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“… So Angel finished off Arestor and the rest just scattered. By that time Kendra had already saved Pike, so we called you guys and headed home,” Buffy finished. It was the next day and Buffy had finished telling the last of the story. They were all gathered once again in the library. Xander and Cordy were sitting on the stairs, while Pike was pacing and everyone else was gathered around the table. Xander was patched up and looked awful, but he and Cordy seemed to be getting along much better than they usually did. Everyone else had gotten off relatively unscathed, although Pike looked like he was still a little shaken, and everyone looked tired.
“Wow. We’ve never had anyone fall to there death before,” Willow said wonderingly.
“I’m still alive, though,” Pike said a little confused.
“Yeah, but we’ve never even had some come close to falling to their death. I mean, you live hear long enough and you start to expect near death encounters from some new demon or other, but falling, that’s a new one,” Willow said.
“Can you believe it folks?” Xander said, in his announcer voice, “Yes, ladies and gentleman, the girl who breaks into government files, is unphazed by dissections, autopsies, demon possessions, magical curses, and cafeteria food is amazed by gravity.”
“No it’s just … I … I mean” Willow stammered. The Slayerettes laughed.
“We understand Willow. After being on the Hellmouth, it’s just so *normal*,” Buffy joked.
“Hey, there is nothing normal about being thrown off a cliff,” Pike said defensively, “I like to think of it more as … dramatic.” Everyone laughed again, as Pike struck a pose.
“So does this mean the prophecy’s over?” Xander asked.
“Well there was near death and saving, so probably,” Buffy said.
“But who was the past and present person?” Willow asked, “Who’s the savior or distraction that lead to destruction?”
“Kendra,” Pike replied.
“Me?” Kendra asked, a little taken aback.
“Well you did save him,” Buffy said, “Which would make you fit the savior part.”
“And you have helped us in the past and are in a sense Buffy’s predecessor, letting you have both history with the group as well as being the future, in a way,” Giles told Kendra.
“I suppose,” Kendra said reluctantly.
“So how long are you going to stay?” Cordy asked Pike, abrubtly changing the subject.
“I think I’m going to leave right away. Go back to LA. There the vamps are at least normal,” Pike said.
“Dere are still vampires in LA?” Kendra asked.
“Wouldn’t be surprised,” Buffy said, “I mean I put a serious dent in their activities, while I was there, but I didn’t exterminate them.”
“You mean dere were vampires dere when you left?” Kendra asked, clearly shocked.
“Yeah.”
“I cannot believe dis. First it was a vampire boyfriend, now I here ya leave vampires behind when ya move,” Kendra said. Buffy just looked at her for a moment before shaking her head.
“Oh no. Here it comes. I knew you would have to give me a lecture sometime.”
“No. I know ya’ll not listen ta me,” Kendra said with a smile. “I t’ink I will go to LA though. We can’t let it be said dat vampires actually survived a Slayer now can we? Dat is, if you don’t mind having company,” Kendra said, directing the last bit at Pike.
“I would love company,” Pike said surprised, “but I was planning on leaving now.”
“Dat’s fine.”
“Don’t you have to pack?” Pike asked.
“No. I’ll call me Watcher when we get dere. If dere’s anything I need, he’ll send it.”
“Well then, I guess we’ll be off,” Pike said. A chorus of good-byes was heard all around to see Kendra and Pike off. Pike exchanged a friendly hug with Buffy, much to her and Angel’s relief. He even went and shook hands with the reclusive Angel, who was hiding in the shadows as usual. “Take care of her. I think … you’re good for her. Besides which she likes you. I can still put you back on my hit list though, if she asks me to.”
Angel smiled and shook his hand. “Careful who you threaten, they may turn out to be your friends.” Pike laughed and Angel chuckled good-naturedly, much to Buffy’s relief who, was half expecting them to come to blows.
Buffy walked Pike and Kendra out to Pike’s motorcycle out front. Pike hopped onto the motorcycle that already had his gear strapped to the back. Kendra turned to say goodbye.
“Take care,” she said awkwardly, obviously unsure of what to do. Buffy held out her hand, and Kendra smiled as they clasped forearms like the warriors of old. Kendra surprised her though, by pulling her into a quick, brusque hug, scaring herself almost as much as she surprised Buffy. She jumped onto the back of the motorcycle. Pike started the bike and they sped off. Buffy laughed as she saw them ride off, seeing Kendra having to frantically clutch at Pike’s waist to keep from falling off. That’s one way to learn to hug someone, she thought. Buffy smiled and headed back inside, ready for another day.
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