by Grimaldi » Thu Mar 28, 2002 1:17 pm
I like Amy too, hope she is redeemed some how
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"I don't care if it is an orgy of death, there's still such a thing as a napkin." Willow, Superstar
"I want my room to be Willow-friendly." Tara, New Moon Rising
"I present to you, the 5 assed monkey"
"Now who put his who-who-dilly in your cha-cha?"
by jessan15 » Thu Mar 28, 2002 9:09 pm
Title: Lost & Found - Part 25
Author: Jessan
Feedback: Yes, bring it on...I can take it. Sniff. LOL
Summary: Two witches going in different directions...for the moment
Spoiler Warning: Up to and including "Wrecked" in Season 6.
Disclaimer: They do not belong to me...no copyright infringement intended. Joss is my God. All hail the glorious one. (It just called out to me.)
Rating: R (strong language & some violence)
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Rack watched the intruders waltz in and was furious. “What the fuck are you are doing? Get the hell outta here until I call for you.” he shouted, annoyed at the interruption. “Better yet, come back tomorrow. I think I’m booked for the day.”
Tara looked around the room. I was only slightly better than the outer room. It looked like a bachelor pad from a really bad 80’s movie. There was a young girl sitting on the couch in front of Rack talking about the stars. “Oh Rack, they’re beautiful.” she smiled with a glazed look in her eye.
Spike didn’t think Tara had considered that he might be in the middle of dealing when they arrived. They needed to get rid of the girl, but how? Suddenly Spike remembered what he had told Tara before about Rack. He would kill to get his hands on someone as pure as Tara. ‘Well Blondie, I guess you just became his next customer. I hope this works.‘ he thought.
Spike sneered at the dealer. “Hate to bother you and all that, but the lady here didn’t have time to make an appointment.” Spike dropped his voice, making it sound almost feral. “And she really doesn‘t want to wait, if you know what I mean.” He looked over and gave Tara a wink. “It’ll be worth your while.” he told the dealer. “She might be more than even you can handle.”
Tara was momentarily surprised at the vampire’s antics and definitely befuddled by the wink. She stared at him trying to figure out why he was acting like this. Hidden from Rack’s view, she yanked the pocket of his jacket and lifted an eyebrow. It was a silent, “what the hell are you doing?”
Spike gave her a reassuring squeeze on the wrist. He tipped his head ever so slightly to the side to indicate the girl lying on the couch. It was then that Tara realized that Spike was trying to get rid of the junkie first so she wouldn’t get caught in the line of fire or be used as a hostage. ‘Liam, you are good.’ she thought.
Rack looked at the two new players. ‘I can’t do anything with a vampire, but the witch, wow. I want her.’ he told himself. He waved his hand over the girl’s form and she was transported elsewhere. “Later babe.” she said to the departed figure. He turned his attention back to the witch and the vampire. His tone suddenly eager to be of service. “So, what can I, do for you?” he said seductively pointing at Tara.
Tara slowly started making her way closer to Rack. She moved with calculated steps. It was like a predator circling its prey. “I want you to tell me, who the hell you think you are?” She said in her sweetest voice.
Rack’s eyes widened. “What the fuck are you talking about?” he demanded. He shot Spike a look. “Is she already strung out?” he asked.
Tara shook her head. While Rack had been talking, she had been softly chanting. “No, and I never will be.” she pointed at him. “Away.” she said motioning towards the far wall.
Rack was lifted off his feet and throw back about 10 feet. He got up and shook his head to clear the cobwebs. “Oh, I get it.” Rack said giving Tara a wink. “You’re gonna make me work for it, aren’t you?” he hissed seductively.
Tara rolled her eyes. No more games. “You addicted my friend. I’m not happy about it.” she warned him.
It was Rack’s turn to roll his eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding! Not another pissed off lover. You are like the third one this month.” He sat down on his couch. “Sorry if you can’t do it for your boy in the sack baby. I just give them what they asked for. A high‘s a high.” Rack looked smug. “Maybe if you gave a half-decent blowjob he wouldn‘t…” Rack stopped and looked down. He was no longer sitting on the couch. He was now about 5 feet above it. He looked back at the witch and saw the power gathering around her. “Shit.” Rack uttered.
Tara’s face was hard and cold. “Do you remember my friend? About 5’2’’, FEMALE, red hair, green eyes, one hell of a witch?” she said in a harsh tone.
Rack got an evil grin on his face. “Yeah, the rat’s friend. Oh man, strawberry was the best. I hadn’t done one like her in like, forever.” Rack didn’t even have time to realize he had just put his foot in his mouth.
Rack‘s words made Tara‘s blood boil. “AWAY!” she screamed and Rack went flying against the wall.
Rack quickly determined that this was no social call. “Alright, you wanna play rough?” he taunted. “Guards!” he shouted.
Four Fegnlar demons appeared in front of Rack in a protective semi circle. They were big and bulky. Their skin was a cream color, with many open sores covering their bodies.
Hours of demon research was paying off. Tara knew that the demons were strong and the fluid from their sores was poisonous. She also knew that they had to breath, just like humans.
The demons waited for the boss‘s signal to attack.
Rack laughed thinking that he had gained the upper hand. “Dust the vamp and bring me the blonde.” he ordered pointing at Tara. “I want her.” he growled.
The demons rushed forward to fulfill Rack’s wishes. One demon headed for Spike and the other three went for Tara.
Tara was hardly surprised that Rack would have some form of protection. She quickly centered herself and chanted. “Constrict.” she said pointing at the demons charging at her. All three demons fell to their knees gasping at the unseen force that was tightening against their throats.
Rack blinked. ‘No, she couldn’t.’ he thought. He watched as the blonde started to perspire. She didn’t have enough to juice to finish the job. Already, one of the demons was getting back on his feet. “What’s the matter Blondie, too much for you?” he taunted.
When she heard Rack’s voice, she narrowed her eyes and reached down deep for every ouch of strength she could muster. Suddenly, as if someone had turned on a facet, Tara felt a rush of power. Tara didn‘t understand why it happened or where it came from, but she wasn’t going to complain.
Tara locked eyes with the demon that was only a few steps away from her. “Constrict.” she uttered once more, determined not to let the demons come an inch closer.
The demon in front of her dropped like dead weight, as did his two companions behind him. They rolled around helplessly on the ground for a brief moment, then stopped moving altogether.
Tara looked over at Spike in time to see him snapping the fourth demon’s neck. She returned her attention to the warlock on the floor. “No more games.” she ordered, her eyes shooting daggers at the dealer.
“Man, she must taste incredible.” he mumbled while he struggled to stand.
Spike’s vampire hearing caught Rack’s comment. Enraged, he rushed towards the warlock.
Rack never saw Spike. The vampire delivered a crushing right to his jaw. Rack hit the floor hard and moaned.
“Shut up you piece of shit.” he reached down and grabbed Rack by the shirt. “You better stop pissing us off if you plan on ever walking out of this room again.” he warned and punched him in the face again. Spike lifted him up and tossed him over on the couch. Rack bounced on the cushions and unceremoniously landed on the floor with a thump. Spike looked over at Tara. “Sorry luv.” he apologized to her for his aggressive tendencies
“Protecting my honor?” she said slightly amused. Tara had heard Rack as well.
Spike shrugged, then roughly picked Rack up and threw him back on the couch. “Now keep your bloody mouth shut if you know what’s good for you.” The vampire warned him.
Tara paced in front of him. “We’re going to play a little game. I ask, you answer. Understand?”
Rack nodded his head, still staring at the vampire. After the little display of magical force, Rack finally figured out that he was screwed. He looked at the witch knowing damn well, she had the power. He remembered the feeling he had gotten when he touched Willow. She was a raw untapped resource. This witch was seasoned. She knew the score and how to control the game. Ball was hers. Now was she going to run him over with it or not? That was the question.
“What did you do to Willow?” she demanded, her hands resting on her hips.
“Nothing she didn’t ask for.” Rack jumped up and cried out at the cushion underneath him was set ablaze. After putting out the flames on his pants, he stared at the witch. “What was that for?” he shouted in a wounded voice.
Tara was pissed. “She didn’t ask for it. You gave it to her. You took the choice away from her, didn’t you?”
“She was here, wasn’t she?” Rack saw her face harden at his words. “Oh shit.” he muttered. Looking at Tara, he suddenly wished he had taken the time and developed his own abilities rather than using the power of others.
The carpet under his feet was suddenly yanked out from under him and Rack was on his back. “Shit that hurts.” he said as the pain shot up and down his spine.
Spike threw the rug aside. The blonde vamp stepped on his fingers and slowly twisted his foot, listening to the bones grind and pop. This action elicited quite the scream from the dealer. After a few seconds, he pulled him up.
“You broke my fucking fingers!” Rack screamed.
“Shut up.” Spike told him throwing him back on the couch.
Tara walked over and squatted down in front of the crumpled up mess. “Do you have any idea what I could do to you?” she asked. Rack only stared at her, but didn’t answer. “I could burn you to a crisp. Crush you were you lay. Let the vampire kill you. The choices are endless really.” A pause. “But do you know what’s wrong with those?” Rack shook his head. “It’s like an escape. You get to cause all this pain and then just walk away from it by dying.” Tara stood up, her eyes never leaving his. “Well, guess what?” she asked, crossing her arms. “Not going to happen.” she assured him with narrowed eyes.
For the first time in Rack’s life, he knew real fear.
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Willow opened the door to Rack’s inner sanctum and stared. “Tara, what are you doing?” she asked with her mouth hanging opening. When she walked in, all she could see was Tara standing over top of Rack with the coldest look Willow had ever seen on her gentle lover’s face.
Xander, Anya, Buffy and Amy quickly followed her in. Buffy moved around the side of the room closer to the far exit. She didn’t want Rack to have any chance of escape. Amy quietly hid behind a chair in the corner. Anya stood behind Xander in front of the waiting room door.
Tara was shocked to see Willow and turned to face her. When she did, Rack saw what he thought was his one and only opportunity to get outta dodge. He kicked Tara in the stomach for all he was worth then headed for the side door.
As Tara fell backwards, Willow ran to her side. “Tara.” she spoke worriedly. “Baby, are you ok?” she asked putting her hand behind Tara’s head and softly running her thumb across her cheek.
Tara coughed trying to get the wind back into her lungs. “Yeah. I’m fine.” She said pressing her hand against the one on her cheek. She pulled it away, but didn’t let it go. She looked around the room at all those present. “You brought the cavalry?” she said with a raised eyebrow.
Willow laughed nervously. “Well, you didn’t really think they would let me come here alone, did you?” She looked over at Rack headed straight for the slayer. “Oh, this should be good.” Willow noted with glee pointing out where Rack was heading.
Tara sat up in time to see Rack face the slayer. He tried to push her out of the way, but was shocked when she didn’t budge. They watched as Buffy twisted his arm behind his back and threw him against the wall.
Everyone in the room grimaced at the sound of Rack’s arm snapping. “That’s gotta hurt.” Xander said to Anya.
Anya beamed. “Vengeance is served. Go Buffy!” she hollered from behind Xander. Anya felt everything was under control and therefore saw no reason to risk injury so close to the wedding. She felt staying in the back and cheering on the big guns was help enough.
Buffy lowered her mouth to Rack’s ear. “That’s what my sister ended up with because of what you did to Willow. I thought it was only fair that you should share in the fun.” She whipped him around to face her. “Isn’t it great?” she asked then kicked him in the stomach.
Rack doubled over and coughed blood. He looked up at the little blonde. “What the hell are you?” he choked.
“The slayer. You should really look into that.” Buffy said sarcastically.
“Slayer? Ah fuck.” he moaned as he rolled over in pain.
Tara was really happy when the rest of the gang arrived. She was even happy to see Willow, despite where they were. Being close to the redhead was all that mattered. Maybe seeing Rack being put out of business would be good for Willow. Only one way to find out. Tara squeezed Willow’s hand. “What do you want us to do with him?” Tara asked. The judgment was over. Rack was guilty of hurting too many people, only thing left was sentencing. It would be up to Willow to decide what to do with him now. Tara desperately hoped that this was what she needed to finally step out from his shadow.
Willow brow furrowed in intense contemplation, then she shrugged her shoulders. “Nothing. I mean, he did some horrible stuff, but he didn’t kill anyone. I know that what he does is really bad and I‘m walking proof of that, but he‘s still just human. We just have to make sure he can‘t hurt anyone else., but without the killing part.” Willow met Tara’s eyes and saw something she hadn’t seen in quite sometime. Pride.
Tara dropped her eyes on the waste of a man on the floor. “He touched you. I hate him for it. And even though I think he deserves to die, I‘m so proud of you.” she said in a sweet tone. Tara squeezed Willow’s hand and gave her a half-smile. “Compassion looks good on you. I wish you would try it on yourself.”
Willow blushed and looked down unable to respond. She wanted to, but this wasn’t the time or place to discuss this. “Baby, can we do this when we aren’t standing in front of the nasty warlock and all our friends?” she asked in a small voice, suddenly quite embarrassed.
‘Is she saying what I think she’s saying?‘ Tara wondered. Tara smiled at the love of her life. No matter what they did in life, it always came down to the two of them. Tara reached down and grabbed her other hand, interlocking their fingers. Willow wanted them to make this decision together. Maybe there was still hope. Tara’s features totally softened as she looked into emerald eyes that gave her life meaning. Tara spoke reverently. “Anything for you.” she said placing her hand on the redhead’s chest above her heart, as if sealing the promise.
Rack spoke up from the floor. “Come on strawberry, get me some mercy down here.”
Tara never thought twice about what to do. Rack’s voice tweaked her last nerve. She never wanted to hear that voice again. Tara turned her head, furious that he would dare address Willow in her presence. A quietly muttered phrase, then “SILENCE.” she shouted at him.
Willow hadn’t expected Tara to cast a spell. Let alone cast one while she was touching her. Everything that Willow had been feeling from a distance previously was now magnified ten times. Looking around the room, the memories came flooding back again. Her arms shook, her muscles tensed, and her eyes watered. It was such a small spell, but the effects were undeniable. Being at Rack’s only made things even more obvious. Tara was her dealer now. Willow released the blonde witch’s hand and removed the one on her chest. “How could you?” Willow shouted with tears in her eyes. “Here of all places.“ she said dropping her head and running out the door.
Xander looked around at everyone. “I got her.” he said rushing out the door behind her.
Tara was stunned. Unintentionally, she had just made Willow’s darkest nightmare a reality.
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Xander ran out after Willow. “Hey, wait up.” he said as he finally grabbed her arm to stop her.
“No, I have to get away. She’s going to cast again.” Willow insisted. “Xander, I don’t want to feel like him anymore. I gave up magic so I could STOP feeling like him!” she screamed hysterically.
“It was Tara. It wasn‘t Rack. Just wait until they finish inside, the we can all go home and talk about this.” he told her putting his hand on her shoulder.
“No, Xander, I can’t. Her hand over my heart….” she shouted trying desperately to make him understand. “THAT’S WHAT RACK DID!” she wailed.
Xander stopped her dead. “And it’s no different than what you and Tara always did BEFORE Rack ever touched you!” he yelled back gently shaking her shoulders. “You’re letting him take away the best thing that ever happened to you!” He threw his arms up in the air. “What are you afraid of?” he questioned with eyes wide.
Willow tried desperately to come up with an answer. Her world was spinning. Nothing made sense. She loved Tara more than life, so what was she doing? Was she still afraid of the broken warlock that laid crumpled on the floor? He couldn’t hurt her anymore. Tara lives with the memory of what I did, so why can’t I? She looked up at Xander as the tears flowed freely. “I don’t know.”
“We’ll figure this out.” Xander said softly. He lifted her head up so he could look into her beautiful green eyes. “If the slayer can date a vampire, then there has to be a way for a magic addict to date a witch. Right?” she said trying to cheer her up.
Willow just closed her eyes and shook her head. “I am so not in the mood to deal with that one right now.” she said as more tears ran down her face.
‘Ouch. Gotta remember to tell Buffy to steer clear of that subject for a while.’ he stepped to her right and put his arm around her shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go wait in the car.” he said a they walked down the alley.
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Tara had watched Willow walk out the door feeling utterly lost and helpless. One step forward, two steps backward. Tara felt the fire in the pit of her stomach burning. She turned and looked at Rack. “Liam, pick him up.” she commanded.
Buffy did a quick double take as she heard Tara use Spike’s real name and then grinned from ear to ear. “At least someone’s happy for me.’ she thought.
Spike did as he was told. He picked up the dealer and carried him over in front of Tara. Rack’s left eye was almost completely swollen shut from Buffy’s thrust into the wall. With one eye, he waited for the end. He would have begged for his life, if he had a voice to speak with.
Tara reached up and slapped him hard across the face. “That’s for her.” she said pulling her hand back and softly rubbing it. She usually didn’t partake of the actual physical violence.
Tara pulled some herbs out of her pocket and began chanting softly. She locked eyes with him as she gave him his sentence. “Inversion.” she commanded.
Rack knew what she had done when she said the word. She was going to make him his own junkie. He felt the high coming on and had no idea how to react, so he cried. He wasn’t sure why, but he did. Nothing seemed real. He looked around at the faces around him and silently pleaded for help. Unfortunately for him, no one gave a shit.
Anya walked over to Tara. “Feel any better now?” she asked looking down at the dealer turned junkie. “It was the right thing to do.” she assured the witch. “Not what I would have done, but still the right thing.” she added off-handedly.
Tara stood with her arms at her sides. “No, it wasn’t. I fixed one problem only to have to deal with another one.” Tara looked at Anya as the tears welled in her eyes. “I cast. Touching her heart. How could I?” she asked as she broke down on the ex-demon’s shoulder.
Buffy walked over beside her and helped Anya walk her out the door.
Spike looked down at Rack rolling on the carpet. “It would be so easy to finish this.” he said thinking it was only he and Rack in the room.
“He’s getting what he deserves.” a voice spoke.
Spike was surprised to see Amy standing up from behind a chair.
“Hiding behind furniture, old habit.” she hesitantly chuckled, then cleared her throat. “Tara was right. Death is an escape. Let him deal.” She whispered a few words, then… “Return.” gesturing towards the dealer.
Amy gave Rack his voice back, but he said nothing. He just kept rocking from side to side and humming.
Spike eyed the former rat. “Withdraw is gonna be a bitch, you realize that don’t you?” he looked back at Rack. “Killing him might stop it.”
Amy considered what the vampire was offering her. Then quickly shook her head. “No, if I do that, then I’m no better than that ass.” she looked down at Rack. “I don’t want to be like him.” she whispered. “Any more than I already am.” she said turning away. “Bastard.” she whispered.
Spike relented and stepped over the former dealer. He gestured to the door and followed Amy outside.
The only sound in the room was Rack softly humming the Jeopardy theme.
It was only a matter of time before the high ended, and the real punishment began.
Irony is kinda ironic that way.
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It's late and I didn't proof as many times as normal, so glaring errors I apologize for...hopefully most was good.
Anyway...so, Rack's history...hmmm, is it time for some serious Willow/Tara interaction now? Oh HELL YEAH!
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Love will find a way.
by JennY » Thu Mar 28, 2002 10:30 pm
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"I think Spike was right back at the gas station. Snap out of it!" -Willow, to a catatonic Buffy
"I'm a blood sucking fiend. Look at my outfit!" -Willow
by wolflord » Thu Mar 28, 2002 10:38 pm
by willntlover » Fri Mar 29, 2002 7:05 pm
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"Hear that, baby? You're my always."
by Pixie » Fri Mar 29, 2002 9:50 pm
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