Disclaimer: The Buffyverse belongs to some combination of Joss Whedon, the Kuzuis, Mutant Enemy, Fox, etc.; the Muppets belong to some combination of Disney and the Jim Henson Workshop. Credit is also due Kenny Ascher, Paul Williams, Ralph Burns & Jeff Moss for the two songs liberally referenced herein (about which, more later). ////
“This seems familiar,” Willow said.
“Vaguely,” agreed the hook-nosed blue creature.
“Astral plane?”
“Part heaven, part space.”
“So you’re here, why?”
“I haven’t found my place.”
“Me either. I – got lost.”
The creature eyed her. “Or lost someone?”
“How’d you guess?”
“Been there, watched that – only in a different script.”
“Script?”
“Just run with it.”
“Running. Hmm. Don’t want to leave?”
“Yeah. But we both know...”
“Sometimes it’s better to go?”
“Uh-huh. And you’ll meet again. Probably.”
“Where? When?”
“No idea. But she’s in your heart, right?”
“Right.”
“So it’s time for saying goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Tara.”
Gonzo the Great smiled.
////
Notes: The two songs referenced are, for the uninitiated, "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" (from The Muppet Movie
, sung by Gonzo), and "Saying Goodbye" (from Muppets Take Manhattan
, sung by the Muppet ensemble). And of course it wouldn't be a Muppet story without a fourth-wall gag. And as strange as this whole idea is, somehow it seems totally appropriate for Gonzo to show up as Willow's spirit guide....