Well, here is the last part. I'm thinking of writing a follow up story to this one because I want to explore more between the characters. What do you think? I'm glad eveyone is enjoying it... that makes me sooo happy.
Anyway, here we go, the final part.
Part 4
Everything seemed to be moving slowly to Tara. The frantic fighting to her right, the ageing man ahead of her, the athame slipping into precious pale skin, and the redhead's mouth opening in agony. The blonde witch's heart ached from seeing Willow in pain and she would do anything to stop it. She knew time was short and chanting a spell would take too long so she did the only thing she could think of. Tara flung herself at the coven elder, bringing them both down to the ground in a tumble of limbs. The athame clattered noisily across the floor and away from the altar.
The coven elder cried out in anger, feeling the weight of the blonde woman slam into him and the hard floor against his back. He tried to push the girl off him but she was making movement extremely difficult. Pulling herself up slightly but keeping the older man pinned down with the majority of her body, Tara glared at him.
She raised her fist and rammed it firmly into the coven elder's cheek. His head veered to the right and he gasped in shock. Suddenly feeling a sense of power course through her, the blonde witch narrowed her eyes. "I'll never let you hurt her again!" She screamed before slamming her fist into his face again. The blow connected with his nose and a small crunching sound could be heard, dark red oozing from his nostrils. A garbled cry of pain erupted from his throat and his body lurched upwards, throwing the blonde off him. She rolled down a few steps that led up to the altar.
Buffy blocked a punch and countered with a kick to a coven member's torso, sending him tumbling backwards into two of his fellow men. She caught a glimpse of her blonde companion lying by the altar and a grey haired man getting to his feet whilst clutching his nose. Blocking another lunge, she shifted her weight, sending several men flying backwards. She moved towards the altar, feeling completely outnumbered and wishing she had asked Spike for assistance.
Blood flowed freely down Willow's arm and she winced as she struggled against her restraints. The metal links of the chains clanged against one another, adding to the thumping in the hacker's head. She heard Tara scream something but it was inaudible to Willow. The searing pain in the redhead's wrist spurred on her struggling. She didn't want to still be here when the coven elder returned. She grunted with the effort of her fight and soon realised it was futile. Without assistance, she was helpless.
Willow became aware of someone approaching the altar and she turned her head, a whimper of fear escaping her mouth as she saw the blood stained face of the coven elder. He no longer wore his smug and menacing smile, however, instead it was replaced with pain and fury. Her body's reaction to the sight was to feebly struggle against the manacles once more, though in her mind she knew it wouldn't help. She thrashed her limbs as the elder raised his recollected athame.
Brilliant blonde flashed across Willow's view of the terrifying sight and Tara now stood defiantly in between the predator and his prey. The shy witch backed up against the cold stone slab, reaching a hand blindly behind her to rest on Willow's shoulder, providing the smallest amount of comfort. The coven elder let out a frustrated and angry snort.
"You don't give up, do you?" The question was rhetorical and spoken with as much malice as Willow thought any one human being could manage. The blonde didn't reply, only keeping her position in front of Willow.
Tara's hand slid up over the redhead's shoulder, across her slender arms and halted over the chains that bound her. Willow could barely hear the soft murmuring emitting from the blonde before she felt the cool metal around her wrists heat up considerably. As Tara removed her hand, a sense of freedom washed over her and then she heard the manacles clatter to the floor. She brought her arms down to her stomach slowly, her stiff joints complaining at the movement. She cradled the injured forearm and pushed herself into a sitting position, seeing the coven elder walk towards them, rage distorting his features.
"Stay back!" Tara yelled at the elder, her voice trembling. She raised a hand, palm facing him and it made him hesitate. The determination in which he stalked towards them wavered and he seemed to be weighing up the benefits of going up against two extremely angry witches.
Willow slid off the altar and almost collapsed but Tara's strong arm was quickly around her waist, lending her support. The mere presence of the blonde seemed to empower Willow and she didn't feel as weak as she had on the altar. The redhead looked at Tara's face, surprised at the intensity she saw there. This was a new side to Tara and it partly scared her and excited her simultaneously. She felt the normally shy witch shiver beside her and she could sense her fear. It seemed the coven elder did also as he continued towards them, only feet away.
The hacker knew she wasn't strong enough to use magic, not having the concentration nor the energy needed to complete a spell. She felt the energy rise within the blonde beside her and a thought struck her. She moved out of the blonde's supportive hold and let her injured arm fall to her side, clasping Tara's hand firmly in her own. Tara instinctively knew what the redhead expected from her. Willow raised her free hand, palm facing the coven elder to mimic Tara's action. Letting her own power flow freely, Willow gave herself to the blonde, trusting her to take care of the both of them whilst the redhead concentrated on focusing her energy.
Tara gasped as she felt the sudden jolt of power merge with her own. It was such a stimulating experience and every part of her tingled as she reached out with her mind to push the danger away. She had practiced this form of magic for many years and had accomplished quite a high level of success but what happened next took her completely by surprise. The coven elder was thrown up into the air and clear over the ruckus in the centre of the chamber.
Willow gingerly opened her eyes and saw the elder was gone. She looked over to the girl whose hand she still held and saw the astounded expression on her face.
"Wow, that was…" Tara paused, tilting her head. "Powerful."
Willow squeezed her hand and watched as Buffy emerged from the crowd in front of them, tossing two men aside easily. She looked flustered and slightly agitated.
"Let's get the hell out of here!" She yelled at them, turning on the dwindling numbers behind her. The men who were approaching halted, not wanting to join their comrades in their fate. Several coven members lay unconscious on the floor between the men and the Slayer. A few more were spotted around near the walls, obviously having collided with them.
Tara jerked into action at Buffy's commanding words, slipping an arm around Willow's waist. "Are you strong enough to walk?" She looked worriedly at the redhead.
Willow nodded slowly. "I.. I think so."
The pair began to move towards the wall and around the fallen coven members when Willow felt lightheaded and her feet became uncooperative. She stumbled forward and it was only Tara's support that kept her upright. The chamber began to spin around her and she felt a warm trickle on her lip before darkness engulfed her.
Tara tried to position herself under the redhead as the hacker's body went limp. Panic began to rise inside her as Willow's eyes fluttered dangerously and finally closed. She encased the redhead's body in her arms. "B-Buffy!" She called out, needing assistance with the unconscious woman.
The Slayer glanced over and saw Tara struggling with Willow, noticing fresh blood from the redhead's nose. "Come any closer and you'll join your friends." She warned the remaining coven members. They seemed to listen to her and backed off slightly, some of them glancing nervously at the fallen elder. Buffy rushed to Tara and Willow's side, scooping the hacker up easily in her arms.
"Go!" She ordered, motioning towards the exit. Tara ran towards it, not wanting to argue with the Slayer, knowing she would take care of the redhead. She moved through the archway and into a corridor, speeding past dusty crates and ageing barrels. She wasn't sure if she was heading the right way but she let her feet take her up a flight of stairs and into a similar looking corridor. She paused to catch her breath and glanced back, hearing rather than seeing Buffy following her. She hoped it was Buffy anyway. She looked back up the corridor, seeing several alcoves on either side of it as well as branches going to the left and the right. She hurried forwards, letting her senses guide her. Eventually she came to another staircase and the scent of rubber filled her nostrils. She ran up the steps and emerged in the ruined apartment building, relieved to be away from the feeling of tainted magic.
Tara rested her wearied body against the cabinet that had been pushed aside. The echo of footfalls and the familiar feeling of Willow's presence alerted her to the approaching Slayer. Buffy came to a stop as she exited into the room beside Tara. She didn't look the slightest bit out of breath but Tara's attentions were more on the redhead in the Slayer's arms. She moved forward, running worried eyes over the young hacker. "How is she?" She asked quietly.
Buffy looked down at Willow. "She'll be better as soon as we get home." She stated.
Tara nodded, moving to find the exit. "Tara?" Came Buffy's voice.
The blonde turned, seeing the hesitant look on the Slayer's face. "Y-Yes?"
"Thank you." Buffy let the words slip out, finding they came easier than she thought they would. "What you did back there…" She glanced over her shoulder. "It was…"
"No, it's okay. I'm j-just glad Willow's safe." With that, she disappeared through the rubble.
*
The trio returned to the Summers residence without further incident and Buffy placed Willow in her bed, debating whether to take her to the hospital or not but she finally decided too many questions would be asked that she wasn't willing to answer. She had checked on the redhead an hour later and cleaned her up before letting her rest again. The hacker hadn't regained consciousness yet and worry niggled at her thoughts. Now she sat in the living room, staring at her half empty coffee cup.
Tara wandered into the room, her hair tussled and her eyes heavy. She had obviously just woken. She noticed the Slayer sitting on the sofa looking forlorn. "Buffy, shouldn't you g-go to bed?"
Buffy jumped, having not seen Tara enter the room. "I don't know…" Her voice trailed off.
"I can check in on Willow every now and then. I m-managed to get a little sleep." Tara assured the blonde Slayer.
Buffy sighed deeply, taking a sip of the dark liquid before scrunching her face up as she realised it was cold. She placed the cup back down on the coffee table and stood, stretching her aching limbs. "Okay Tara, wake me if you need anything." Tara nodded and the Slayer left, her tired footsteps audible on the staircase.
Tara ran her hands through her long blonde locks, gazing at the window, gentle reds and oranges playing across the sky. The sun would be up soon and a new day would bring new hurdles to overcome. She made her way back up the stairs, hearing Buffy shuffling around in her bedroom. Tara stood in the corridor, looking at Willow's door. She decided that she should check on the redhead, not wanting her to wake up alone. Tapping lightly just in case, Tara waited for an answer but none came so she pushed the door open and slipped inside, making sure to close it after her. Willow lay in her back under the thin cream sheet, red hair splayed out over a white pillow. She looked so peaceful, as if she were in a tranquil place, away from the horrors of the real world. Tara wondered if she was dreaming, and if she were what world she created for herself.
The blonde sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching a hand out to caress Willow's cheek. A murmur escaped the hacker's lips. Tara smiled, moving the hand into copper hair. She marvelled at the softness of it and knew she could never tire of the feeling. Tara's gaze wandered down Willow's forehead, over closed lids and the curve of a perfect nose. The blonde witch's brow furrowed as her eyes settled on the redhead's wounded lip. A cut ran through the lower lip, blemishing the beautiful mouth. She moved her hand again to trace those lips, burning the memory into her mind. Her eyes travelled up the hacker's face once more and were met with green. Her heart missed a beat and she pulled her hand away sharply.
"Hey." Tara said brightly.
Willow gave the blonde a tired smile and reached for the hand that had just been yanked away from her. "That was nice." She complained.
Tara averted her gaze timidly, letting the redhead grasp her hand and caress the back of it with delicate fingers. "I… uh."
"I'm glad you were here when I woke up." Willow said, attempting to alleviate Tara's embarrassment but only succeeding in making the blond blush brighter. Tara looked back into Willow's eyes though, unable to keep her gaze off her.
"I'm glad you woke up." Tara let out a nervous laugh.
Willow reached out with her free hand and touched the tips of her fingers to the blonde witch's cheek. "Hey…" She hated to be the cause of anyone's worry, especially this amazing woman's. "How could I keep my eyes closed when there was such beauty to see."
"Oh W-Willow." Tara leant into the redhead's touch, savouring the contact. She couldn't believe she was hearing this from Willow, even after their closeness the night before. She rationalised that that was just a lack of judgement of both of their parts but she couldn't rationalise it any longer. This was very much a real thing and she just chose to accept it.
"Would I be, um, presumptuous if I asked you to hold me?" Willow asked, the confidence from the previous statement fading as the intimacy between them increased.
Tara beamed happily. "No, of course not." Willow scooted over on the bed and allowed the blonde to settle down next to her. Tara pulled the redhead gently to her and Willow rested her head on the blonde's chest. It all felt so natural to Tara.
"Mmm, this is nice." Willow mumbled contentedly, the loud thumping in her head dying down at the nearness to Tara. Everything about the blonde instilled calm within Willow, making her feel safe and cared for. I could definitely get used to this, she thought.
With one arm around Willow, Tara's free hand traced patterns over the redhead's shoulder, slowing working down her arm. She stopped when she reached the top of the bandage wrapped around the hacker's forearm. Small waves of distress jolted through her as she thought about the perfect skin being tarnished and how it must be painful. Her fingers trailed back up the redhead's arm, lightly stroking the pale skin. Willow shifted slightly, snuggling into Tara more, the contact seemingly not enough for her. Eventually she ceased her repositioning and lifted her head, looking into Tara's eyes.
"What are you thinking?" She asked curiously.
Tara tilted her head at the hacker. "About you actually." She smiled warmly.
Willow's eyebrows rose. "What about me?"
A sly grin forced its way onto the blonde's lips. "Not really about you, more like what I could be doing with you." She blushed furiously and she was shocked by her own forwardness. It was amazing the different sides of her persona Willow brought out.
Willow's tongue darted out to wet her lips, a heat rising within her. Although she was surprised by Tara's words she was also pleased, as was her body apparently. "Oh really?" Her right hand shifted to stroke Tara's stomach, slowly but purposefully. "What might that be exactly?" Her voice dropped as she asked.
Tara took in short rapid breaths at Willow's caresses. She let out a small groan, giving up on words as she lowered her head, pushing her lips against the redhead's. The kiss was more confident than their previous one and more needy. Willow deepened the kiss, parting Tara's lips with her tongue, eliciting a moan from deep in her throat. Desire shot through Willow's body as she felt their tongues meet and dance together. She became aware of only Tara's body and the need within her own. Tara pulled away all too soon and Willow whimpered, wanting more.
"You should rest." Tara whispered breathlessly. Her heavy lidded eyes betrayed her arousal and Willow knew the blonde wanted her as badly as the hacker wanted Tara.
Willow cocked an eyebrow, a smirk gracing her features. "Is that what you really think I should be doing?" She was surprised at how seductive her voice sounded and a horrible image of her vampiric self popped into her mind.
Tara didn't speak for a few moments. It took all her concentration to keep her body under control, the need to have Willow almost overpowering. "Yes, I do. Besides, there's plenty of time for that…" She paused, unsure. "Right?"
Willow's seductive smirk gave way to a warm smile. "Of course. I mean, if that's what you want." The insecurity of the blonde seemed to be infecting Willow.
Tara nodded adamantly. "Oh yes." She held Willow tightly to her body, not wanting to have to ever lose this moment. The way the petite redhead's form felt against her was almost indescribable, the two bodies fitting together like long lost puzzle pieces. Tara hoped their spirits would match as perfectly. Whoa Tara, you're getting a little ahead of yourself, her mind warned. She took a deep breath, deciding to take each day at a time and cherish each second she spent with this amazing woman.
Willow moved back to her previous position snuggled against Tara's chest, her arm draped across the blonde's stomach. She wasn't sure what was going to happen next, what had happened to the coven or even how she was going to deal with her recently confronted feelings but she was sure of one thing: She was happy at this moment and that was all that mattered for now.
*
The next day, Buffy stood on her front lawn staring up at the perfectly blue sky, watching the occasional bird pass overhead. She would love to become one of those birds just for a short time, to feel their freedom, to never have a care in the world but that was never going to happen. She was the Slayer, the one girl who had the huge responsibility of keeping the world from ending. She was tired of it. Sometimes she could trick herself into thinking that she could handle it, after all she had saved the planet innumerable times and was still here to tell the tale. Just. Then things happened like the fiasco of last night and she realised it wasn't just her who was at the centre of things, her friends had been dragged into her dangerous lifestyle and they were the ones who suffered. She wasn't the only one making sacrifices.
"Penny for them?" Came the familiar voice of Xander.
Startled from her thoughts, Buffy turned to face her friend. He was wearing baggy black trousers and a cream shirt, his hands planted firmly in his trouser pockets. It looked like he had slept in them and the Slayer remembered him wearing them the day before. Buffy knew her own ensemble of grey jogging trousers and matching t-shirt wasn't much more presentable.
"That's not enough, Xander." Buffy smirked, readjusting her tresses that were pulled back with a hair tie.
He shrugged, coming to a stop on the path in front of Buffy. "Did you hear about the police raid in the 'more pleasant' part of town?" He queried.
His question caught the Slayer's attention and he continued realising she hadn't known. "A couple of officers went down there last night after reports of suspicious behaviour by a couple of trespassers at an abandoned apartment block. Apparently, they found a hide out for a group who the police say were involved in drugs and violent activities. They rounded the group up and they are all sitting in Sunnydale's police station."
The Slayer stood staring at him whilst he explained and suddenly burst out laughing. Xander looked at her confused. "Hey, I thought it was a bit suspicious but come on, it isn't funny, is it?"
Buffy continued to laugh and she clutched at her stomach as it started to ache. "No, I'm… sorry… it's just…" She managed between laughs. She eventually calmed herself enough so she could stand up straight and explain to her baffled friend. "The police always make up these rational explanations." When Xander continued to stare blankly at her she realised he didn't know what had happened last night. "Oh god, sorry Xander. I was there last night. I mean, all three of us were. Willow, Tara, and I. To sum up a long story, we kicked the coven's asses."
"Why didn't you call me!" Xander couldn't believe the three women had gone alone to face the ritualistic killers.
"There wasn't time. They kidnapped Willow and we had to get to her quickly." Buffy explained, realising she was probably digging herself a bigger whole.
"Willow! Oh my god, is she all right?" He panicked, heading quickly for the front door of the house.
Buffy grabbed his arm and spun him round. "She's fine, we got her back. Calm down, okay?"
Xander seemed to be hyperventilating and Buffy was sure he'd pass out soon. "Calm down? My best friend was kidnapped by maniacs who wanted to suck her dry and you expect me to calm down?" His voice rose gradually as he spoke.
Buffy let her arms swing by her side as she looked to the ground. "What's happened has happened. Willow's fine and we got the bad guys. I wasn't here when they took her, it was just Tara…"
"And she just let them?" Xander's jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Xander!" The scolding voice came from behind him and he spun round to see Willow standing there, an angry glare on her face. "There was nothing she could do. Don't you dare blame her!"
Xander let the tension fall from him as he saw his best friend standing and very much alive. "I'm sorry Will, it's just…" He walked towards her but stopped short of hugging her. "When Buffy told me what happened I panicked… I didn't mean to…" His voice trailed off.
Willow sighed. "It's okay. Just think before you speak, okay? I don't want Tara hearing you speak like that about her. She needs to feel welcome."
Xander nodded and Willow stepped forward, enveloping him in a warm embrace. He wrapped his strong arms around her and enjoyed the hug. He silently thanked the fact that Anya had been too tired to come with him. He wasn't in the mood with dealing with an unreasonably jealous fiancée. He sometimes couldn't believe how she got jealous of him only hugging Willow. For some reason she thought of his best friend as a threat.
Willow pulled back out of the hug and looked between Buffy and Xander. "I'm going to go inside and, um, get changed." She looked down at herself, realising she was wearing only a t-shirt and shorts.
Buffy smiled and nodded before the redhead quickly disappeared into the house.
*
Willow sat cross-legged on the grass on the university campus, a prospectus and leaflet littered around her. Opposite her sat Tara in a similar position. The pair had talked about the possibility of Tara going to college in Sunnydale and she had been enthusiastic about the idea. Willow had had a word with a few lecturers and advisors and was convinced it was possible for the blonde witch to start up her studies immediately. It would be difficult but with Willow's help, she was sure she could get her through it. Now the two witches looked through the large amount of information so they could get Tara started.
"You could try social studies, it's a really interesting class." Willow suggested brightly.
Tara nodded, looking down at the small booklet she was holding. All of this was overwhelming. She was basically starting a new life, leaving almost everything she had known behind. It was very daunting and to tell the truth, it scared her.
"Are you okay?" Willow noticed the worried expression on the blonde's face.
Tara looked up, the concerned green eyes tempering her fears slightly. "I will be. I… I've never done anything like this before." She sighed and placed the booklet on a pile of similar ones. "And I don't mean college… I m-mean taking control of my life. It all seems so strange, unnatural."
Willow leant forward and placed a supporting hand on the young woman's knee. "It is not unnatural. It's your life; you need to make it into what you want. Understand?"
"But what if my family come looking for me and want to take me home again?" Memories of how her father and brother had treated her over the years came back to haunt her. She shuddered.
"Shinjitsu Wo Tsukamitore." Willow said, a smile gracing her lips.
Tara didn't understand. "What?"
"Grasp the truth." Willow moved the hand on Tara's knee and took one of the blonde's cupping it in both her hands. "It's Japanese."
Tara allowed the euphoric feeling of contact with Willow wash over her and let her words sink in.
"You're not a demon, Tara and you are in control of your life from now on. I wont let them take you away, you mean too much to me." Emotion filled Willow's voice as she spoke those earth-shattering words.
Tara could feel tears sting her eyes. This woman made her feel so happy and treasured. Forgetting where she was, Tara leant forward and pressed her lips against Willow's, the redhead accepting the kiss eagerly. She pulled back reluctantly. "Nothing could take me away from you Willow, nothing."
END OF SHINJITSU WO TSUKAMITORE
by spazz07 » Tue Jul 23, 2002 4:25 am 
you better put things right and quickly at that too. I so hope Tara goes medieval on them, but i'm not telling you how to write your story. I'm sure it'll be just as entralling as the start so i eagerly await the next part 
Update soon please! 
You NEED to update...a new law has been written saying...um.."No-one shall make Alyson wait too long for fic because its...bad." Yeah...urm...leaving now 
I hope you do write more cuz you're very talented 
