sleep all night,” she sighs, “It took a long time huh?”
Yeah, so do I tell her everything, the highlights or nothing until she comes home?
“Faith? What happened?”
How can she know? She is spooky. I exhale, “First of all, everybody’s ok, alright?”
“Faith…” shit, she’s growling.
Ok, full blown truth it is. After an hour, she knows as much as I do. We’re silent for a little while, both thinking about what we can do, “Look B, by the time you get home tomorrow we’ll know more about Em’s conversation with the Goddess. Then we’ll talk to the girls. I think Sophia is coming in tomorrow night too. I heard Em ask her to.”
“I hate it that she’s all alone,” she sounds dejected.
Nodding, “I know, Emma wanted to jump to her, but Sophia said no. We have to respect her wishes if she wants to be alone.”
“She probably didn’t want Em to jump three times in a few hours.” She pauses, “I’ll bet Emma didn’t do a vitals check when she got back, right?”
Shit, busted, “No, she felt Sophia was in trouble, so called her right away. Then we all got kinda sidetracked.”
“I can see that happening,” she ponders. “Promise you guys will do it in the morning?”
Nodding, “You got it; I’ll get Red first thing before Em leaves for work.”
“Good,” she pauses, “Babe, I have to pack, so I can make it to the airport on time, ok?”
Smiling as I stifle a yawn, “You are very witchy today B, I was just about to tell you I’m beat and wanted to hit the sack.”
“Ok,” she laughs, “I’ll see you in a few hours ok?”
I nod, “You bet, B. I love you.”
“I love you too, bye.”
Then she’s gone and I’m lying here alone in our bed, surrounded by everything that just screams Buffy. Shit. Grabbing her pillow and holding it close to my body, I try to make it through this last crazy night without her.
