by Shaniezak » Wed Dec 05, 2001 11:52 am
Kickass Tara!!!
*thud*
Lovin' that. Mmm mmmmm yeah. I can just picture it now, Tara with the sword in her grasp, talking in the deeper tone of voice that makes me shiver, all determined and fierce, with sparks snapping in those eyes . . . those gorgeous blue . . .
*ahem*
And now I think I'll get dressed for work, where I can edit part 9 . . .
by Sassette » Wed Dec 05, 2001 9:32 pm
*G*
-Sass
by TrueXena » Thu Dec 06, 2001 3:08 am
Reflections in Raindrops
Part Nine
Willow was chilled to the bone by the time they approached the stone and wood deck immediately outside the tower. She watched as the door loomed ever larger. It looked odd, like it had been built well after the original tower. It was circular at the top and tapered. Different colored bricks were mortared into the area around the wooden frame. While the other stones were dark and had signs of age, these around the door showed no marks from weather erosion.
When they reached the deck she was pushed against the stone wall and allowed to slide down it. The two guards who had carried her up the stairs took up positions on either side of her. The third entered the tower. Willow closed her eyes and sighed.
Quietly, she contemplated her situation, which hadn't gotten any better in the last fifteen minutes. Instead of a decently dry wooden pen with a roof she was sitting on cold stone with no shelter but the two guards. Obviously they had plans for her, and for all she knew she'd end up barbecued, or sacrificed to some war god. Or both.
Plus, it was raining, heavily. It made her captor Goshti smell rancid, and she wondered for a moment if it was the rain that made them smell that way? After sniffing her hands, she decided that no, it really was just how a Goshti smelled.
They didn't seem to even feel the rain, but Willow did. The cold was making her muscles cramp and her body shake. Granted, most of the blood and gore from the battle with the avilingua were gone, but she was waterlogged.
It didn't rain often in Sunnydale, she thought, but when it did, it did it right. She hadn't really considered rain fun until Tara started taking her for walks during the California showers. It was something in their relationship that was just for fun, and for pleasure. Not that the rain was pleasurable. It was nice, but the best part was that afterwards Tara would take her into a hot shower, and then bundle her up and bring her hot chocolate. Willow had started to look forward to rainy days.
With Tara, she had tasted the rain itself, seen how it gave life to the earth and all her creatures. Tara had taken Willow into the park to listen to the drops of rain as they hit the leaves on the trees. They'd danced to no music but that of the rain. Each time they'd walked through it together, Willow had felt cleaner.
Of course after those rains there would be some flooding, and everything would be coated with mud. She hated that. Mud was.... muddy. And floods in California were dangerous because a lot of California was just dried mud anyway. It was often the the flooding that started a mudslide, and the mudslide could take out people and homes in minutes.
It was a consequence of the rain, and Willow had always known that. If you have rain, there would be a reaction from the earth. So, it was a pleasure and a nuisance, all at the same time.
Frowning, she wondered why she'd never looked at it that way before.
"Tara," she whispered. "Where are you, baby? Are you okay? Please, you've gotta be . . ." Willow pictured Tara's smiling face, tried to bring alive those blue eyes in her mind. When she finally got the picture the way she wanted it, she tried to project all her energy into it, all her love and need. She could feel herself reaching out, feel her
hand touching Tara's cheek.
Something in her grew warm as the image of Tara began to glow, suffused by a rainbow of light behind the blonde. Slowly, the rainbow effect faded, and turned into rain, though the Tara in her mind didn't seem to notice. Willow smiled in her fantasy. The rain there was like a warm blanket and she sighed.
Then her eyes popped open as her injured knee was kicked. She bit her lip to keep from screaming and looked up to find the third Goshti had returned.
"Coshemti." She shook her head to show she didn't understand what he was saying. He growled at her and took the leash that he'd handed to one of the other guards. Giving a tug on the collar, he said again, "Coshemti."
Carefully Willow stood. She found she was able to put a tiny bit of weight on her knee, enough that she could hobble along behind him as he led her to the tower door.
He pulled her inside and then took off her collar. It took a moment for her eyes to focus in the dim light of the room. When she finally could see, the first thing she noticed was a podium of some kind in the middle of the floor. It was silver, and shined to such perfection that it sparkled even in the glow of the candles on the walls.
The second thing she saw was a man. From his profile, he looked human. He was staring at the podium, his arms crossed, with a mixture of surprise and pleasure on his face.
He turned to look at her, and she saw that he had a silver scar that ran along the left side of his face, from his jaw to his hairline. He regarded her steadily, as if measuring her.
A smile played across his face. "Well, well. A human witch at last." His eyes flashed, and Willow shivered. "Must be my lucky day."
==========================
It didn't take long for Amy and Tara to understand why Willow had said the third floor was like a maze. They tried to follow the directions she had stated earlier, but either they weren't right, or they weren't complete. Soon, the two witches had to admit they were lost.
"We need the book."
"Yeah, well, that's a problem. It went with Willow."
Amy sighed. "I know. Just stating the obvious."
The bright side was that they hadn't run into any monsters. It didn't mean they wouldn't, but they hadn't yet.
Tara stopped so suddenly that Amy almost ran into her. She put a hand to her chest, and looked around the hall in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
For a moment, the blonde didn't answer. Then she closed her eyes and gasped. "Willow?"
Amy looked around. She saw nothing. "Tara? What's going on?"
Tara slowly sat down, her eyes closed tightly. "God, Amy, she's in so much pain."
But there was more than pain coming down her fragile connection with Willow. There was a great deal of love. In her mind she saw Willow reach up with her hand to stroke Tara's cheek. She could almost feel the touch, even though she knew Willow wasn't there.
She tried to send love and strength back to her friend, but the tenuous connection was broken with a jolt. Tara cried out Willow's name once more, softly, then lowered her head.
Amy knew Tara was crying, but didn't say anything. She waited until the blonde wiped her eyes and looked up.
"What happened, Tara?"
"I-it was Willow. She was reaching out to me, w-with her mind."
"Her mind?" Amy frowned. "But, how could she do that without....." She trailed off when she realized what had happened.
Tara shook her head. "No. That was no spell. I - I would have felt it." She looked away, staring at the ceiling. "No, that was all Willow."
"But she had to tap into her magical power to do that."
"She might have, but I don't think she intended to, or even knew it."
"Did she say anything?"
"No. She just --" The blonde blushed when she thought of what Willow's eyes had conveyed. "She just told me she loved me."
Amy nodded. They were quiet for a few moments, each of them mulling over what had happened.
Tara knew Amy was right; Willow had just used magic of some kind. But there had been nothing of the heavy dark energy associated with her ex-lover's magic at the end of her and Amy's rampage. This hadn't been an out of control spell, or a spell of any kind. It had been ... well, natural.
As she waited for Tara to recover from this sudden twist of events, Amy brooded over it in her own mind. Willow had used magic. Knowingly or not, Willow had used. It left the dark haired witch with a sick feeling in her stomach. After all, if she hadn't brought them here, if they hadn't gotten separated, Willow wouldn't have had to reach out with anything other than her hand.
She wondered if the book was really worth all this. So far, all this quest had done was put all three of them in mortal danger.
For the first time, she wondered if she was as addicted as Willow said she was. Why else would something like this have been so important? Why else would she have risked all their lives?
Tara finally shook herself and moved to stand up. "Well, that was interesting." Amy reached out a hand and helped her. "I think I can find the way we need to go."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, there's a slight trail left by the magic; like a pull from a magnet. I can feel it. If we follow that, we should find Willow without a problem."
Amy frowned. "But, Willow's downstairs. I thought we agreed it would be too dangerous to go there."
Tara shook her head. "I don't know how, but Willow isn't down, she's up.
I can feel it. I can feel her."
Her companion raised both eyebrows, but just nodded. "Okay, then. Lead on. Which way to do we go?"
Tara pointed back the way they'd come. "This way."
After several more twists and turns, they finally came across what seemed to be a path to the center of the maze. Instead of seeing doorways they'd already marked, they were seeing new and different rooms, some still with remnants of finery in them. A few more turns, and they were in a long hallway that had no doors. The end appeared to open out into a large room.
"Bout time."
Tara nodded. "Now let's just hope we can pass whatever test Willow was talking about."
Amy swallowed, regretting yet again her rash decision in bringing them all to the castle. "Tara, I was never very good on tests."
"Me neither. Always preferred writing papers." She glanced at Amy with a smile. "Guess we'll just have to wing it."
"Right. Wing it."
They slowed down as they got closer. Finally they could see into the room, and they stood outside the door looking around carefully.
It was a large chamber with a round dais in the middle. At the end of the dais opposite them was a staircase that they could see twisting up into a part of the ceiling. It was, presuamably the tower.
The other end of the room, between the door and the edge of the tower, was open. Rain came pouring down from the grey sky.
Tara looked at Amy and quirked an eyebrow at her. Amy shook her head, and looked down. She took a couple deep breaths and looked back up. Meeting Tara's gaze solidly, she nodded.
Together they stepped into the room.
Tara expected to feel rain, but she didn't. Instead, she found herself standing in a dark room. She couldn't see any walls, and the only light was behind her.
"Amy?"
A hand came down on her shoulder and she turned.
"Guess again."
Tara froze as she looked into the face of her older brother Donny.
===================
He looked to be about thirty or thirty-five, with a cleanshaven face and pale skin. His scar stood out in contrast to his hair, which was deep chestnut brown, about collar length, and swept back over his ears. He had dark eyes, though in the light she couldn't see their exact color.
When she realized he'd spoken to her, Willow looked up, startled. "Oh, hey. I can understand you. That's different." She realized just what he had said. "But I'm not a witch. Well, not anymore."
The man folded his arms and looked at her. "No? Why do you say that?"
"Because I'm not?"
He stepped around the podium putting it between them. "Ah, but you are. And a very powerful one at that."
"N-no, not anymore," Willow protested. She shook her head. "I don't do magic anymore. Long story, but not anymore."
The man smiled at her. "But you just did. Right outside. I felt it."
"What? I didn't do anything outside."
"You reached out magically to your friend." He laughed slightly. "The fact that you did it without realizing it shows just how much power you have."
"I did? But I didn't, I swear. Did I?" Willow remembered how real it had felt to touch Tara's face, and she knew he was right. A part of her was appalled that she had actually used magic again. "I didn't mean to; it was an accident, I swear."
"It's alright. You don't have to apologize to me." He picked something up from the podium and walked slowly over to Willow.
"My name is Loshar Exbron. I'm a wizard. A sorcerer if you will." He smiled down at her. "And you are?"
"W-Willow."
He smiled. "Willow. Wonderful name."
"Not a witch," she added insistently.
Loshar laughed again. He stepped past her and looked out a small window set in the stones. "For a hundred and fifty years, there have been witches from all dimensions and all the worlds, looking for the book. Most have perished on the floors between here and the ground. Those that
have gotten here have proved rather useless." He turned back to her. "The Goshtimjaharan have brought me every witch they catch in the castle."
"I'm sorry, the Goshti- Goshtim --"
He turned back to her. "Goshtimjaharan. They were my soldiers in the battle against Salarion, and now they guard the castle."
"I see."
Loshar smiled at her."You, Willow, are the first human witch to be brought to me in more than ten years. And the last one was, unfortunately, useless." He stepped closer and held something out to her. "We'll see if you will turn out to be the same or not."
Remembering what had happened the last time she accepted something from someone, Willow kept her hands at her sides.
"Oh, please. It's harmless, really."
"I've sorta got issues about people handing me things lately. What is it?"
Loshar shrugged. "It will simply tell me if you and I come from the same dimension. If you can open it, we do. If you can't, we don't." He smiled. "Rather simple, don't you think?"
Willow looked closely at the object, seeing only a thin silver box about the length of his hand.
"Nothing else? I won't be sucked into a vortex and stuff, where I'll go to another demension?"
Another chuckle. "No. No vortex will open."
"O-okay." Hesitantly, she reached out and took the box from his hand.
"Try to open the clasp."
Willow found a golden clasp on one end, and flipped it open with ease.
"Like that?"
Loshar smiled again, this time letting it turn into a grin. Willow found herself thinking that he looked like Xander did when he was possessed by hyenas. "Perfect. That proves you are what you appear to be; namely human. Now," he stepped closer, well within arm's reach, and fixed his gaze on her, "Open it."
Willow moved her thumbs to opposite sides of the clasp and pulled them apart. The box opened easily.
Only, it wasn't a box after all. It was two solid silver plaques that fit together exactly. Something was engraved inside them, and as she looked at it, she realized it was a spell.
Loshar was laughing triumphantly. "Yes! Well done, Willow!" He turned away and went to the podium, staring down at something on it. "Soon," he
whispered. "Ah, Salarion, you are about to be defeated at last."
"Salarion," Willow whispered. Her eyes widened. "The book!"
He looked up at her. "Yes. The book. So, you've heard of it, hmm? It is why you came here, isn't it?"
"Well, no I didnt really have a choice in coming here, but yes I know of the book."
He beckoned to her. "Come. Come see what all your effort has been for."
Willow stepped forward and looked at the face of the podium. Set into the middle of the silver surface was a golden book with a gleaming white diamond on the cover. As she looked closer she could see that there were two hand prints on the cover as well, one with a black jewel in the middle and the other with a blue gem.
"Nice. So, that's the Grimble of Salarion?"
"Grimoire, and yes. You'll notice the two handprints on it. That is, of course, because there must be two witches to remove it from this location. One alone cannot free it."
Willow looked up. "Oh, no. Sorry, Loshar, but no. I'm not a witch anymore, remember?"
He shrugged. "Would't matter even if you wanted to free the book. Right now, I'd be of no use to you." He glanced around the room. "You see, I'm trapped here. Have been for a very long time. And until I'm free, I can't free the book."
"Oh." Willow took a breath. "How'd you get stuck here?"
"You don't know the story of Salarion and his golden spell book?"
She shook her head.
"Well, then, I'll tell you, shall I?"
Willow nodded, and Loshar folded his arms, putting them on the podium.
"Solarion was a wizard born on earth, in our own dimension, about fourteen hundred years after Christ. He was a sheepherder until one day when he came upon a younger child lying in a field after having been injured. He cured the child, and was heralded as a messenger of god. However, when someone he tried to cure ended up dying, his village thought him an evil spirit instead. They were going to hang him when he was rescued by Sir Robert Aurejoin, a member of the Knights Templar. Sir Robert recognized the boy for what he was and he took him to be education by a wizard named Raymar. Now, the story of Raymar is actually fascinating, but since it doesn't bear on our current tale, I'll move right along."
Willow shuffled her feet a little and winced. Loshar looked up from his story.
"I'm sorry, how rude of me." He left the room, going into a small back area where Willow could see a table and chair and the end of a bed. Then Loshar returned, his lone chair in his hands. He set it down for her, and she slid into it gratefully. He leaned back on the podium.
"Are you comfortable?" She nodded. "Good. Now, where was I? Oh, yes, Raymar. . ."
"Suffice to say that Raymar was a very powerful wizard and he taught Salarion many things. All of which were recorded in the book." He tapped on the golden volume on the table. "This book. It has spells of binding,
of healing, of power, and many more. It gives the secrets of many magics, and can even tell the resting place of the last known phoenix, who died in the fifth century before Christ." Loshar stroked the book with his fingertips. "It is even said that the spell of immortality was in here." He looked at her. "Do you see why it's so important?"
Willow nodded. "Right. Important. Spell of immortality, even."
"Yes." Loshar turned his eyes back to the gold on the pedestal. "And I wanted the book. Salarion learned I was searching for him. He knew it was only a matter of time, and he knew that face to face, I was better than him and would kill him. So, he switched dimensions. But I tracked him nonetheless. Once I knew he had settled here, I knew I had him." He sighed. "Unfortunately, I made an egotistical mistake that cost me my freedom."
"What was your mistake?"
"I gave him too much time." He moved away from the pedestal and began pacing. "I knew he was trapped, as I had closed all possible means of escape, including dimensional. He couldn't leave his castle. So, I waited. I kept a superior force outside, thinking he would bargain with me. And the book would be mind." Another shrug. "Instead, he set a trap for me."
Loshar stopped and looked up at her, a smug expression on his face. "I killed him. Right in this very tower. I used a spell and sent a bolt of lightning through his body and I watched him fall. His body burned to death before my eyes." He sighed.
"But the trap was already sprung. Salarion set the spell to trigger if he was killed by magic. His killer -- that would be me -- would be trapped here, in this tower. Unable to leave these two small rooms. Forever." He gazed at the podium. "And he left the book here as a final punishment. He trapped it, making sure that I couldn't get at it. Spell bound so that only two witches can free it, and only if they're both free." Turning to her, he smiled. "So, you see my dilemma."
Willow nodded. "Oh, yes, of course." Then she stopped and took a breath. "Well, no. Not really."
"It's very simple. I need you to free me." He picked up the now opened silver box. "You see, Salarion left this behind as well. It's a spell that will free a prisoner from all magical traps. The only problem is it only
works if used by someone of your own dimension." Loshar sighed again dramatically. "And coming from a planet where magic is not very accepted, and those that practice the arts are outcast and even killed -- well, let's just say things weren't looking very good."
He stepped in front of her and smiled. "But now you're here. And you will free me."
For a moment, Willow couldn't speak. When she did find her voice it squeaked out. "Me? Um, no. No, I - I don't do magic anymore. Not at all. I can't."
"Oh, but you can. And you will."
She shook her head. "I can't."
"You mean you won't."
Willow shifted nervously in her chair. "Well, yeah, that, too, but -- can't sounds much better than won't, don't you think?"
He smiled at her. "You know, I can't force you to use the spell. It must be read willingly."
She tried not to smile in relief.
"However." Loshar leaned down and grabbed her leather jerkin, hauling her up till her face was a bare inch from his own. "I can always make you change your mind."
He dropped her into the chair and stepped behind her. His hand gripped the back of her neck and pain flared through her head.
"Now, Willow. Let's discuss the fate of you and your friends, shall we?"
End Part Nine.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
------------------
Later dayz,
TrueXena
"I'm so evil, and skanky...and I think I'm kinda gay."
[This message has been edited by TrueXena (edited December 06, 2001).]
[This message has been edited by TrueXena (edited December 06, 2001).]
by mollyig » Thu Dec 06, 2001 3:31 am
I loved Willow's thoughts about walking in the rain - lovely!
But Donny? Its part of the test, right?
------------------
Anya: You think it's sensible for me to go down into that pit of
cotton-top hell, and let them hippity-hop all over my vulnerable flesh?
by Scout » Thu Dec 06, 2001 5:32 am
Poor Willow - I hope they get reunited soon. I handle fanfic separations about as well as I handle separations on the show. I'm such a wuss!
by Puff » Thu Dec 06, 2001 10:46 am
Again a wonderful update and I am looking forward to the next part.
------------------
Bloody hell, sodding, limey, shagging, knickers, bollocks...oh God...I'm English
by Rane » Thu Dec 06, 2001 11:13 am
i'm looking forward to more!
by flamey » Thu Dec 06, 2001 4:22 pm
i'm addicted to it.
it's a mutual thing...
it's just wonderful!!
by the_slayers_girl » Thu Dec 06, 2001 4:58 pm
by Shaniezak » Thu Dec 06, 2001 5:21 pm
So when do I get my next draft to edit, huh?
Huh?
by xita » Thu Dec 06, 2001 5:40 pm
And again, poor Willow trying so hard.
by TrueXena » Fri Dec 07, 2001 3:33 am
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reflections in Raindrops (10/?)
Authors: Shadowriter (shadowriter@kc.rr.com) and TrueXena
(truexena@columbus.rr.com)
Rating: R
Couples: W/T
Spoilers: Through this season
Notes: This is us trying to get beyond the W/T rift, kind of.
Archiving: Sure, but please talk to us first.
Feedback: Please. Pretty please? Public or private, either one.
Copyright: The characters in the story are the property of Joss Whedon (much
bowing in his general direction) and Mutant Enemy. We are borrowing them for
a short time, but will return them in perfect condition. The plot, however,
is ours.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reflections in Raindrops
Part Ten
Loshar tightened his grip on Willow's neck and closed his eyes.
Willow felt him enter her mind and tried frantically to stop him. It was too late, though and he took control of her easily.
He searched through her memories, forcing her to watch them and experience them again. She saw herself as a child, being laughed at for falling off her bike. Watched Xander getting beaten for protecting her. Buffy forced to save her time and time again. Her almost attempt at cursing Oz and Veruca.
She experienced again the horror of watching Glory take Tara's mind, and then her failed attempt to use black magic to defeat Glory. She saw the final scene of Buffy leaping from the tower, and cried, blaming herself again for not being fast enough or strong enough.
In her mind, she saw herself use the spell to bring Buffy back, and felt the power flow through her again. She again went through the fights with Tara and their terrible breakup, and her awful night with Dawn and Rak. The word strawberry slipped through her as she felt his mind numbing magic pulsing in her.
Then she was back in the tower, gasping for breath and crying.
"You, Willow, are quite a prize," Loshar whispered in her ear. "So much power, and yet untrained in control. On the edge between good and evil."
Willow whimpered slightly and bit her lip. She could still feel him in her mind, and was frozen in his grasp. But she could still use her voice.
"I won't -- use -- magic."
From the corner of her eye, she could see him smile.
"Oh, yes, you will."
He dove back into her mind.
===========================
Tara stared at Donny.
"You can't be here. You're not h-here."
He grinned and spread his arms. The room around them came into focus and Tara found herself back home, in the kitchen of the three bedroom house they'd shared outside Cleveland.
"Where else should I be?" Donny put his hands on his hips and looked down at her smugly. "Dad's gonna be home in a few, and he's gonna whip you for not having those dishes done."
Tara looked around her in shock and in fear. Her clothes had changed, gone back to the long grey dress that her father had commanded she wear at home. The one she'd hated so much.
"How did I get here? I w-was in the --"
"You were off in some fantasy world again." He shook his head. "If you don't stop talking about magic and all that crap, you know what Dad'll do."
"He... he can't h-hurt me." Tara faced him, nervously, her fingers plucking at her dress. "This i-isn't re-real."
"Oh, yeah?" Donny pulled his arm back and slapped her. Tara fell heavily on her side. "Tell me again I ain't real."
She sat up, one hand to her cheek, staring at him. "B-but I'm n-not here. I left. I w-went to college..."
Donny's laughter was loud and obnoxious. "You? You couldn't get into college if you tried. Not that Dad would let you. You're just a stupid little twit who's only good for --"
They heard the screen door slam.
"Oh, now you're in for it. Dad!"
"Donny? Tara?"
Tara slowly got to her feet as her father walked into the room. He looked exactly the same as he did when she left home, still razor thin, and angry. He had always looked perpetually angry.
He glanced at the sink, then glared at Tara. "I thought I told you I wanted the dishes done and dinner on the table."
"B-but ... " Her father stepped forward and she cringed, stepping back.
"She's been off in her fantasy world again," Donny said. "Talking about castles and spells and shit. And col-lege -- said she'd gone off to college."
Tara looked back and forth from her brother to her father and back again. There wasn't anywhere to run, nowhere to hide that they couldn't find her. Her fear began to rise into panic as her breathing picked up.
"Tara, what have I told you about pretending?" Mr. Maclay looked at Donny and held out his hand. Donny, with a grin at Tara, took off his belt and handed it to his father. "Why do you make me punish you, Tara?"
He shook his head. "I was hoping I'd be able to save you from the demon, but...." He trailed off with a sigh.
The panic was making it hard to see straight. She couldn't catch her breath, and her heart was racing. As her father raised his arm and the first lash stuck, all she could think about was hiding.
But she knew there was no where left to go.
==================
Amy Madison was staring at herself in a mirror. Only it wasn't her face.
It was the face of her mother, who was also a witch and who had forcefully switched bodies with Amy in an attempt to steal away her daughter's youth.
And it seemed to be working.
The woman in Amy's body flounced into the room and ordered the girl out.
"Out. I have to do my make up; Kenny's going to be here in a little while to take me to dinner."
Amy moved aside and watched her mother begin putting blush on her cheeks.
"Mom? Why'd you do it?"
"Because you weren't strong enough to stop me." Catherine opened her lipstick tube. "Besides, you couldn't control yourself anyway."
"But - but, Willow said --"
"Willow?" Her mother turned to her angrily. "Since when have you been talking to Willow?" Catherine Madison grabbed her daughter's arm. "What did you say to her?"
"N-nothing. We just talked .... it was...was..." Amy couldn't remember. How long had she been in this body?
Catherine glared at her. "You know I don't like you talking to anyone. You stay away from them, you understand me?"
Amy nodded. After all, she had always done what her mother told her.
Hadn't she?
======================
Willow was tired. Her body ached, and her muscles had started cramping from being so tense. She couldn't move them to release the tension, and the only time she could relax was when Loshar let her. Those moments, however were few.
Again she was pulled back to watch the scene in the park where Glory took Tara's mind. She heard herself screaming, and watched the short battle to stop the hellgod.
"You couldn't save her then." The voice was a whisper in her mind. "But you can save her now."
The scene changed and she saw Amy and Tara fighting a sea of creatures, battling them back with swords and magic. But it wasn't enough. She watched them get overrun, watched Amy falling, dying, and then heard Tara scream her name.
"Free me, Willow. I can help you save her."
She saw Tara, lying on the floor, bleeding. The blonde raised herself slightly from her prone position and reached out a hand. "Willow. Help me."
"The spell, Willow. All you have to do is read the spell. Then Tara will be safe."
"Willow, help me." Tara's voice was filled with pain and pleading. "Please, Will. Use your magic and help me."
Something inside told Willow that was wrong. Tara would never want her to use magic. She'd promised Tara and herself that she wouldn't.
But hadn't she already? Hadn't she tapped into the magic when she called out to Tara? The earlier image of Tara's face rose in her mind, smiling at her.
She was confused and shaking. Her breath came in gasps and she tried to hold onto Tara's smile. It faded away, the tower room coming back into view.
"You're very strong, Willow." Loshar was kneeling beside her chair, one hand at the back of her neck, and the other on her forehead. "Very strong. But I've waited too many years to let you beat me."
He moved his hand from her forehead for a moment and wiped the sweat out of his eyes.
"Time to break you, little witch."
===============
Tara saw the belt descending as it in slow motion. Then things returned to normal and the blow struck her on the shoulder. She winced and pulled away.
"You will not be like your mother!" Mr. Maclay raised the belt again and swung, another blow cutting across Tara's side. She cried out and twisted away. "If the only way to get rid of the demon in you is to beat it out, then by God..." His next swing forced her to her knees, and she curled up in a ball, trembling and crying.
"Th-this i-isn't happening, this i-isn't r-real!"
Her crying seemed to make him angrier and his blows intensified, coming faster and harder.
"You will never leave this house, Tara!"
"B-but I already d-did," she whispered to herself.
"You will obey me! There will be no magic in this house!" The blows continued to fall.
"Willow..." Tara closed her eyes and concentrated on a picture of the woman she loved more than anything. In her mind she could hear Willow telling Buffy that Tara was a powerful witch. She saw the rose in her room rising, and Willow and her clasping hands as the coke machine flew across the floor and barricaded the door.
Then it was the scene in the magic box, where her father called her demon and ordered her home. Willow and Buffy and the other Scoobies standing up for her. Spike proving that she wasn't a demon.
"I will beat the demon out of you!"
Tara realized there was a part of her that still accepted herself as a demon. There was still a part of her that saw herself as unworthy of Willow's love. If she had been stronger, Willow wouldn't have needed the darkness, the magic. She should have been enough for Willow. But how could she be when she wasn't enough for her own family?
She reached into her pocket to touch the crystal her mother had given her. When it wasn't there, she started to panic. Then she remembered. She'd given the doll's eye crystal to Willow. Willow still had it. Willow always carried it with her.
Even as her father continued yelling, Tara closed her eyes and listened to another voice, one that told her she was loved. Told her she was needed, and wanted and cared about. She pictured Willow's beautiful face, surrounded by her red hair, as they lay on their bed, spent with passion.
She heard Willow tell her that she'd done the right thing in leaving. And then she knew.
Tara opened her eyes again, and grabbed the belt on it's next down stroke. Her father's eyes went wide with rage, and he jerked the belt out of her hand. She stood slowly, facing him.
"I'm. Not. Here." Her words were slow and distinct. "This i-isn't real."
Her father smiled. "Of course it is." He swung the belt at her again.
She caught it again.
"I left. I went to college. I met Willow, and we f-fell in love. This," she gestured around the room, "is an illusion. Because I left." Her voice dropped to a whisper, but was still loud in the quiet room. "And it was the right decision."
Her father snarled at her. "You failed. You'll always fail."
She shook her head and smiled. "No. I know where I belong, and I know who I belong to." Her voice began to pick up volume. "And it's not here, and it's not you, and I refuse to believe in you anymore!"
The house faded, along with the image of her father and her brother. She found herself standing in the rain where she'd been just a few minutes ago.
Her body ached. It felt like all the blows from her father had been real, and she guessed that in her mind they had been, and so manifested themselves on her body. With a sigh, she tilted her head back and opened her mouth to let the rain in. The water was cool, and fresh, and she was able to breathe much easier.
She turned to where she'd left Amy, and found the woman staring straight ahead, her mouth open in shock, and her eyes round with fear.
"Amy?" Tara touched her companion tentatively. There was no response. "Amy? Come on. It's not real, Amy, it's not. Whatever you're feeling, whatever's happening, it's not real." She took hold of Amy's shoulders and shook her.
Again, there was no reaction from Amy, who continued to stare. Her breathing was coming in short gasps, and her pulse was racing.
Tara made a decision and placed her hands on either side of Amy's head, her fingers touching the other woman's temples. With first a tentative whisper, she reached out. When she found no barriers, she plunged ahead, sending herself into Amy's mind.
====================
Amy was sitting on the couch. Her mother, still in Amy's body, bounced into the room and twirled around.
"I look great, don't I?" Amy nodded halfheartedly. "You could never look this good in this body."
"I --"
"Oh, do shut up. Here, have another brownie." She snapped her fingers and there was a plate of brownies on the coffee table in front of Amy.
"But --"
Amy was startled to see Tara appear. For a moment, she wasn't sure who the blonde woman was, but when the blue eyes flashed at her, she knew. This was Willow's love, the one who had drawn her back from magic. But why was she here?
Tara looked back and forth at the two. She saw Amy putting on her jacket, but somehow she knew it wasn't Amy. And this woman, who appeared to be Amy's mother Catherine, wasn't.
"Amy?" Tara whispered.
The older woman nodded. She felt the press of memories filling her and she let them in, remembering her binges with Willow, and the night they'd gone to Rak's together. And when she'd kidnapped Willow and Tara.
Tara saw the memories begin to replace themselves in Amy's troubled mind. "Yes. Come on, Amy. Fight. You need to fight this."
"Who the hell are you?" The non-Amy grabbed Tara's arm and glared at her. "Get the hell out of my house."
"I'm not in your house." Tara jerked her arm free and knelt by the couch. "Amy, listen to me. This isn't real. None of this is true." She reached out and touched Amy's arm.
The non-Amy figure laughed. "Of course it's real. I'm in her body and she's in mine."
Amy looked down at the floor.
Tara took her hand. "No, she's not. Amy, this whole thing is in your mind. You and I are still at the castle, and we're trying to find Willow, remember?"
Catherine laughed. "Right. Castle." She put her hands on her hips and glared at her daughter. "Amy would never go anywhere. She's too scared. And even if she did, she'd just screw it up."
"She's right," Amy said quietly. "I just mess everything up. That's why she's got my body again. Cause I wasn't strong enough."
Tara realized that Amy was fighting a similar battle to hers. The only difference was that she had Willow to bolster her strength. Amy had no one.
"Amy, I need you."
"No, you don't. The only thing she's ever given you is trouble. That's all she's good for."
"You are strong, Amy, and you are important. I need you to help me."
"But I can't help anyone. I can't. I tried, but I'm not strong. If I was she wouldn't have my body." Amy wrapped her arms around self. "I can't control anything."
Tara could feel Amy's body beginning to shut down. Her heart was slowing, as was her breathing. Amy was giving up.
"Amy, you can't quit. You promised me you'd help me find Willow. You promised."
The only response was for Amy to burst into tears.
"See? Told you. Weak. Unable to do anything for herself. Even be herself." Catherine looked at her daughter with disgust.
That's the key, Tara thought. Reaching out, grabbed the sides of Amy's face and forced the woman to look into her eyes.
"Amy, why'd you start studying magic?"
The other woman stuttered.
"Amy, why? Because you wanted to be like your mother?"
"No." The word was said forcefully. "No, I wanted to be different. I knew she had power, but she used it wrong. She used it to hurt people." Tears rolled down her face. "But all I did was hurt people. Like you and Willow. I couldn't do anything right."
"Amy, you're not your mother. You can't be like her, ever. You know why?"
"Oh, please, tell us why." Catherine's voice was sarcastic as she stood watching them.
"You could never be her, Amy, because she didn't care. You do. Yeah, you messed up, big time. But you're not her. Because you care." Tara pulled Amy's gaze back to meet her own. "You cared enough to put yourself in danger a few hours ago when Willow fell, and you had to pick her up, and all those little creatures were there, remember?. That's something your mother would, and could, never do."
Amy's gaze was locked on Tara. She remembered the fight on the second floor, just before they reached the stairs. Something flickered in her eyes.
"You know why else you couldn't be her? Because you admitted you were wrong, and you apologized. You think she would?"
"No." It was a whispered word, but the effect was tremendous. The room started to vaporize slightly.
"I'm not my mom."
Tara smiled. "You're not."
"I'm not my mom, and I won't be like her. I won't."
The image finally shifted completely and they both found themselves standing in the rain, Tara's hands still on Amy's head.
They separated slightly. Both of them were still dazed, and not sure what to say.
Amy finally let out a long breath. "Thank you, Tara."
Tara nodded. "Ready?"
The dark haired witch nodded. She pulled her sword out and took a step forward. "Let's get your girl and go home."
====================
"Tara!"
Once again, the image of Tara's bleeding body filled Willow's head. By this time she wasn't sure what was real and what wasn't. All she knew was Tara was in danger and she had to help her.
"That's right, Willow." The voice was continually whispering to her. "She's dying, but you can help her. You know how."
"Th-the spell?"
"Yesssss. The spell."
Loshar smiled to himself. He had practically exhausted himself in working his mind magic on this witch. She had a great deal of power and used it to resist him. But it would all be over shortly.
"Read the spell, Willow. Then we can save Tara." He wanted to meet this Tara who had inspired such loyalty, and could chain such a powerful witch as Willow.
"B-but -- " Willow frowned. "But, Tara doesn't.... want..."
"She does. Can't you hear her calling to you?" He tightened his grip on her, bringing her back to Tara's body. This time the bloody phantom reached out and called to Willow.
"Use your magic, Will. Save me."
"We can still be in time, Willow. Just say the spell and we can save her."
Willow nodded, tears running down her face. "I'll -- I'll s-say it."
Loshar took the hand off her neck and reached down to the silver box on the floor. He placed it in her lap and pulled her head forward.
"Here, Willow. Read the spell and we will go get Tara."
Willow opened her eyes and focused on the words in front of her. Slowly, she began to read.
End Part Ten.
------------------
Later dayz,
TrueXena
"I'm so evil, and skanky...and I think I'm kinda gay."
[This message has been edited by TrueXena (edited December 07, 2001).]
by mollyig » Fri Dec 07, 2001 5:04 am
Glad Tara & Amy could best the test.
Oh but poor Will!
Wonderful work!
------------------
Anya: You think it's sensible for me to go down into that pit of
cotton-top hell, and let them hippity-hop all over my vulnerable flesh?
by Scout » Fri Dec 07, 2001 5:48 am
Two down, one to go. Don't give up the fight, Willow!
by Kalita » Fri Dec 07, 2001 10:41 am
by Sassette » Fri Dec 07, 2001 11:45 am
The next part will be soon, yes?
-Sass
by aladdin » Fri Dec 07, 2001 5:43 pm
Oh, I know that's not constructive criticism but I just don't feel like nagging right now and I liked this. I beg your pardon...
by flamey » Fri Dec 07, 2001 7:24 pm
by Lonewolf » Sat Dec 08, 2001 12:33 am
Lonewolf
by TrueXena » Sat Dec 08, 2001 4:01 am
We hope everyone has a great weekend.
------------------
Later dayz,
TrueXena
"I'm so evil, and skanky...and I think I'm kinda gay."
by Shaniezak » Sun Dec 09, 2001 4:12 am
But part 11 will be RIGHT on its way!
by TrueXena » Sun Dec 09, 2001 4:18 am
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reflections in Raindrops (11/?)
Authors: Shadowriter (shadowriter@kc.rr.com) and TrueXena
(truexena@columbus.rr.com)
Rating: R
Couples: W/T
Spoilers: Through this season
Notes: This is us trying to get beyond the W/T rift, kind of.
Archiving: Sure, but please talk to us first.
Feedback: Please. Pretty please? Public or private, either one.
Copyright: The characters in the story are the property of Joss Whedon (much
bowing in his general direction) and Mutant Enemy. We are borrowing them for
a short time, but will return them in perfect condition. The plot, however,
is ours.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Reflections in Raindrops
Part Eleven
Getting up the stairs to the tower was made difficult by a tangled vine that Amy and Tara had to hack their way through. By the time they got to the door, both were covered in scratches and cuts.
Amy ran a hand across her forehead and winced.
"You okay?" Tara asked.
"Yeah. Forgot I had a scratch up there and I just rubbed sweat into it."
"Ouch."
Tara tried to turn the handle of the door but it was locked. After a quick unlocking spell she tried again, with no luck. "Amy, I think this is magically sealed."
"Well, then, I guess we'll just have to unseal it." She held her hand out towards the door and concentrated. "Yeah, this is a powerful lock spell. We'll have to break it together."
Tara felt the stirrings of magic in the back of her mind. She tried to dismiss it as the spell they were about to break, but there was something too familiar about it. She closed her eyes and searched for the memory, finding it only seconds later.
She inhaled and put a hand on Amy's shoulder. "We need to hurry. Willow's in trouble."
=====================
Willow watched as a drop of blood fell onto the silver plaque on her lap.
Her head was throbbing, made worse by the nosebleed, and she couldn't think. All she knew was that Tara was in trouble, Tara was dying, and she had to save her.
Something inside her wavered a little. There was a familiar feeling of comfort that soaked into her, something that eased her cramped muscles, something that reminded her of --
Tara.
She stopped reading and immediately the grip on her neck tightened.
"Read, Willow. Finish it."
"But -- I felt --"
"No. It couldn't have been. She's dying, remember?"
Another image of Tara falling, bleeding, dying, and the comfort in her was driven back. She opened her mouth to speak the final few phrases.
"Willow, don't!"
The voice came from the door to the hall, and Loshar looked up in rage. That door had been double sealed with spells, and this witch had opened them.
He pulled one of his hands off of Willow and pointed toward Tara. Tara ducked slightly, and aimed a spell at a point between him and Willow.
They were both thrown several feet away, with Willow tumbling from the chair and landing hard on her side. The magician rolled quickly to his feet, his face twisted in rage.
Amy held her position in the doorway, concentrating. She and Tara had agreed that one of them would be on the defensive, throwing up a protection spell and holding it as long as they could. Although she originally thought it would be Tara protecting her, she had to admit that the white witch had a great deal of power -- more than she herself did.
Loshar sent out a call to his soldiers. Between his magic and their might, he'd kill this intruder and finally free himself. All he had to do was keep the witch occupied until they got here.
The heavy tramp of running feet got loud, and then the outside door slammed shut and locked itself.
And now the sorcerer was furious. He'd been moments, just moments, from being free. It had taken much of his energy to force images into the redheaded witch, to gain control of her -- all for naught, as the spell had been broken.
He let his anger fill him, drawing energy from the darkness within it. Loshar knew he wasn't at full strength, but it didn't matter. This inexperienced upstart would fall as easily as all the others he'd faced.
Tara sent another spell toward the sorcerer, but his own protection had kicked in and he swatted it away like an annoying fly. Loshar sent a lightning bolt towards the witch in return, and was surprised to sense it hit a barrier in front of her. Then he smiled, sensing that barrier was down.
Amy felt the bolt hit her shield and she groaned, dropping to her knees as it overloaded her senses for a moment. She tried to focus her energies, but couldn't pull enough of them together to reform the shield around Tara.
Knowing her shield was down, Tara tried to bombard her opponent with fireballs. Most of them bounced harmlessly off him, but it at least kept him from throwing another bolt at her. She figured if she could just outlast his protection, she'd have a chance against him.
Loshar knew what her plan was, and with the next fireball, he merely held his hand up, redirecting the energy back at her. She dove to avoid the rebounding spell, and in that moment, Loshar threw an energy bolt at her.
It never hit. Amy, who'd been dealing with the aftereffects of his lightning bolt, could barely gather enough energy to pull a protection spell around herself. She prayed it would be enough and as Tara dove for cover, Amy moved. By the time Loshar cast his bolt, Amy had thrown herself between the two spell casters. Her shield partially deflected the energy, but a great deal of it hit her. She was thrown backwards her head cracking hard against the wall. When she hit the floor she lay still.
Tara knew there was no place to hide. She was tiring quickly, and only had enough energy for a few more spells.
Loshar knew he was moments away from defeating her, and he couldn't help but gloat. "I was almost free, and you ruined everything. But you'll pay for this, witch."
Tara threw another fireball, but it erupted harmlessly against his shield.
Movement behind the magician caught her eye. She waited until he was ready to cast, and then threw a fireball at the same moment Loshar threw his spell. The two energy balls collided in the air, not far from Tara. The collision was enough to knock her backwards against the wall.
A split second after Loshar fired, Willow crashed the chair into his back. It knocked him to his knees, and he hit the floor with a groan. Willow didn't have enough strength to use the chair again, but she pulled herself together and mumbled a spell. Loshar rolled over quickly, only to have a mass of soggy white material hit his face, blinding him and silencing him all at the same time.
By the time Loshar could pull the goo off his face, Tara had reached him. The magician looked up just in time to see the blonde witch holding the chair over him. She slammed it down, cracking it against his skull. His eyes rolled up into his head and he slumped over, unconscious.
Tara dropped the arm of the chair that had broken off in her hand. She looked down, seeing the man's chest moving up and down in regular motions. She leaned over him and whispered a sleep spell that would keep him knocked out until they could get out of there.
Which, she realized, might be a problem.
Ignoring that, she went to Willow, who had slumped against the wall after casting the obstruction spell on Loshar. She was holding a hand to her still bleeding nose and trying to stop gasping for breath.
"Ta-ra?"
"Yes, sweetie." Tara wrapped her arms around the redhead and held her close. "Willow, what happened? Can you tell me?"
Willow grabbed onto Tara and squeezed. Her hands touched the blonde hair and then slid down her back. She pushed away, and looked at Tara, tears streaming down her face. One shaking hand slowly stroked Tara's cheek.
"I saw -- he showed me. I saw -- you were hurt. I couldn't help you." More tears came. "He wanted free -- but I couldn't save you. Oh Tara, I couldn't help. I saw -- but you're okay?" Willow looked down at Tara's body as if searching for a wound.
"Darling, it's okay. I'm not hurt."
"I couldn't move, and then he -- and the spell. Oh, Tara!" With that she was back in Tara's arms, and the blonde witch rocked her back and forth, whispering in her ear.
"Shhhhh..... Will. I know. It's okay." It wasn't clear to Tara exactly what had happened, but something had terrified her friend. "Willow, it's okay. I'm all right."
They stayed wrapped around each other for a few more minutes, until Willow's crying eased off. Then Tara leaned the other woman back against the wall and looked at her. She touched her face gently and smiled.
"I love you, Willow." She leaned forward and let her lips touch against her love's. It was a kiss of comfort, not of passion, and it told Willow just how much she was loved, and that, for the moment, she was safe.
"I love you too. Can we get out of here now? Please?"
Something in Willow's voice, and her blue-green eyes, told Tara there was a lot more to talk about. Willow couldn't seem to look her in the eye for more than a moment. Her gaze moved restlessly, and her hands shook.
But they didn't have time to talk now. "We just need to find the book."
Willow nodded, and wiped her eyes. "It's on the podium. I have the spell we need to release it."
"Good. Then we need to get it and Amy's little teleport -- oh, no, Amy!"
Tara jumped up and headed for the corner near the door where Amy had collapsed.
"Oh God, is she ok?" Willow asked as they approached the dark haired witch, who lay still on the floor. Together, they rolled her over, glad to see her chest moving as she breathed.
There was a scorch mark on her side, and Tara could see some reddened flesh through the torn clothing. She was bleeding from a gash in her head, and had a large bump there as well.
"If she hadn't had that protection spell to deflect it, that bolt would have killed her." Tara leaned forward and slapped Amy's face lightly. "Amy!"
Willow grabbed the water skin off of Amy's belt and uncorked it. She poured some in her hand and sprinkled it over Amy's face, then splashed some into her mouth. Amy swallowed, and coughed. "Amy?"
Amy opened her eyes, but closed them quickly. She rolled over on her side and coughed some more. With a moan, she flung an arm over her head as Tara patted her gently on the back.
"Amy, can you talk to me?"
"Tara, please don't yell." Amy's voice was barely a whisper. "Everything hurts."
Tara looked up and saw that Willow understood the situation as well as she did. Amy wouldn't be able to work the spell that freed the book. Since it took two people, it would have to be Tara and -- Willow.
The Goshti had been pounding at the door for several moments, but now the noises became steady, repetitive. The reverberations made Amy whimper in pain.
Willow swallowed. "Tara, we have to get out of here before Loshar wakes up, or the Goshti
come through that door. Amy's not gonna be able to do the spell, so I will."
Tara knew she was right. Had known it, since Amy hit the wall. But she didn't have to like it. Willow looked very pale and was still very shaky.
She sighed and looked at her red-headed friend. "Then we'll do it together, Will." She glanced at the door the Goshti were pounding on. "And we'll have to do it soon. I don't think battering rams will hurt that door, but it won't hold long if they use axes."
Willow nodded and leaned over Amy. "Amy? Where's the teleport device?"
Amy pointed at their food bag. Willow reached over and dug out the golden pyramid that had gotten them there.
"Okay, now how does it work? What do we do?"
The injured witch groaned and forced herself to sit up. She swayed for a moment and Tara slid an arm around her to hold her upright. "Um. It's simple really. Works the same way it did to get us here." Closing her eyes, she waited for the spinning to stop. "It, um, was programmed to activate and send us here if you held it in your hand for ten seconds. To return us, it's set to activate ten seconds after the book is freed. As long as we're touching the book or each other, we'll be transported home."
Tara stood. "Then we'd better free this thing and get out of here." She heard a thud against the door and then another one. "We need to leave before our visitors get in."
Willow pulled the book out of her back pocket and fumbled for a few moments. Opening it, she ripped two pages out, then tossed the book on the floor. "We use these for the spell." She handed one to Tara.
Tara stared down at the page, confused. "Will? How does this spell work?
I mean, I know it takes both of us, but -- don't we just say the same words? Why two pages?"
"Umm, yeah. Not exactly the same words for the both of us though. Two spells to make the one." Willow said. She hoped that would be enough of an explanation.
The blonde witch watched her closely for a moment, then pulled her to her feet. She led Willow a few steps away from their friend. "There's something you're not telling me. What is it, Will?"
Willow sighed. "The two spells are different, because one of us has to channel White magic, and the other Dark." Her green eyes let Tara know that Willow was not happy about
this.
"Will, I can --"
"No. Don't even say it." The redhead held up a hand. "I can do it. I know I can." She paused. "I've been through it before, and I can handle it." She looked Tara in the eyes, seeing understanding there. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I'll be fine, really." She paused for a moment, looking down at her hands. "I'm just scared of getting lost again."
Tara admitted to herself she was afraid of the same thing. Losing Willow once had been hard, but to let it happen a second time would cut her soul in two.
But it was the only way out.
Putting a determined look on her face, Tara put her arms over Willow's shoulders. "I don't like that you'll have to use dark magic to get us out of here, but -- it doesn't look like I have a choice." She raised her hand and swept Willow's bangs away from her eyes. "I know you're scared. But I want you to remember something." She stepped closer, her eyes scant inches from Willow's. "Do you remember what you said to me after you saved me from Glory? You told me that you would always find me. Now I'm telling you. I will find you, Will. Trust me. The darkness can't have you, because you belong to me, and I will find you, no matter what."
This time it was Willow who brushed her lips across Tara's.
As she pulled back slightly, Tara took Willow's face in her hands and forced their gazes to meet. "Are you okay, Will?"
Willow swallowed hard and nodded. Tara held her gaze a moment longer, and Willow shook her head, no.
"Can you tell me?"
Another swallow, and Willow shook her head again. "After we get out of here, please?"
Tara nodded. The two of them hugged each other tightly, and only separated at the sound of splintering wood. Looking up, Tara saw the door shudder under the strain.
The two of them helped Amy up, and held onto her as they moved to the podium. Willow was shaking, but all Tara could do was offer silent support to her friend.
They stood close together, with Amy leaning on both of them for support.
Her arms were around their shoulders and her right hand held the teleportation device.
"Okay, Amy, wanna tell us once more how this is going to work?" Tara asked.
"Sure." Amy had her eyes closed to stop the room from spinning. "You two say the spell, the book is freed, and ten seconds later the three of us go poof."
Willow nodded. "Poof is good, let's get to Poofing"
Tara placed her right hand over the print on the book that held the blue stone. She watched while Willow, who hesitated for just a second, placed hers over the black stone.
Together, they started the spell.
By the third line of the chant, Tara felt the power growing within her, the magic welling up to fill her. This was not the ordinary magic that she used for spells, this was the deep magic, that came from within her and without her. She felt a charge go through her and reveled in it.
Willow, too, could feel the power, but instead of it being comforting, it was nauseating. Pulling in this much dark magic was always dangerous, and she struggled to contain it and direct it into the spell. The amount of power flowing through Willow was more than she'd ever touched, even more than Rak had given her. She could almost hear it calling to her, telling her to take more. She struggled with it, even as it grew within her.
Amy glanced at Willow to see blood flowing steadily from her nose. Her eyes had gone totally black. Each time they sparked, Amy winced.
Willow threw her head back and screamed as the spell crackled through them, and the book was released. When she could speak, Tara called to Willow. There was no response and she knew Willow was losing control, but there was nothing she could do about it at that moment.
The head of an axe broke through the door, and Tara knew they were out of time.
The seconds counting down were like an agony of waiting. The first Goshti soldier broke through the door and raised his battle axe. As he did, the device activated, and the three witches disappeared.
End Part Eleven.
------------------
Later dayz,
TrueXena
"I'm so evil, and skanky...and I think I'm kinda gay."
by Scout » Sun Dec 09, 2001 6:46 am
by RomanceJunky » Sun Dec 09, 2001 8:38 am
The Junky...have I mentioned that I LOVE this story???
Next Please!!!
by nika » Sun Dec 09, 2001 11:41 am
------------------
"Eat lot's of applesauce, preferably fed to you by attractive young lesbians." Amber Benson
by KittyKo » Sun Dec 09, 2001 12:50 pm
by emily 'first' » Sun Dec 09, 2001 1:51 pm
------------------
vive,valeque.
by Sassette » Sun Dec 09, 2001 5:04 pm
-Sass
by TrueXena » Sun Dec 09, 2001 5:23 pm
quote:
Originally posted by Sassette:
Oooh... TX, Shadow... that was mean. And full-on angsty. Sheesh! I, too, though that once they got out, everything would be sunshine and flowers. Oh, well... can't wait for the next part.-Sass
What?? There is a next part? hum....
Just kidding.
------------------
Later dayz,
TrueXena
"I'm so evil, and skanky...and I think I'm kinda gay."
quote:by RomanceJunky » Sun Dec 09, 2001 5:39 pm
The Junky...evil, skanky, and kinda gay ya'll!
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