Follow You Into the Dark Epilogue Author:JJ Subject: Rayne, Saylee, Mara Rating: NC-17 Disclaimer: The perception of ownership lies in the eyes of the beholder. Since Joss was the original creator ownership falls within his capable hands, though he isn't currently using those hands to craft as he once did. He, with the help of 20th century FOX, owns solely the creation of the characters and worlds in which they live and not the story that is being brought out of the imagination of our dear writer JJ. ( Thanks River) Summary: Post BDM. Rayne, Saylee, Mara. Takes place after The Need and The Wish. All Hell breaks lose after Serenity is sabotaged by The Alliance. Author's Note: Thanks for the feedback. It spurs the muse. The Lyrics that were used through out this fic are from Death Cab for Cutie's song, "I Will Follow You Into the Dark."

Epilogue --The End of the Beginning

Love of mine some day you will die But I'll be close behind I'll follow you into the dark

River had not come out of her shuttle in three days. Zoe brought her food and she ate it, for the sake of her unborn child, but her light and will to go on was gone. She didn't want to go on without Jayne, but she knew she had no choice. So she spoke to no one, she just lay in the shuttle hoping that wherever he was, he would come to her. So she could feel him again, even if it was for just the briefest of moments.

No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white Just our hands clasped so tight Waiting for the hint of a spark If Heaven and Hell decide That they both are satisfied Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs If there's no one beside you When your soul embarks Then I'll follow you into the dark

Zoe brought supper to River and she sat down besides her. She touched River's arm and sighed.

"Please , just go away," River said and Zoe ignored her. She made a promise and she was going to keep it no matter what.

"Your brother's doing okay, He's still sore, but his body has replenished the blood loss and there's no trace of the Reaver virus or even wounds in his wrist and legs. He's anxious to discover why, but Kaylee has him under lock and key especially since they took in the baby," Zoe said, stroking River's hair. "Oh, they finally decided on a name for the baby, and no YoSaffbridge didn't make the cut much to the Cap's disappointment. They're calling her Reba Jane Tam. In honor of Jayne and Saffron."

"I don't care," River said and Zoe sighed heavily.

"When I was like you... Jayne wouldn't stop pestering me until I came out and acted like I was part of the living. I ain't leaving you," Zoe said, determined.

"Are you going to sex me, like he did you? I don't prefer women ," River sat up her eyes fell on Zoe's surprised ones.

"That was one time, before you, River. Way before you and you know that," Zoe stood up and walked to her side of the bed.

"You two could have told me," River said angrily and Zoe looked out the shuttle window.

"He didn't want anyone told until after we were sure," Zoe trailed off.

"That Walker was Wash's son?" River supplied.

"When he was born and we saw him... we knew we had dodged a bullet," Zoe grinned. "It was if Wash wanted us to see, he wasn't letting go of me that easily. Jayne saw no point in telling anyone what happened between us one lonely night after my husband died, but he couldn't change the fact that he did warm up to the idea. I guess that's why he took such good care of Walk. He was a good father to him and he would've been a great father to yours. It was his way."

"That was the only secret he kept from me," River said.

"He loved you, River. He loved you so much. And he might be gone, he might not be able to touch or hold you, but he's here, watching over us. Over you and your child."

"But I don't feel him, Zoe. When Wash died I felt him, but I don't feel Jayne at all," she cried.

"Maybe it's too new, maybe it's because your pain is still too fresh. Maybe it's because he's too busy playing cards with Wash," she grinned sitting down and putting her arms around River who hugged her. "He will come to you." she promised and River closed her eyes and let herself be comforted.

~ You and me have seen everything to see From Bangkok to Calgary And the soles of your shoes are all worn down The time for sleep is now It's nothing to cry about Cause we'll hold each other soon The blackest of rooms

Derring sat looking at his newest subject with disappointment. It had been three days now and not even a twitch. It was a terribly disappointing embarrassment on top of losing the Tam's and the murder of The Operative. He was beginning to look increasingly inept.

He was sure the once he injected River's blood into the subject's medulla that he would awaken, but there was nothing. He was going to shut it down, the longer the subject was unresponsive meant the longer he was subject to ridicule. He went into the room and unhooked the subject from the machine. He was about to use the intercom to order the soldiers to dispose of the body, when he felt a strong large hand grabbed him by the throat. The subject was alive and angry. Very, very angry.

"Let me go, and I will explain what's happened to you," Derring said, voice trembling from fear.

"You don't need to explain, Doc. You shouting it at me as we speak," Jayne said, as he crushed the old man's neck until the man went limp. "Night, Doc," he said and looked at himself in the mirror. Trying to remember his name. His head began to throb. The face of a small limber brunette girl smiling at him with big brown eyes.

"I love you," she whispered. "I love you, Jayne."

"I love you too...," he said out loud. Not knowing who she was or if she was real, but knowing that he loved this girl once, very much.

If Heaven and Hell decide That they both are satisfied Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs

"Jayne?" River sat up abruptly. She had heard him so clearly in her mind as if he was sitting in their shuttle next to her. He was alive. She touched her abdomen and smiled. "He's alive."

If there's no one beside you When your soul embarks Then I'll follow you into the dark Then I'll follow you into the dark _____________________

Up next: Like A Phoenix

It's going to be a fun one. Just Rayne with a little, Zoe\Jayne (by request of my BF) just to make you all squirm, LOL! Thanks for the feedback!