Sorry for the delay, folks. Here's some more.
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy? Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
By the time the paramedics arrived Tara was just coming to, though she
really wasn't in any condition to talk, at least not until after they had
examined her.
Dawn stayed by Willow's side, to try and comfort her, while they
treated Tara's head wound and checked for a concussion. They told her she
didn't need stitches, and all concerned were relieved to learn she would
not need to go to the hospital. After the paramedics had cleared her and
given her some medication for the pain, Willow carefully helped Tara up
to bed.
"Is that better?" the redhead asked, after adjusting Tara's pillows
for the third time.
Tara nodded, wincing at the resulting pain. "Yes. Thank you." She
looked around. "Where's Dawn?"
"Downstairs. I think Buffy just got home." Willow sat down beside the
blonde, and began to gently stroke her hair. "I'm so sorry."
Tara blinked. "For that?"
"This is all my fault." Willow sighed. "I remember now. It was Amy."
"What, you mean the one who hurt you?"
The redhead nodded. "Amy would never have hurt you if it wasn't for
me. I think she blames you for taking my magick away. But I never thought
she would do something like this. She's gone crazy."
"Will, no." Tara took the redhead's hand. "Amy needs our help."
"How can you say that? After what she did to you?"
"Amy is in a really dark place right now, Will. The same place I was
worried you'd end up in if you kept doing so much magick. I've seen this
before. The magick has taken over completely. It's feeding off her
emotions and making her irrational. Hostile. But she can't focus the
hostility, so she's lashing out at what she perceives to be the source of
her problems. And I think she's chosen me, because of you."
Willow started. "What do you mean, me?"
"You remember what you told me about the night you and Amy were out
doing magick? And how it led you to go to Rack for the first time?" The
redhead nodded. "The more magick you guys did the more you needed to do
to keep the buzz on. But after your accident you stopped. You resisted
the cravings. Amy hasn't had a chance to do that, and she misses the fun
you guys had. So she's trying to get you back, and I think she must
believe that if I'm out of the picture, she can get what she wants."
"I get it. Amy doesn't have anyone in her life to ground her. What
with her mother being a psycho-witch who's trapped inside a cheerleading
trophy, her dad still trying to deal with where she's been, and the fact
that she was a rat for the last three years, she's pretty much alone."
"Exactly," said Tara. "And after you stopped going out on the town
with her, she probably feels like she's been abandoned again. So she's
lashing out." Her eyes widened. "Goddess, we have to find her. As long as
her powers are out of control she's not just a danger to herself, but to
everyone in Sunnydale."
*****
Amy paced back and forth across the room she'd taken in her father's
house.
He'd gone to work, giving her a chance to light some candles and dig
into the stack of magick books she'd put under her bed. After all the
time she'd been away--she'd told him the truth but was still trying to
deal--she knew he would be incensed if he found out she was still doing
magick.
The crystal she'd taken from Buffy's house was in her lap. "Nonono!"
Amy tossed the book aside, and reached for another one. "I know it's here
somewhere!"
*****
Tara felt refreshed after a good night's sleep.
Particularly when she woke to find Willow curled up against her, one
arm draped across her chest. She rolled over to face the redhead, and
kissed her lightly.
"Hey." Willow's eyes fluttered open. "Good morning."
The redhead sat up, yawning. "Mm...morning." There was color in Tara's
cheeks again, she had seemed so pale the night before. "How do you feel?"
"Better." Tara's eyes narrowed. "Sort of."
Willow reached out to her former, and hopefully future, lover. "What
is it?"
"Something doesn't feel right. I'm just not sure what it is." Tara
sighed. "What about Amy?"
Willow shrugged her shoulders. "Buffy's got Spike checking with some
of his demon friends and I think she's going to take another shot at
Willy later."
"Well, whether we find Amy or she finds us, we're going to need all
the magick we can get."
The redhead lowered her eyes, and Tara saw a shift of emotions in her
face. She bit her lip. "Will? What is it? What's wrong?"
"Tara, I..." Willow frowned. "I lost it. Again. Amy said she was
trying to get me to use my magick again. When I saw her standing over
you, I just...snapped. I got so angry. I wanted to hurt her."
The blonde ran her fingers down Willow's arm, into her hand, and then
squeezed it. "It's okay, Will. No matter what you may have heard, there's
nothing wrong with getting angry. It's very human. So long as you don't
let that anger get the better of you, or your magick."
"But I wanted to, don't you see? Tara, Amy told me I was weak...and I
think she's right. I couldn't hold back the magick. I got angry at her
and it just, you know, came out." Willow fought back tears. "It scares me
how easily I gave in to the temptation."
Tara nodded. "Then I'll help you. I can teach you all about Wicca,
about its respect for life and magick, and we can try some of the
meditative techniques I know to help you reign in your powers."
"Okay." Willow wiped her eyes, and took a deep breath. "When do we
start?"
*****
IP: Logged
emily 'first'
Cool Monster Fighter
Posts: 158
Registered: Oct 2001 | posted January 02, 2002 13:50
I'm back!! Update!! Great!! More!!------------------
vive,valeque. IP: Logged |
SciFiAcid
Sassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 | posted January 04, 2002 03:01
Once again, apologies for the lengthy between times.I hope you guys still think this thing is worth the constant delays.
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy? Not if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
After breakfast, after Dawn had gone off to school and Buffy went to the Magic Box to work out, Willow and Tara brought some things
downstairs. A few candles, which they arranged around the living room, a really sharp pencil, and a stack of really thin pieces of paper.
The witches sat opposite one another on the floor of the living room, with the paper in between them. "Here's the plan." Tara held up the pencil. "I want you to reach out with your power, and use this to write on the paper. It doesn't matter what, it can just be scribbling if you like, but..."
Willow pouted. "Float a pencil? Come on. Tara, that's the first thing I ever learned. Can't you give one that's at least a little more, you know, interesting?"
"This is serious. Will, magick isn't all fun and games. Some of it has to be about discipline and control, which I'm sorry to say you are lacking." Tara pointed to the paper. "Besides, I promise you this won't
be as easy as you think. That's a very delicate vellum, and it takes only the slightest pressure to tear it. Floating the pencil may be simple, but do you have the fine concentartion neccessary to manipulate it without hurting the paper? That's the first test, and we can't move on until
you pass."
"Piece of cake." Willow was anxious to show Tara what she was capable of so she snapped her fingers and the pencil came flying into her hand. She got it over to the paper easily enough, but as soon as the tip made contact it tore right through. Frowning, the redhead discarded the first
sheet and tried again, then several more times in quick succession, but with the same results. "Tara, this is impossible!"
"You're trying too hard," said the blonde, a half-smile on her face. "That's all. I can tell when you're frustrated, you get these cute little crinkles in your forehead when..." She stopped herself in mid-sentence and cleared her throat. "Here, I'll show you." She held out her hand,
surprised when nothing happened. The pencil hung in the air in front of Willow. "I must be more tired than I thought." She tried a second time; and not only didn't the pencil move, but she realized she was lacking
that familiar tingling sensation she always used to get in the back of her mind whenever she used her magick. "Oh no."
"Tara?" Willow knew something was wrong when the blonde began to tremble. "What is it?"
"I-It's gone." Tara licked her lips. "Goddess, it's gone!"
"What is?"
The blonde held her hands up in front of her, staring blankly at them. "My power!" She was nearly in tears. "I-I feel so...empty. So hollow. And I just realized..." She gazed around, her eyes widening. "...your aura, everything, it's dark. I can't read you. I can't...I feel so...so alone, so..."
"Hey!" Willow reached out and grabbed Tara's shoulders, staring in the blonde's eyes until she could feel Tara beginning to calm. "You're not alone, okay? I'm right here. I'll always be here no matter what, okay?" She took a deep breath. "Now, let's think. How could this happen? Was it the head injury? You nearly had a concussion. It's possible it did something to affect your powers, isn't it?"
"I don't think so. Even if I couldn't access the power, it would still be there. Inside me. But it's not. It's gone. I don't know how, but it's been taken from me."
Willow gasped. "Amy!"
"What?"
"I don't know how much time passed, between when she hit you and when I came downstairs to investigate the noise. Amy could have done something to you, stolen your powers somehow." Willow rowned. "Except I can't imagine why she'd want to do that."
"Neither can I," said Tara. "But I think we'd better find out." ***** Anya stood behind the counter at the Magic Box, glaring at a pile of bills and hoping if she concentrated hard enough that they would all spontaneously combust. Along with all the idiotic bureaucrats who had
decided they deserved more of her money than she did.
The ex-demon raised her head at the sound of the door chime. Someone coming in meant a customer, and the chance to make back some of the money she was forced to give away. But when she saw the young woman; in a
raggedy overcoat, with stringy hair and bags under her eyes, she lost hope of making much of a sale. The young woman in question barely looked like she had two quarters to rub together.
Anya put on her best fake smile as the brunette approached the counter. "Can I help you?"
"I hope so." The young woman began digging through her pockets. "I've been to four other magic shops today, and most of them had no idea what I was talking about." She pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I am hoping I'll have better luck with you. Here's what I need."
"Let's see." Anya's eyes widened. "Iola root...a karmic crystal...and Eixip dust." The ex-demon raised her head, mentally calculating the price of such an order. Something else crossed her mind, and she spoke up. "You must be some witch if you're toying with these kinds of forces."
The young woman shrugged her shoulders. "Can you help me, or not?"
"What you're asking for is pretty pricy. I'm afraid I can't just sell it to you. I'm going to need to see the money up front." Anya was trying to be as delicate as possible, in case the young woman really did have the cash to pay for the things on her list. It would be quite a windfall for the store.
The stranger's gaze locked with Anya's for a moment; her eyes glowed, briefly, and the ex-demon's glowed in response. She smiled. "Now, about the stuff I wanted?"
"I-I..." Anya blinked, her head clearing. "Of course." She grabbed a bag from under the counter and went to fill the young woman's order.
Amy cocked her head, and watched as the ex-demon reached for something on a high shelf. It had been easier than she was expecting to enchant the shopkeeper's mind. She knew Anya was Xander's girlfriend, and had once been a vengeance demon, and that this place was a regular hangout for the
so-called Scooby Gang. That was the only thing that had almost kept her from coming to the Magic Box. She did not like the thought of running into the risk of running into the Slayer, or worse, Willow. But she
really needed the component for her spell, and it would be worth the chance of getting caught to finish what she'd started.
"You're lucky," Anya said over her shoulder. "This is our last karmic crystal. They seem to sell out every time I get in a new shipment. I've never been able to figure out why." She closed up the bag and brought
it back to the counter, then handed it to Amy. "Here you go."
The witch smiled. "Thanks." It had all gone even smoother than she hoped.
"Amy!" Buffy, who was drying herself off with a towel, stood in the now open doorway of the back room. Her eyes narrowed. "You've got a lot to answer for, young lady!"
"Amy?" Sudden recognition crossed Anya's face. "Amy, the rat, Amy?"
The witch frowned. "Why does everybody insist on reminding me? Yes, I was a rat! I wish you guys would get over it already." She kept a close eye on Buffy as she backed toward the door.
"Oh no you don't!" In an incredible display of speed the Slayer darted forward--covering the distance between them in what seemed like just a few steps. She reached for the witch's arm.
Clearly, Amy had other ideas. Her brow furrowed, as an invisible wave of force struck Buffy and knocked her for a loop. The Slayer went flying across the shop and struck the far wall, where she slid to the ground, stunned and momentarily unable to catch her breath.
"Buffy!" Anya went to check on the Slayer, while Amy got away.
IP: Logged |
SciFiAcid
Sassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 | posted January 06, 2002 03:21
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy? Not if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
Anya called Willow and Tara to tell them what happened, but by the time they arrived at the Magic Box Buffy was back on her feet. They found her in the back room, working out.
"Buffy?" Willow slowly approached the Slayer, being careful not to startle her. "Are you okay?"
"I am sick and tired of being knocked on my ass by you magic types. First Rack, and now Amy!" Buffy put her fist right through the punching bag. "Damn it!" She pulled her hand free, watching with a glazed look in her eyes as the sand spilled out all over the floor.
Willow shook her head. "This is crazy. Why would Amy do something like this?"
"I'm not sure. But think she's lost herself to the magick," said Tara. "That happens with some witches. The lure of power is harder for some to resist than others. You got lucky, she didn't."
Buffy frowned. "So how do we stop her?"
"First, we have to figure out what she's up to." Tara looked to Anya. "What did you sell her?"
Anya told them about Amy's list, but she seemed to get upset with each item. "The only problem is, after I got off the phone with you two I checked the cash register. It was short by one hundred and thirty two
dollar. Turns out your little friend didn't pay for what she took, and I'm putting it on your tab, Willow."
"Me?" the redhead asked. "Why?"
"If it wasn't for you, she'd still be a rat, and I wouldn't be short one hundred and thirty two dollars."
Willow sighed. "I'm never going to get out of debt with her," she grumbled.
"You said Iola root, a karmic crystal and Eixip dust?" Tara shook her head. "I don't recognize that combination of ingrediants. Of course, she may also have others. We need to figure out what spells use those three
things if we want to know what she's planning to do."
The redhead smiled. "Oh goody. A research party. I call Zian's Talisman's."
"You always take Zian's," said Tara, slipping her arm through Willow's.
As the two witches headed for the door, with Anya right behind them, Buffy sighed. This was the early part of slaying she had always hated. Willow and Tara were both off the charts smart, and Anya knew an awful
lot about all kinds of demons. She and Xander on the other hand, generally found themselves involved in a fierce bout of rock, paper, scissors to determine who would make the first snack run.
The Slayer sighed. "So who wants donuts?" ***** Food aside, the day did not go well.
Most of it was spent thumbing through book after book, seemingly with none of them having any information about the things Amy had taken. They did find listings about spells and rituals involving one and sometimes two of the ingrediants, but never all three of them together.
"This is ridiculous!" Buffy slammed her book down on the edge of the table, and it cracked. Fortunately, Anya did not seem to notice, as she was still busy flipping aimlessly through the pages of another old,
leather-bound text. "I should be out patrolling. At least I can do some good out there."
"But what if you run into Amy again?" Tara asked. "I don't think she's after you specifically, but if she's mad at me or Willow, she might try to take it out on you."
Buffy shrugged her shoulders. "Let her. She got lucky last time. I wasn't prepared." She crossed her arms. "If I see her this time I'll take her down first, even with all her power!"
"Power?" Willow blinked. "That's it!" She knocked over a stack of books, in her haste to get at one on the very bottom. "I can't believe I forgot. How could I be so stupid?"
"Practice?" Anya offered.
Willow ignored her and continued thumbing through the book until she came to a certain page. "Here. I didn't make the connection until just now. We were focusing on all the things Amy took from the shop, but it
slipped my mind that she also took something else."
"What are you on to, Will?" Tara asked, obviously very curious.
The redhead began to read from the page she had opened to. "The Rite of Transference, allows a witch to take into herself, the powers or memories of another. Amy did something with your powers, right?" Tara nodded. "If I'm right, that's exactly what she's planning to do. She's got the Iola root, a karmic crystal, and the ground wings of a pixie. Eixip dust is like a generic name for pixie wings, you know."
Anya nodded. "It's just pixie spelled backwards, and a lot cheaper than the full price name brand."
"We know she's got your powers Tara, so that means she obviously already has a containment device of some kind. Probably a jewel, or a large crystal. According to this, all she needs is to wait for a new
moon, and find an energy source of great mystical power."
"Oh, there's a new moon tonight," said Anya. "I know, because I sold some ritual body ointment to a couple of Wiccan's who said they were planning to...celebrate it."
Tara leaned back in her chair. "That just leaves a source of great mystical power." She frowned. "But there are so many possibilities in Sunnydale. Where would Amy go?"
Buffy and Willow glanced over at one another, and said the same thing at the same time.
"The Hellmouth." *****
IP: Logged |
moegirl1
Blessed Wannabe
Posts: 11
Registered: Nov 2001 | posted January 07, 2002 01:04
This is getting really good. Poor helpless Tara. What's up with Super Buffy breaking the bag? In the musical episode she was barely even putting a dent in it.IP: Logged |
SciFiAcid
Sassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 | posted January 07, 2002 02:42
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
A short time later, they were on their way.
Willow, Tara, and Buffy went alone, so Anya could tell Xander what
was
going on. The two of them would go back to Buffy's house to keep any
eye
on Dawn.
More than halfway to the ruined remains of Sunnydale High, something
occurred to the Slayer.
"How can we be sure she hasn't already done it?"
"What?" Willow asked.
"Amy. She's had Tara's powers for...what? Half a day now? How do we
know she isn't already done the magick thing and gone mega-witchy by
now?"
Tara shook her head. "This particular sort of ritual is very
specific.
You don't just need a day with a new moon in it, you need the new moon
itself. The spell can not be cast until after the sun has gone down,
and
it's better if you wait until the moon is at its peak height. We have a
little time."
"Not much," said Willow. She glanced toward the rapidly darkening
sky.
There was no direct sunlight left, and it was getting harder and harder
to see. "We're losing daylight fast."
As the three of them turned, a black-clad figure stepped out of the
shadows in front of them. Buffy raised her stake, in case it was a
vampire.
It was. Spike held up his hands. "Easy, love. It's just me."
Buffy did not lower her stake, but she and the vampire continued to
stare at one another. Her arm trembled as she seemed to be seriously
considering whether or not to go through with it. With his back to
Willow
and Tara he blew her a kiss and she finally dropped her arm, turning
away
in disgust, while he chuckled and reached into his leather jacket for a
cigarette.
"So, what brings you birds out on a night like this? Just out for an
evening stroll? Or is there some new evil in town you might want to
tell
the Big Bad about?"
Willow shook her head. "We really don't have time Spike. We think
Amy's at the Hellmouth, and she's getting ready to transfer Tara's
powers
into herself. We have to stop her."
The vampire looked Tara up and down, earning a glare from both Buffy
and Willow, and then nodded. "Bugger all. So you've been neutered, eh?
Welcome to the club."
"In or out, Spike?" Buffy brandished her stake. "Because I'm in a
really punchy mood."
The vampire took a long, slow drag off his cigarette, then spit it
out
and crushed it under his heel. He sneered at her, and she glared right
back. "Lead on, Slayer." ***** Willow and Tara crouched in the parking lot of Sunnydale High,
waiting
for Buffy and Spike to get back from patrol around what was left of the
school. It was his suggestion, but the Slayer agreed it would be better
if they were careful, since they had no idea what Amy might have
waiting
for them.
"Tara?" Willow noticed the blonde seemed to be staring off into
space,
and gently put a hand on her shoulder. "What's the matter? Are you
okay?"
"Will, when we get ready to move, I think you should go with Buffy
and
Spike."
"What?" The redhead blinked. "Why?"
Tara sighed. "Without my powers, I'm really just a liability. You
won't be able to fight effectively if you have to constantly worry
about
me."
"No way." Willow cupped the blonde's cheek. "Listen to me. I love
you.
I will always love you. You might not remember this, but I once said I
would always be there to help you and protect you, and I will. Even if
you don't get your powers back." She smiled. "Besides, I need you with
me
Tara. What if something happens in there? I'm
not sure I can handle it by myself, if Amy pushed me."
Tara shook her head. "You don't need me, Will. You have all the
power
and control you need, you just have to be willing to bring it out of
yourself. It's in you, Will."
"Maybe so." The tone of Willow's voice indicated she didn't
particularly believe what she was saying. "But we both have to be in
there, Tara. We have to get your powers back."
Spike and Buffy appeared on either side of them.
"Coast is clear," said the Slayer. "Are you guys ready to rock and
roll or what?"
Tara glanced at Willow, and then nodded. "Let's do it." ***** Amy Madison was down on her knees--dangerously close to a jagged
hole
in the ground which doubled as the mouth of hell. She had lit candles
arranged all around her, an open book in her lap and the things she had
stolen from the Magic Box sitting in front of her. She was also holding
a
large crystal.
"There!" From a position above, and to the left of, the witch, Tara
and the others watched as she read from the book in front of her. "Do
you
see that thing she's holding? It's a soul crystal."
"Tara, how do you know?" Willow asked.
"Because, it's mine. I bought it at a sorcerer's estate sale several
years ago, and I recognize the pattern." Tara's frown deepened. "She
must
have taken it after she knocked me out."
"So is that where she's got your powers?" Buffy asked.
Tara nodded. "Probably. Soul crystals are meant as storage devices
for
mystical energy."
"So what's with all the starch in your knickers?" said Spike. "She
doesn't look so tough. Let's go down, and get it back. She can't bloody
well stop all of us."
The Slayer gestured. "You first."
Willow was momentarily stunned speechless, when the vampire shrugged
his shoulders and leaped down into the lower chamber. "No! Buffy, what
are you doing? Are you crazy?"
"Don't worry," said Tara. "He can't hurt her."
The redhead frowned. "It's not Amy I'm worried about." *****
IP: Logged |
SciFiAcid
Sassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 | posted January 07, 2002 02:43
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
Amy didn't react as the vampire got closer.
He shifted to his bumpy, fanged visage, in order to get a better
reaction. The chip wouldn't allow him to harm her, but that didn't mean
he couldn't scare her half to death.
All of the sudden, Spike ran face-first into a crackling wall of
energy. It surged and flowed a good eight or so in a circle around the
witch, before once again becoming invisible.
The vampire staggered back, snarling. "Bloody hell!" Spike hissed
growled as the Slayer and the other witches joined him. "Why didn't you
warn me?"
"She's a witch." Buffy put her hand out, the barrier shimmering
where
she touched it. It was warm and tingling against her skin, almost like
static electricity. "What did you expect?"
Tara did the same as Buffy, but she walked all the way around the
barrier, dragging her hand. "A bubble. Amy's managed to protect herself
from all sides. Amazing."
"It's the Hellmouth," said Willow. "Magick works better here than
anywhere else in the city."
Buffy reared back and punched the barrier as hard as she could. She
was rewarded with a surge of light, which struck her so hard she was
sent
flying backwards.
Fortunately, Spike proved equally as fast. He moved behind the
Slayer
and caught her before she could hit the wall, possibly injuring
herself.
Not surprisingly, she didn't say thank you.
"I was afraid of that," said Willow. "Amy must've been expecting
you'd
come, Buffy. The barrier is kinetically charged. The harder you hit
it..."
"...the harder it hits back," Tara added. "Brilliant. Twisted, but
brilliant."
As they were talking, Amy's eyelids fluttered open. She grinned.
"Thank you." They all took a step back as she slowly got to her feet.
"Why?" Tara asked. "Why did you do this to me?"
"Are you kidding? Have you read about this Rite of Transference
thing?
Do you even begin to grasp what kind of power I'm going to have?"
"My power!"
Amy blew her a kiss. "Not for long." She smiled when she saw Buffy
and
Spike circling, as if they were trying to find a weakness in her
defenses. "It's almost time, you know." She was talking mostly to
Willow
and Tara. "In a few minutes the moon will be at its peak, for the
purpose of this ritual, and afterwards there isn't a damn thing any of
you can do to stop me!"
Vampire and Slayer attacked simultaneously from opposite sides,
obviously hoping to catch Amy by surprise and take her down. But the
witch didn't even flinch as they collided with her barrier instead, and
for their effort they were both flung backwards by a surge of energy.
"You're wasting your time," Amy warned. "Once cast, the Sphere of
Cytorrak can't be penetrated, or dispelled, until the duration of the
spell has passed. Even I can't lower it." Waving to them, the witch
turned and went back to her work, dropping to her knees next to the
Hellmouth.
Tara pulled Willow away and lowered her voice. "We have to stop her,
now."
"We'll get your powers back. I promise."
Tara shook her head. "It's not that. Will, we're sitting on top of a
mystical convergence here. It's like a powder keg, and what Amy's doing
is like playing with the fuse. If the ritual goes wrong, and maybe even
if it succeeds, she'll be unleashing some pretty unstable energies. I
don't think I have to tell you..."
"I know, I know. The Hellmouth." Willow frowned. "But how, Tara?
I've
read about the Sphere of Cytorrak. It's as close to indestructible as
you
can get. Plus, the harder you hit it, the harder it hits back. Even the
two of us, I mean when you had your powers, I'm not sure we could make
a
dent."
"That's just my point. We've seen that force is wasted on the
Sphere.
We need a gentler approach and, frankly, right now you're the only one
of
us who can pull it off."
"Me?" Willow started. "Tara, how can I...?"
"It's tricky. But there is a way. It will require concentration and
focus."
The redhead felt her confidence dwindling. "But, we never finished
the
lesson. In fact, we never really started it. What if something goes
wrong? What if I screw up? What if..."
Tara lunged forward and kissed Willow on the lips, silencing her all
at once. After a few moments, she pulled herself away, with great
reluctance. "Listen. You have to do this. Do you understand? If you
don't, Amy will win and everyone else could lose. Do you understand?
It's
all up to you."
"I-I told Buffy, before we went to fight Glory, I don't do well
under
pressure."
Tara gently stroked the redhead's cheek, and smiled. "Relax, Will.
You
can do this. I know it." She took a deep breath and encouraged Willow
to
do the same. "Now then, look within yourself. Find the part of you that
is one with the magick, and embrace it. Make it a part of you. Okay?
Concentrate on being one with the magick, and it will let you open a
door. All you have to do it step through it. The Sphere does not exist.
Do you understand? It is nothing but an illusion, a mist. It's vapor.
See
yourself on the other side."
Nearby, Spike and Buffy looked on and listened, the former with
clear
disbelief on his face. "Bloody hell. Do you really think that's going
to
work?"
The Slayer elbowed him in the ribs, and pointed. "Look."
"I'll be damned," said the vampire. ***** Willow was glowing.
Not very brightly, and the effect seemed to fade in and out, but
there
was a definite aura of energy around her body. It pulsed slightly as
she
started forward, and when it came in contact Amy's barrier spell the
both
of them rippled, but did not otherwise react. The redhead continued
until
she was through.
"Bloody hell," said Spike. "She did it!"
Tara couldn't help but smile. "That's my girl."
Willow's arms fell limply to her sides and the energy faded, while
all
the color drained from her face. With a strangled cry she dropped to
her
knees, trembling.
"Oh no!" Tara bit her lip. "Willow!"
Buffy clutched at the other blonde's arm. "What is it? What's
happening?"
"She's been trying to stop doing so much magick, and the strain must
have been too much for her." Tara shook her head. "Damn it, I never
should have let her do this!"
"No sense whining," said Spike. "What's done is done. Not a bloody
thing we can do
Amy heard Willow's cries, and glanced up from the text she was
reciting to see the redhead just falling to her knees. She smiled. "I
underestimated you, Willow." The brunette put the book down and stood
up.
"I know I said you had a lot of power, but I never imagined you'd find
a
way to get through the Sphere of Cytorrak. I was under the impression
they were pretty much impenetrable."
The other witch turned her back on the redhead. "Not that it really
matters. Even you can't do anything to stop me now. It's almost time."
She kneeled down and took Tara's soul crystal in one hand, the book in
the other, and closed her eyes as prepared to recite the spell text.
"Willow!" Tara's voice carried, but the redhead didn't even flinch.
"Willow, get up! Please!"
Amy glared over her shoulder. "She's quite a loudmouth, isn't she?
Tell you what. Once I'm done here I'll have her power inside me. Maybe,
I'll just have to see what the rest of her is like." As she went back
to
her book, the brunette failed to notice Willow slowly raising her head.
Sparks of energy began surging around the redhead's fingertips. Her
eyes, meanwhile, darkened. She rose off the ground and landed on her
feet, without moving her body. Every step she took released a flash of
energy, yet she hardly made a sound as she approached Amy.
Tara's eyes widened. "Uh oh."
"Man, I can feel the power she's giving off from all the way over
here," said Buffy. "I haven't seen Willow like this since...oh God,
Tara.
It's Glory all over again."
Spike took out a cigarette, leering at the impending spectacle.
"This
should be interesting." ***** IP: Logged |
SciFiAcid
Sassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 | posted January 07, 2002 02:43
It's done, folks. TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT. ***** Amy frowned as the shadow fell across her. Yet another distraction.
She was prepared to do something about it, until she actually turned
and
saw Willow.
The redhead was seething, literally, with energies Amy had never
seen
before. It was enough to sent a chill of terror down her spine, and she
scrambled to get away. In the process she lost her book; it tumbled
into
the hole in front of her and was never seen again. She barely noticed
though.
"Now Willow, hold on." Amy was trembling. "I didn't mean anything.
Here..." She held out the soul crystal in a desperate bid to appease
the
other witch. "...take it. All you gotta do is get her to break it, I
swear. She'll get her powers back, and then we'll be even, all right?
No
harm no foul, right?"
If Willow understood any of what Amy was saying, if she even heard
it
at all, she gave no sign. Instead she put her left hand out, and a
glowing orb of light formed. Her eyes had turned solid black, and she
was
clenching her teeth so tightly it discolored her lips.
Amy's eyes widened. "Y-You wouldn't..."
"Willow!" Tara cried, suddenly feeling nearly as scared as Amy.
"No!"
The redhead ignored them both. She cocked her head as the energy in
her hand surged.
"Please!" Amy's eyes filled with tears. "Don't! Please! I'm sorry!"
Everyone was so busy watching Willow's left hand, they failed to
take
notice of her right--expect Spike. Only the vampire saw her clenching a
fist, or the way she drew her arm all the way back. He spit out his
cigarette and smiled. "Take her down, Red."
The punch was so sudden and swift no one but Spike could follow it,
and even that was only because he'd seen it coming. It wasn't
particularly well-executed though, Willow lost her balance and fell to
one knee, but at least it got the job done.
Amy's head was snapped back and around, with such force that it
wrenched her neck. She was spun around and went face-first into her own
barrier. It surged, she screamed, then the backlash knocked her up into
the air. Her body was still sizzling as she hit the ground and slid for
several feet.
The energy faded from all around Willow's body, and her eyes
returned
to normal. Sighing, she turned to face her friends. A tired smile lit
up
her face.
"Nicely done Red," said Spike. "I'm impressed."
Buffy nodded. "So am I. I never knew you had it in you, Will."
"Neither did I," said the redhead. She held up her hand. "I've just
got one question." Her knuckles were starting to turn red. "How do you
deal with the pain? Oww!"
"Slayer strength," Buffy replied.
Willow looked expectantly, even a little worriedly, to Tara. "What
did
you think?"
"You scared me." Tara crossed her arms."For a minute there, I was
afraid you'd let your anger get the better of you and the magick had
taken over." She smiled. "Now I'm just glad you're okay."
"Except for my hand."
Tara chuckled. "Except for your hand."
"Don't worry," said Spike. "Once you get out of there, I'm sure
blondie'll kiss it and make it all better." ***** Once the barrier was down, the vampire's words proved eerily
prophetic.
Willow and Tara flew into one another's arms, embracing tightly and
kissing. Spike stood by watching, until a slap to the back of the head
from the Slayer convinced him otherwise.
"I thought I was going to lose you," Tara whispered.
Willow shook her head. "Never. I said I'd always find you, and I
knew
you'd always find me."
"But the magick, Will. I saw it..."
"No, you saw what I wanted Amy to see. I was trying to intimidate
her."
Tara pressed her forehead against Willow's, and closed her eyes.
"I'm
glad it's over."
"Not yet." The redhead gestured, mystically drawing the soul crystal
to her. "We've still got one more thing to take of." She held it out.
"Would you like to do the honors?"
Nodding, Tara twisted the crystal until it broke in half. A
shimmering
spiral of energy came pouring out, only to be drawn in through her nose
by her next breath. She closed her eyes, gasping, as a wave of light
passed over her entire body. When she opened her eyes again, she was
smiling.
"How do you feel?" Willow asked.
The blonde held up her hand, and the two pieces of crystal began to
float. "Better."
"It worked! Oh goddess, Tara!" The redhead threw her arms around
Tara
and held her close.
Buffy stepped forward and cleared her throat. "I hate to interrupt,
but...could we get out of here? I really don't want to spend any more
time in this place than I absolutely have to."
Spike cocked his head, and nodded at Amy. "What about the dark witch
here?"
"A part of me says we should leave her," said Buffy. "After
everything
she's done, it'd serve her right to be the next meal for whatever big
bad
beastie comes along."
Willow frowned. "Buffy..."
"I'm kidding," the Slayer replied. "More or less." She crossed her
arms. "Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her. I promise I won't hurt
her,
unless I have to, and I'll see to it she gets home."
"You want some company?" Spike asked. "Might get...lonely."
Buffy shrugged her shoulders.
"Let's go," said Tara. She held out her hand, and Willow took it. ***** The two of them made it back to Willow's dorm room in record time.
They were all over each other as they stumbled through the door, and
fell on to the bed.
"Goddess, Tara!" Willow threw her head back and gasped when the
blonde
began nuzzling her throat. "Not that I am...complaining...or
anything...but what's...ooh!" Off came the top two buttons of her
blouse,
thanks to Tara's oh-so-skilled mouth. "What's got you so...turned on,
all
the sudden?"
Tara lifted her head, a familiar glimmer in her eye. "You really
have
to ask?" She sat up and swept a stray lock of hair from her face. "I
nearly lost you today, Will. Not just to the magick, but to Amy. I
don't
think I can stand another day being without you. I love you."
"I love you too. And I want this, Tara. Goddess. I miss being with
you, so much it hurts." Willow sighed. "But I also don't want you
rushing
into something you may, you know, regret later."
Tara shook her head. "I could never regret being with you, Will. Not
like this, and not...the other way, either. I want us to be
together...even though I know it won't ever be like it was again. You
really hurt me." The redhead's face fell, and she lowered her eyes.
"And
I also know there is always a chance that if I let you get close it
could
lead to my getting hurt all over again, but you know what?" She tucked
her finger under Willow's chin and lifted her eyes to meet her own. "I
don't care. I'm willing to risk it, if you are."
"Tara, I...I can't ever say I'm sorry enough. I'll regret what I did
for the rest of my life, and in my heart I know I have no right to
believe you would ever want to see me again. Yet here you are somehow
willing to forgive me, and the idea of us being together again makes me
so indescribably happy." Willow took one of Tara's hands and held it
over
her heart. "I swear to you, Tara Maclay, with all my heart and soul,
with
every fiber of my being, I'm going to try my best to never do or say
anything to hurt you ever again. And one day, somehow, I pray I can
find
some way to help you find it within yourself to forgive to trust me
again."
The blonde put her hand on the back of Willow's neck, and pulled her
in for a kiss. "Do you have any idea how much I love you, Willow
Rosenberg?"
"Why don't you show me?" the redhead asked.
Tara smiled. "I'd be more than happy to."
THE END
IP: Logged |
'lucy' moore
Doll's Eye Crystal
Posts: 69
Registered: Dec 2001 | posted January 07, 2002 14:01
That was good...Well done.------------------
fiat justitia,ruat caelum. IP: Logged |
Dave V
Cool Monster Fighter
Posts: 156
Registered: Nov 2000 | posted January 07, 2002 21:22
Very good.Respecting the writing, you handled Willow's use of misdirection very well. I thought she was going Dark Phoenix again. Her physical (as opposed to magical)solution worked well with the already establshed properties of the sphere. IP: Logged |
Scout
Big Pineapple
Posts: 838
Registered: Jun 2001 | posted January 07, 2002 22:07
I'm just getting caught up on this. Such an interesting twist with Tara losing her magick and Willow not wanting to do magick. Plus, we get a happy ending! Very entertaining and very enjoyable! IP: Logged |
Kirk B
Cool Monster Fighter
Posts: 213
Registered: Oct 2000 | posted January 08, 2002 11:24
Thank you, everyone.I enjoyed writing this story, it was good to see Amy get her come-uppance (even if I had to do it myself), and of course I was happy to get Willow and Tara back together again. It may or may not (no, it HAS to) happen on the show. But as long as we have fan fiction we can always revel in the wonder that is Willow and Tara. ------------------
Kirk B "A Willow is a tree that weeps, but Tara is firmer and will hold.” Hear that baby? You're my always. I got so lost.
I found you. I will always find you. IP: Logged |
orion
Floating Rose
Posts: 33
Registered: Dec 2001 | posted January 08, 2002 19:35
Great job on this fic I'm almost sad to see it end. Wonderfully executed, with lots of twists and turns. I hope to read more of your work, keep it up.------------------
"Okay, thats a little blacker then I like my arts" -Willow IP: Logged |
IP: Loggedemily 'first'Cool Monster Fighter
Posts: 158
Registered: Oct 2001 posted January 02, 2002 13:50
I'm back!! Update!! Great!! More!!------------------
vive,valeque.
IP: Logged
posted January 02, 2002 13:50 I'm back!! Update!! Great!! More!!------------------
vive,valeque.
IP: LoggedSciFiAcidSassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 posted January 04, 2002 03:01
Once again, apologies for the lengthy between times.I hope you guys still think this thing is worth the constant delays.
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy? Not if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
After breakfast, after Dawn had gone off to school and Buffy went to the Magic Box to work out, Willow and Tara brought some things
downstairs. A few candles, which they arranged around the living room, a really sharp pencil, and a stack of really thin pieces of paper.
The witches sat opposite one another on the floor of the living room, with the paper in between them. "Here's the plan." Tara held up the pencil. "I want you to reach out with your power, and use this to write on the paper. It doesn't matter what, it can just be scribbling if you like, but..."
Willow pouted. "Float a pencil? Come on. Tara, that's the first thing I ever learned. Can't you give one that's at least a little more, you know, interesting?"
"This is serious. Will, magick isn't all fun and games. Some of it has to be about discipline and control, which I'm sorry to say you are lacking." Tara pointed to the paper. "Besides, I promise you this won't
be as easy as you think. That's a very delicate vellum, and it takes only the slightest pressure to tear it. Floating the pencil may be simple, but do you have the fine concentartion neccessary to manipulate it without hurting the paper? That's the first test, and we can't move on until
you pass."
"Piece of cake." Willow was anxious to show Tara what she was capable of so she snapped her fingers and the pencil came flying into her hand. She got it over to the paper easily enough, but as soon as the tip made contact it tore right through. Frowning, the redhead discarded the first
sheet and tried again, then several more times in quick succession, but with the same results. "Tara, this is impossible!"
"You're trying too hard," said the blonde, a half-smile on her face. "That's all. I can tell when you're frustrated, you get these cute little crinkles in your forehead when..." She stopped herself in mid-sentence and cleared her throat. "Here, I'll show you." She held out her hand,
surprised when nothing happened. The pencil hung in the air in front of Willow. "I must be more tired than I thought." She tried a second time; and not only didn't the pencil move, but she realized she was lacking
that familiar tingling sensation she always used to get in the back of her mind whenever she used her magick. "Oh no."
"Tara?" Willow knew something was wrong when the blonde began to tremble. "What is it?"
"I-It's gone." Tara licked her lips. "Goddess, it's gone!"
"What is?"
The blonde held her hands up in front of her, staring blankly at them. "My power!" She was nearly in tears. "I-I feel so...empty. So hollow. And I just realized..." She gazed around, her eyes widening. "...your aura, everything, it's dark. I can't read you. I can't...I feel so...so alone, so..."
"Hey!" Willow reached out and grabbed Tara's shoulders, staring in the blonde's eyes until she could feel Tara beginning to calm. "You're not alone, okay? I'm right here. I'll always be here no matter what, okay?" She took a deep breath. "Now, let's think. How could this happen? Was it the head injury? You nearly had a concussion. It's possible it did something to affect your powers, isn't it?"
"I don't think so. Even if I couldn't access the power, it would still be there. Inside me. But it's not. It's gone. I don't know how, but it's been taken from me."
Willow gasped. "Amy!"
"What?"
"I don't know how much time passed, between when she hit you and when I came downstairs to investigate the noise. Amy could have done something to you, stolen your powers somehow." Willow rowned. "Except I can't imagine why she'd want to do that."
"Neither can I," said Tara. "But I think we'd better find out."
*****
Anya stood behind the counter at the Magic Box, glaring at a pile of bills and hoping if she concentrated hard enough that they would all spontaneously combust. Along with all the idiotic bureaucrats who had
decided they deserved more of her money than she did.
The ex-demon raised her head at the sound of the door chime. Someone coming in meant a customer, and the chance to make back some of the money she was forced to give away. But when she saw the young woman; in a
raggedy overcoat, with stringy hair and bags under her eyes, she lost hope of making much of a sale. The young woman in question barely looked like she had two quarters to rub together.
Anya put on her best fake smile as the brunette approached the counter. "Can I help you?"
"I hope so." The young woman began digging through her pockets. "I've been to four other magic shops today, and most of them had no idea what I was talking about." She pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I am hoping I'll have better luck with you. Here's what I need."
"Let's see." Anya's eyes widened. "Iola root...a karmic crystal...and Eixip dust." The ex-demon raised her head, mentally calculating the price of such an order. Something else crossed her mind, and she spoke up. "You must be some witch if you're toying with these kinds of forces."
The young woman shrugged her shoulders. "Can you help me, or not?"
"What you're asking for is pretty pricy. I'm afraid I can't just sell it to you. I'm going to need to see the money up front." Anya was trying to be as delicate as possible, in case the young woman really did have the cash to pay for the things on her list. It would be quite a windfall for the store.
The stranger's gaze locked with Anya's for a moment; her eyes glowed, briefly, and the ex-demon's glowed in response. She smiled. "Now, about the stuff I wanted?"
"I-I..." Anya blinked, her head clearing. "Of course." She grabbed a bag from under the counter and went to fill the young woman's order.
Amy cocked her head, and watched as the ex-demon reached for something on a high shelf. It had been easier than she was expecting to enchant the shopkeeper's mind. She knew Anya was Xander's girlfriend, and had once been a vengeance demon, and that this place was a regular hangout for the
so-called Scooby Gang. That was the only thing that had almost kept her from coming to the Magic Box. She did not like the thought of running into the risk of running into the Slayer, or worse, Willow. But she
really needed the component for her spell, and it would be worth the chance of getting caught to finish what she'd started.
"You're lucky," Anya said over her shoulder. "This is our last karmic crystal. They seem to sell out every time I get in a new shipment. I've never been able to figure out why." She closed up the bag and brought
it back to the counter, then handed it to Amy. "Here you go."
The witch smiled. "Thanks." It had all gone even smoother than she hoped.
"Amy!" Buffy, who was drying herself off with a towel, stood in the now open doorway of the back room. Her eyes narrowed. "You've got a lot to answer for, young lady!"
"Amy?" Sudden recognition crossed Anya's face. "Amy, the rat, Amy?"
The witch frowned. "Why does everybody insist on reminding me? Yes, I was a rat! I wish you guys would get over it already." She kept a close eye on Buffy as she backed toward the door.
"Oh no you don't!" In an incredible display of speed the Slayer darted forward--covering the distance between them in what seemed like just a few steps. She reached for the witch's arm.
Clearly, Amy had other ideas. Her brow furrowed, as an invisible wave of force struck Buffy and knocked her for a loop. The Slayer went flying across the shop and struck the far wall, where she slid to the ground, stunned and momentarily unable to catch her breath.
"Buffy!" Anya went to check on the Slayer, while Amy got away.
IP: Logged
posted January 04, 2002 03:01 Once again, apologies for the lengthy between times.I hope you guys still think this thing is worth the constant delays.
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy? Not if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
After breakfast, after Dawn had gone off to school and Buffy went to the Magic Box to work out, Willow and Tara brought some things
downstairs. A few candles, which they arranged around the living room, a really sharp pencil, and a stack of really thin pieces of paper.
The witches sat opposite one another on the floor of the living room, with the paper in between them. "Here's the plan." Tara held up the pencil. "I want you to reach out with your power, and use this to write on the paper. It doesn't matter what, it can just be scribbling if you like, but..."
Willow pouted. "Float a pencil? Come on. Tara, that's the first thing I ever learned. Can't you give one that's at least a little more, you know, interesting?"
"This is serious. Will, magick isn't all fun and games. Some of it has to be about discipline and control, which I'm sorry to say you are lacking." Tara pointed to the paper. "Besides, I promise you this won't
be as easy as you think. That's a very delicate vellum, and it takes only the slightest pressure to tear it. Floating the pencil may be simple, but do you have the fine concentartion neccessary to manipulate it without hurting the paper? That's the first test, and we can't move on until
you pass."
"Piece of cake." Willow was anxious to show Tara what she was capable of so she snapped her fingers and the pencil came flying into her hand. She got it over to the paper easily enough, but as soon as the tip made contact it tore right through. Frowning, the redhead discarded the first
sheet and tried again, then several more times in quick succession, but with the same results. "Tara, this is impossible!"
"You're trying too hard," said the blonde, a half-smile on her face. "That's all. I can tell when you're frustrated, you get these cute little crinkles in your forehead when..." She stopped herself in mid-sentence and cleared her throat. "Here, I'll show you." She held out her hand,
surprised when nothing happened. The pencil hung in the air in front of Willow. "I must be more tired than I thought." She tried a second time; and not only didn't the pencil move, but she realized she was lacking
that familiar tingling sensation she always used to get in the back of her mind whenever she used her magick. "Oh no."
"Tara?" Willow knew something was wrong when the blonde began to tremble. "What is it?"
"I-It's gone." Tara licked her lips. "Goddess, it's gone!"
"What is?"
The blonde held her hands up in front of her, staring blankly at them. "My power!" She was nearly in tears. "I-I feel so...empty. So hollow. And I just realized..." She gazed around, her eyes widening. "...your aura, everything, it's dark. I can't read you. I can't...I feel so...so alone, so..."
"Hey!" Willow reached out and grabbed Tara's shoulders, staring in the blonde's eyes until she could feel Tara beginning to calm. "You're not alone, okay? I'm right here. I'll always be here no matter what, okay?" She took a deep breath. "Now, let's think. How could this happen? Was it the head injury? You nearly had a concussion. It's possible it did something to affect your powers, isn't it?"
"I don't think so. Even if I couldn't access the power, it would still be there. Inside me. But it's not. It's gone. I don't know how, but it's been taken from me."
Willow gasped. "Amy!"
"What?"
"I don't know how much time passed, between when she hit you and when I came downstairs to investigate the noise. Amy could have done something to you, stolen your powers somehow." Willow rowned. "Except I can't imagine why she'd want to do that."
"Neither can I," said Tara. "But I think we'd better find out."
*****
Anya stood behind the counter at the Magic Box, glaring at a pile of bills and hoping if she concentrated hard enough that they would all spontaneously combust. Along with all the idiotic bureaucrats who had
decided they deserved more of her money than she did.
The ex-demon raised her head at the sound of the door chime. Someone coming in meant a customer, and the chance to make back some of the money she was forced to give away. But when she saw the young woman; in a
raggedy overcoat, with stringy hair and bags under her eyes, she lost hope of making much of a sale. The young woman in question barely looked like she had two quarters to rub together.
Anya put on her best fake smile as the brunette approached the counter. "Can I help you?"
"I hope so." The young woman began digging through her pockets. "I've been to four other magic shops today, and most of them had no idea what I was talking about." She pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I am hoping I'll have better luck with you. Here's what I need."
"Let's see." Anya's eyes widened. "Iola root...a karmic crystal...and Eixip dust." The ex-demon raised her head, mentally calculating the price of such an order. Something else crossed her mind, and she spoke up. "You must be some witch if you're toying with these kinds of forces."
The young woman shrugged her shoulders. "Can you help me, or not?"
"What you're asking for is pretty pricy. I'm afraid I can't just sell it to you. I'm going to need to see the money up front." Anya was trying to be as delicate as possible, in case the young woman really did have the cash to pay for the things on her list. It would be quite a windfall for the store.
The stranger's gaze locked with Anya's for a moment; her eyes glowed, briefly, and the ex-demon's glowed in response. She smiled. "Now, about the stuff I wanted?"
"I-I..." Anya blinked, her head clearing. "Of course." She grabbed a bag from under the counter and went to fill the young woman's order.
Amy cocked her head, and watched as the ex-demon reached for something on a high shelf. It had been easier than she was expecting to enchant the shopkeeper's mind. She knew Anya was Xander's girlfriend, and had once been a vengeance demon, and that this place was a regular hangout for the
so-called Scooby Gang. That was the only thing that had almost kept her from coming to the Magic Box. She did not like the thought of running into the risk of running into the Slayer, or worse, Willow. But she
really needed the component for her spell, and it would be worth the chance of getting caught to finish what she'd started.
"You're lucky," Anya said over her shoulder. "This is our last karmic crystal. They seem to sell out every time I get in a new shipment. I've never been able to figure out why." She closed up the bag and brought
it back to the counter, then handed it to Amy. "Here you go."
The witch smiled. "Thanks." It had all gone even smoother than she hoped.
"Amy!" Buffy, who was drying herself off with a towel, stood in the now open doorway of the back room. Her eyes narrowed. "You've got a lot to answer for, young lady!"
"Amy?" Sudden recognition crossed Anya's face. "Amy, the rat, Amy?"
The witch frowned. "Why does everybody insist on reminding me? Yes, I was a rat! I wish you guys would get over it already." She kept a close eye on Buffy as she backed toward the door.
"Oh no you don't!" In an incredible display of speed the Slayer darted forward--covering the distance between them in what seemed like just a few steps. She reached for the witch's arm.
Clearly, Amy had other ideas. Her brow furrowed, as an invisible wave of force struck Buffy and knocked her for a loop. The Slayer went flying across the shop and struck the far wall, where she slid to the ground, stunned and momentarily unable to catch her breath.
"Buffy!" Anya went to check on the Slayer, while Amy got away.
IP: LoggedSciFiAcidSassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 posted January 06, 2002 03:21
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy? Not if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
Anya called Willow and Tara to tell them what happened, but by the time they arrived at the Magic Box Buffy was back on her feet. They found her in the back room, working out.
"Buffy?" Willow slowly approached the Slayer, being careful not to startle her. "Are you okay?"
"I am sick and tired of being knocked on my ass by you magic types. First Rack, and now Amy!" Buffy put her fist right through the punching bag. "Damn it!" She pulled her hand free, watching with a glazed look in her eyes as the sand spilled out all over the floor.
Willow shook her head. "This is crazy. Why would Amy do something like this?"
"I'm not sure. But think she's lost herself to the magick," said Tara. "That happens with some witches. The lure of power is harder for some to resist than others. You got lucky, she didn't."
Buffy frowned. "So how do we stop her?"
"First, we have to figure out what she's up to." Tara looked to Anya. "What did you sell her?"
Anya told them about Amy's list, but she seemed to get upset with each item. "The only problem is, after I got off the phone with you two I checked the cash register. It was short by one hundred and thirty two
dollar. Turns out your little friend didn't pay for what she took, and I'm putting it on your tab, Willow."
"Me?" the redhead asked. "Why?"
"If it wasn't for you, she'd still be a rat, and I wouldn't be short one hundred and thirty two dollars."
Willow sighed. "I'm never going to get out of debt with her," she grumbled.
"You said Iola root, a karmic crystal and Eixip dust?" Tara shook her head. "I don't recognize that combination of ingrediants. Of course, she may also have others. We need to figure out what spells use those three
things if we want to know what she's planning to do."
The redhead smiled. "Oh goody. A research party. I call Zian's Talisman's."
"You always take Zian's," said Tara, slipping her arm through Willow's.
As the two witches headed for the door, with Anya right behind them, Buffy sighed. This was the early part of slaying she had always hated. Willow and Tara were both off the charts smart, and Anya knew an awful
lot about all kinds of demons. She and Xander on the other hand, generally found themselves involved in a fierce bout of rock, paper, scissors to determine who would make the first snack run.
The Slayer sighed. "So who wants donuts?"
*****
Food aside, the day did not go well.
Most of it was spent thumbing through book after book, seemingly with none of them having any information about the things Amy had taken. They did find listings about spells and rituals involving one and sometimes two of the ingrediants, but never all three of them together.
"This is ridiculous!" Buffy slammed her book down on the edge of the table, and it cracked. Fortunately, Anya did not seem to notice, as she was still busy flipping aimlessly through the pages of another old,
leather-bound text. "I should be out patrolling. At least I can do some good out there."
"But what if you run into Amy again?" Tara asked. "I don't think she's after you specifically, but if she's mad at me or Willow, she might try to take it out on you."
Buffy shrugged her shoulders. "Let her. She got lucky last time. I wasn't prepared." She crossed her arms. "If I see her this time I'll take her down first, even with all her power!"
"Power?" Willow blinked. "That's it!" She knocked over a stack of books, in her haste to get at one on the very bottom. "I can't believe I forgot. How could I be so stupid?"
"Practice?" Anya offered.
Willow ignored her and continued thumbing through the book until she came to a certain page. "Here. I didn't make the connection until just now. We were focusing on all the things Amy took from the shop, but it
slipped my mind that she also took something else."
"What are you on to, Will?" Tara asked, obviously very curious.
The redhead began to read from the page she had opened to. "The Rite of Transference, allows a witch to take into herself, the powers or memories of another. Amy did something with your powers, right?" Tara nodded. "If I'm right, that's exactly what she's planning to do. She's got the Iola root, a karmic crystal, and the ground wings of a pixie. Eixip dust is like a generic name for pixie wings, you know."
Anya nodded. "It's just pixie spelled backwards, and a lot cheaper than the full price name brand."
"We know she's got your powers Tara, so that means she obviously already has a containment device of some kind. Probably a jewel, or a large crystal. According to this, all she needs is to wait for a new
moon, and find an energy source of great mystical power."
"Oh, there's a new moon tonight," said Anya. "I know, because I sold some ritual body ointment to a couple of Wiccan's who said they were planning to...celebrate it."
Tara leaned back in her chair. "That just leaves a source of great mystical power." She frowned. "But there are so many possibilities in Sunnydale. Where would Amy go?"
Buffy and Willow glanced over at one another, and said the same thing at the same time.
"The Hellmouth."
*****
IP: Logged
posted January 06, 2002 03:21 TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy? Not if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
Anya called Willow and Tara to tell them what happened, but by the time they arrived at the Magic Box Buffy was back on her feet. They found her in the back room, working out.
"Buffy?" Willow slowly approached the Slayer, being careful not to startle her. "Are you okay?"
"I am sick and tired of being knocked on my ass by you magic types. First Rack, and now Amy!" Buffy put her fist right through the punching bag. "Damn it!" She pulled her hand free, watching with a glazed look in her eyes as the sand spilled out all over the floor.
Willow shook her head. "This is crazy. Why would Amy do something like this?"
"I'm not sure. But think she's lost herself to the magick," said Tara. "That happens with some witches. The lure of power is harder for some to resist than others. You got lucky, she didn't."
Buffy frowned. "So how do we stop her?"
"First, we have to figure out what she's up to." Tara looked to Anya. "What did you sell her?"
Anya told them about Amy's list, but she seemed to get upset with each item. "The only problem is, after I got off the phone with you two I checked the cash register. It was short by one hundred and thirty two
dollar. Turns out your little friend didn't pay for what she took, and I'm putting it on your tab, Willow."
"Me?" the redhead asked. "Why?"
"If it wasn't for you, she'd still be a rat, and I wouldn't be short one hundred and thirty two dollars."
Willow sighed. "I'm never going to get out of debt with her," she grumbled.
"You said Iola root, a karmic crystal and Eixip dust?" Tara shook her head. "I don't recognize that combination of ingrediants. Of course, she may also have others. We need to figure out what spells use those three
things if we want to know what she's planning to do."
The redhead smiled. "Oh goody. A research party. I call Zian's Talisman's."
"You always take Zian's," said Tara, slipping her arm through Willow's.
As the two witches headed for the door, with Anya right behind them, Buffy sighed. This was the early part of slaying she had always hated. Willow and Tara were both off the charts smart, and Anya knew an awful
lot about all kinds of demons. She and Xander on the other hand, generally found themselves involved in a fierce bout of rock, paper, scissors to determine who would make the first snack run.
The Slayer sighed. "So who wants donuts?"
*****
Food aside, the day did not go well.
Most of it was spent thumbing through book after book, seemingly with none of them having any information about the things Amy had taken. They did find listings about spells and rituals involving one and sometimes two of the ingrediants, but never all three of them together.
"This is ridiculous!" Buffy slammed her book down on the edge of the table, and it cracked. Fortunately, Anya did not seem to notice, as she was still busy flipping aimlessly through the pages of another old,
leather-bound text. "I should be out patrolling. At least I can do some good out there."
"But what if you run into Amy again?" Tara asked. "I don't think she's after you specifically, but if she's mad at me or Willow, she might try to take it out on you."
Buffy shrugged her shoulders. "Let her. She got lucky last time. I wasn't prepared." She crossed her arms. "If I see her this time I'll take her down first, even with all her power!"
"Power?" Willow blinked. "That's it!" She knocked over a stack of books, in her haste to get at one on the very bottom. "I can't believe I forgot. How could I be so stupid?"
"Practice?" Anya offered.
Willow ignored her and continued thumbing through the book until she came to a certain page. "Here. I didn't make the connection until just now. We were focusing on all the things Amy took from the shop, but it
slipped my mind that she also took something else."
"What are you on to, Will?" Tara asked, obviously very curious.
The redhead began to read from the page she had opened to. "The Rite of Transference, allows a witch to take into herself, the powers or memories of another. Amy did something with your powers, right?" Tara nodded. "If I'm right, that's exactly what she's planning to do. She's got the Iola root, a karmic crystal, and the ground wings of a pixie. Eixip dust is like a generic name for pixie wings, you know."
Anya nodded. "It's just pixie spelled backwards, and a lot cheaper than the full price name brand."
"We know she's got your powers Tara, so that means she obviously already has a containment device of some kind. Probably a jewel, or a large crystal. According to this, all she needs is to wait for a new
moon, and find an energy source of great mystical power."
"Oh, there's a new moon tonight," said Anya. "I know, because I sold some ritual body ointment to a couple of Wiccan's who said they were planning to...celebrate it."
Tara leaned back in her chair. "That just leaves a source of great mystical power." She frowned. "But there are so many possibilities in Sunnydale. Where would Amy go?"
Buffy and Willow glanced over at one another, and said the same thing at the same time.
"The Hellmouth."
*****
IP: Loggedmoegirl1Blessed Wannabe
Posts: 11
Registered: Nov 2001 posted January 07, 2002 01:04
This is getting really good. Poor helpless Tara. What's up with Super Buffy breaking the bag? In the musical episode she was barely even putting a dent in it.IP: Logged
posted January 07, 2002 01:04 This is getting really good. Poor helpless Tara. What's up with Super Buffy breaking the bag? In the musical episode she was barely even putting a dent in it.IP: LoggedSciFiAcidSassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 posted January 07, 2002 02:42
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
A short time later, they were on their way.
Willow, Tara, and Buffy went alone, so Anya could tell Xander what
was
going on. The two of them would go back to Buffy's house to keep any
eye
on Dawn.
More than halfway to the ruined remains of Sunnydale High, something
occurred to the Slayer.
"How can we be sure she hasn't already done it?"
"What?" Willow asked.
"Amy. She's had Tara's powers for...what? Half a day now? How do we
know she isn't already done the magick thing and gone mega-witchy by
now?"
Tara shook her head. "This particular sort of ritual is very
specific.
You don't just need a day with a new moon in it, you need the new moon
itself. The spell can not be cast until after the sun has gone down,
and
it's better if you wait until the moon is at its peak height. We have a
little time."
"Not much," said Willow. She glanced toward the rapidly darkening
sky.
There was no direct sunlight left, and it was getting harder and harder
to see. "We're losing daylight fast."
As the three of them turned, a black-clad figure stepped out of the
shadows in front of them. Buffy raised her stake, in case it was a
vampire.
It was. Spike held up his hands. "Easy, love. It's just me."
Buffy did not lower her stake, but she and the vampire continued to
stare at one another. Her arm trembled as she seemed to be seriously
considering whether or not to go through with it. With his back to
Willow
and Tara he blew her a kiss and she finally dropped her arm, turning
away
in disgust, while he chuckled and reached into his leather jacket for a
cigarette.
"So, what brings you birds out on a night like this? Just out for an
evening stroll? Or is there some new evil in town you might want to
tell
the Big Bad about?"
Willow shook her head. "We really don't have time Spike. We think
Amy's at the Hellmouth, and she's getting ready to transfer Tara's
powers
into herself. We have to stop her."
The vampire looked Tara up and down, earning a glare from both Buffy
and Willow, and then nodded. "Bugger all. So you've been neutered, eh?
Welcome to the club."
"In or out, Spike?" Buffy brandished her stake. "Because I'm in a
really punchy mood."
The vampire took a long, slow drag off his cigarette, then spit it
out
and crushed it under his heel. He sneered at her, and she glared right
back. "Lead on, Slayer."
*****
Willow and Tara crouched in the parking lot of Sunnydale High,
waiting
for Buffy and Spike to get back from patrol around what was left of the
school. It was his suggestion, but the Slayer agreed it would be better
if they were careful, since they had no idea what Amy might have
waiting
for them.
"Tara?" Willow noticed the blonde seemed to be staring off into
space,
and gently put a hand on her shoulder. "What's the matter? Are you
okay?"
"Will, when we get ready to move, I think you should go with Buffy
and
Spike."
"What?" The redhead blinked. "Why?"
Tara sighed. "Without my powers, I'm really just a liability. You
won't be able to fight effectively if you have to constantly worry
about
me."
"No way." Willow cupped the blonde's cheek. "Listen to me. I love
you.
I will always love you. You might not remember this, but I once said I
would always be there to help you and protect you, and I will. Even if
you don't get your powers back." She smiled. "Besides, I need you with
me
Tara. What if something happens in there? I'm
not sure I can handle it by myself, if Amy pushed me."
Tara shook her head. "You don't need me, Will. You have all the
power
and control you need, you just have to be willing to bring it out of
yourself. It's in you, Will."
"Maybe so." The tone of Willow's voice indicated she didn't
particularly believe what she was saying. "But we both have to be in
there, Tara. We have to get your powers back."
Spike and Buffy appeared on either side of them.
"Coast is clear," said the Slayer. "Are you guys ready to rock and
roll or what?"
Tara glanced at Willow, and then nodded. "Let's do it."
*****
Amy Madison was down on her knees--dangerously close to a jagged
hole
in the ground which doubled as the mouth of hell. She had lit candles
arranged all around her, an open book in her lap and the things she had
stolen from the Magic Box sitting in front of her. She was also holding
a
large crystal.
"There!" From a position above, and to the left of, the witch, Tara
and the others watched as she read from the book in front of her. "Do
you
see that thing she's holding? It's a soul crystal."
"Tara, how do you know?" Willow asked.
"Because, it's mine. I bought it at a sorcerer's estate sale several
years ago, and I recognize the pattern." Tara's frown deepened. "She
must
have taken it after she knocked me out."
"So is that where she's got your powers?" Buffy asked.
Tara nodded. "Probably. Soul crystals are meant as storage devices
for
mystical energy."
"So what's with all the starch in your knickers?" said Spike. "She
doesn't look so tough. Let's go down, and get it back. She can't bloody
well stop all of us."
The Slayer gestured. "You first."
Willow was momentarily stunned speechless, when the vampire shrugged
his shoulders and leaped down into the lower chamber. "No! Buffy, what
are you doing? Are you crazy?"
"Don't worry," said Tara. "He can't hurt her."
The redhead frowned. "It's not Amy I'm worried about."
*****
IP: Logged
posted January 07, 2002 02:42 TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
A short time later, they were on their way.
Willow, Tara, and Buffy went alone, so Anya could tell Xander what
was
going on. The two of them would go back to Buffy's house to keep any
eye
on Dawn.
More than halfway to the ruined remains of Sunnydale High, something
occurred to the Slayer.
"How can we be sure she hasn't already done it?"
"What?" Willow asked.
"Amy. She's had Tara's powers for...what? Half a day now? How do we
know she isn't already done the magick thing and gone mega-witchy by
now?"
Tara shook her head. "This particular sort of ritual is very
specific.
You don't just need a day with a new moon in it, you need the new moon
itself. The spell can not be cast until after the sun has gone down,
and
it's better if you wait until the moon is at its peak height. We have a
little time."
"Not much," said Willow. She glanced toward the rapidly darkening
sky.
There was no direct sunlight left, and it was getting harder and harder
to see. "We're losing daylight fast."
As the three of them turned, a black-clad figure stepped out of the
shadows in front of them. Buffy raised her stake, in case it was a
vampire.
It was. Spike held up his hands. "Easy, love. It's just me."
Buffy did not lower her stake, but she and the vampire continued to
stare at one another. Her arm trembled as she seemed to be seriously
considering whether or not to go through with it. With his back to
Willow
and Tara he blew her a kiss and she finally dropped her arm, turning
away
in disgust, while he chuckled and reached into his leather jacket for a
cigarette.
"So, what brings you birds out on a night like this? Just out for an
evening stroll? Or is there some new evil in town you might want to
tell
the Big Bad about?"
Willow shook her head. "We really don't have time Spike. We think
Amy's at the Hellmouth, and she's getting ready to transfer Tara's
powers
into herself. We have to stop her."
The vampire looked Tara up and down, earning a glare from both Buffy
and Willow, and then nodded. "Bugger all. So you've been neutered, eh?
Welcome to the club."
"In or out, Spike?" Buffy brandished her stake. "Because I'm in a
really punchy mood."
The vampire took a long, slow drag off his cigarette, then spit it
out
and crushed it under his heel. He sneered at her, and she glared right
back. "Lead on, Slayer."
*****
Willow and Tara crouched in the parking lot of Sunnydale High,
waiting
for Buffy and Spike to get back from patrol around what was left of the
school. It was his suggestion, but the Slayer agreed it would be better
if they were careful, since they had no idea what Amy might have
waiting
for them.
"Tara?" Willow noticed the blonde seemed to be staring off into
space,
and gently put a hand on her shoulder. "What's the matter? Are you
okay?"
"Will, when we get ready to move, I think you should go with Buffy
and
Spike."
"What?" The redhead blinked. "Why?"
Tara sighed. "Without my powers, I'm really just a liability. You
won't be able to fight effectively if you have to constantly worry
about
me."
"No way." Willow cupped the blonde's cheek. "Listen to me. I love
you.
I will always love you. You might not remember this, but I once said I
would always be there to help you and protect you, and I will. Even if
you don't get your powers back." She smiled. "Besides, I need you with
me
Tara. What if something happens in there? I'm
not sure I can handle it by myself, if Amy pushed me."
Tara shook her head. "You don't need me, Will. You have all the
power
and control you need, you just have to be willing to bring it out of
yourself. It's in you, Will."
"Maybe so." The tone of Willow's voice indicated she didn't
particularly believe what she was saying. "But we both have to be in
there, Tara. We have to get your powers back."
Spike and Buffy appeared on either side of them.
"Coast is clear," said the Slayer. "Are you guys ready to rock and
roll or what?"
Tara glanced at Willow, and then nodded. "Let's do it."
*****
Amy Madison was down on her knees--dangerously close to a jagged
hole
in the ground which doubled as the mouth of hell. She had lit candles
arranged all around her, an open book in her lap and the things she had
stolen from the Magic Box sitting in front of her. She was also holding
a
large crystal.
"There!" From a position above, and to the left of, the witch, Tara
and the others watched as she read from the book in front of her. "Do
you
see that thing she's holding? It's a soul crystal."
"Tara, how do you know?" Willow asked.
"Because, it's mine. I bought it at a sorcerer's estate sale several
years ago, and I recognize the pattern." Tara's frown deepened. "She
must
have taken it after she knocked me out."
"So is that where she's got your powers?" Buffy asked.
Tara nodded. "Probably. Soul crystals are meant as storage devices
for
mystical energy."
"So what's with all the starch in your knickers?" said Spike. "She
doesn't look so tough. Let's go down, and get it back. She can't bloody
well stop all of us."
The Slayer gestured. "You first."
Willow was momentarily stunned speechless, when the vampire shrugged
his shoulders and leaped down into the lower chamber. "No! Buffy, what
are you doing? Are you crazy?"
"Don't worry," said Tara. "He can't hurt her."
The redhead frowned. "It's not Amy I'm worried about."
*****
IP: LoggedSciFiAcidSassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 posted January 07, 2002 02:43
TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
Amy didn't react as the vampire got closer.
He shifted to his bumpy, fanged visage, in order to get a better
reaction. The chip wouldn't allow him to harm her, but that didn't mean
he couldn't scare her half to death.
All of the sudden, Spike ran face-first into a crackling wall of
energy. It surged and flowed a good eight or so in a circle around the
witch, before once again becoming invisible.
The vampire staggered back, snarling. "Bloody hell!" Spike hissed
growled as the Slayer and the other witches joined him. "Why didn't you
warn me?"
"She's a witch." Buffy put her hand out, the barrier shimmering
where
she touched it. It was warm and tingling against her skin, almost like
static electricity. "What did you expect?"
Tara did the same as Buffy, but she walked all the way around the
barrier, dragging her hand. "A bubble. Amy's managed to protect herself
from all sides. Amazing."
"It's the Hellmouth," said Willow. "Magick works better here than
anywhere else in the city."
Buffy reared back and punched the barrier as hard as she could. She
was rewarded with a surge of light, which struck her so hard she was
sent
flying backwards.
Fortunately, Spike proved equally as fast. He moved behind the
Slayer
and caught her before she could hit the wall, possibly injuring
herself.
Not surprisingly, she didn't say thank you.
"I was afraid of that," said Willow. "Amy must've been expecting
you'd
come, Buffy. The barrier is kinetically charged. The harder you hit
it..."
"...the harder it hits back," Tara added. "Brilliant. Twisted, but
brilliant."
As they were talking, Amy's eyelids fluttered open. She grinned.
"Thank you." They all took a step back as she slowly got to her feet.
"Why?" Tara asked. "Why did you do this to me?"
"Are you kidding? Have you read about this Rite of Transference
thing?
Do you even begin to grasp what kind of power I'm going to have?"
"My power!"
Amy blew her a kiss. "Not for long." She smiled when she saw Buffy
and
Spike circling, as if they were trying to find a weakness in her
defenses. "It's almost time, you know." She was talking mostly to
Willow
and Tara. "In a few minutes the moon will be at its peak, for the
purpose of this ritual, and afterwards there isn't a damn thing any of
you can do to stop me!"
Vampire and Slayer attacked simultaneously from opposite sides,
obviously hoping to catch Amy by surprise and take her down. But the
witch didn't even flinch as they collided with her barrier instead, and
for their effort they were both flung backwards by a surge of energy.
"You're wasting your time," Amy warned. "Once cast, the Sphere of
Cytorrak can't be penetrated, or dispelled, until the duration of the
spell has passed. Even I can't lower it." Waving to them, the witch
turned and went back to her work, dropping to her knees next to the
Hellmouth.
Tara pulled Willow away and lowered her voice. "We have to stop her,
now."
"We'll get your powers back. I promise."
Tara shook her head. "It's not that. Will, we're sitting on top of a
mystical convergence here. It's like a powder keg, and what Amy's doing
is like playing with the fuse. If the ritual goes wrong, and maybe even
if it succeeds, she'll be unleashing some pretty unstable energies. I
don't think I have to tell you..."
"I know, I know. The Hellmouth." Willow frowned. "But how, Tara?
I've
read about the Sphere of Cytorrak. It's as close to indestructible as
you
can get. Plus, the harder you hit it, the harder it hits back. Even the
two of us, I mean when you had your powers, I'm not sure we could make
a
dent."
"That's just my point. We've seen that force is wasted on the
Sphere.
We need a gentler approach and, frankly, right now you're the only one
of
us who can pull it off."
"Me?" Willow started. "Tara, how can I...?"
"It's tricky. But there is a way. It will require concentration and
focus."
The redhead felt her confidence dwindling. "But, we never finished
the
lesson. In fact, we never really started it. What if something goes
wrong? What if I screw up? What if..."
Tara lunged forward and kissed Willow on the lips, silencing her all
at once. After a few moments, she pulled herself away, with great
reluctance. "Listen. You have to do this. Do you understand? If you
don't, Amy will win and everyone else could lose. Do you understand?
It's
all up to you."
"I-I told Buffy, before we went to fight Glory, I don't do well
under
pressure."
Tara gently stroked the redhead's cheek, and smiled. "Relax, Will.
You
can do this. I know it." She took a deep breath and encouraged Willow
to
do the same. "Now then, look within yourself. Find the part of you that
is one with the magick, and embrace it. Make it a part of you. Okay?
Concentrate on being one with the magick, and it will let you open a
door. All you have to do it step through it. The Sphere does not exist.
Do you understand? It is nothing but an illusion, a mist. It's vapor.
See
yourself on the other side."
Nearby, Spike and Buffy looked on and listened, the former with
clear
disbelief on his face. "Bloody hell. Do you really think that's going
to
work?"
The Slayer elbowed him in the ribs, and pointed. "Look."
"I'll be damned," said the vampire.
*****
Willow was glowing.
Not very brightly, and the effect seemed to fade in and out, but
there
was a definite aura of energy around her body. It pulsed slightly as
she
started forward, and when it came in contact Amy's barrier spell the
both
of them rippled, but did not otherwise react. The redhead continued
until
she was through.
"Bloody hell," said Spike. "She did it!"
Tara couldn't help but smile. "That's my girl."
Willow's arms fell limply to her sides and the energy faded, while
all
the color drained from her face. With a strangled cry she dropped to
her
knees, trembling.
"Oh no!" Tara bit her lip. "Willow!"
Buffy clutched at the other blonde's arm. "What is it? What's
happening?"
"She's been trying to stop doing so much magick, and the strain must
have been too much for her." Tara shook her head. "Damn it, I never
should have let her do this!"
"No sense whining," said Spike. "What's done is done. Not a bloody
thing we can do
Amy heard Willow's cries, and glanced up from the text she was
reciting to see the redhead just falling to her knees. She smiled. "I
underestimated you, Willow." The brunette put the book down and stood
up.
"I know I said you had a lot of power, but I never imagined you'd find
a
way to get through the Sphere of Cytorrak. I was under the impression
they were pretty much impenetrable."
The other witch turned her back on the redhead. "Not that it really
matters. Even you can't do anything to stop me now. It's almost time."
She kneeled down and took Tara's soul crystal in one hand, the book in
the other, and closed her eyes as prepared to recite the spell text.
"Willow!" Tara's voice carried, but the redhead didn't even flinch.
"Willow, get up! Please!"
Amy glared over her shoulder. "She's quite a loudmouth, isn't she?
Tell you what. Once I'm done here I'll have her power inside me. Maybe,
I'll just have to see what the rest of her is like." As she went back
to
her book, the brunette failed to notice Willow slowly raising her head.
Sparks of energy began surging around the redhead's fingertips. Her
eyes, meanwhile, darkened. She rose off the ground and landed on her
feet, without moving her body. Every step she took released a flash of
energy, yet she hardly made a sound as she approached Amy.
Tara's eyes widened. "Uh oh."
"Man, I can feel the power she's giving off from all the way over
here," said Buffy. "I haven't seen Willow like this since...oh God,
Tara.
It's Glory all over again."
Spike took out a cigarette, leering at the impending spectacle.
"This
should be interesting."
*****
IP: Logged
posted January 07, 2002 02:43 TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
Amy didn't react as the vampire got closer.
He shifted to his bumpy, fanged visage, in order to get a better
reaction. The chip wouldn't allow him to harm her, but that didn't mean
he couldn't scare her half to death.
All of the sudden, Spike ran face-first into a crackling wall of
energy. It surged and flowed a good eight or so in a circle around the
witch, before once again becoming invisible.
The vampire staggered back, snarling. "Bloody hell!" Spike hissed
growled as the Slayer and the other witches joined him. "Why didn't you
warn me?"
"She's a witch." Buffy put her hand out, the barrier shimmering
where
she touched it. It was warm and tingling against her skin, almost like
static electricity. "What did you expect?"
Tara did the same as Buffy, but she walked all the way around the
barrier, dragging her hand. "A bubble. Amy's managed to protect herself
from all sides. Amazing."
"It's the Hellmouth," said Willow. "Magick works better here than
anywhere else in the city."
Buffy reared back and punched the barrier as hard as she could. She
was rewarded with a surge of light, which struck her so hard she was
sent
flying backwards.
Fortunately, Spike proved equally as fast. He moved behind the
Slayer
and caught her before she could hit the wall, possibly injuring
herself.
Not surprisingly, she didn't say thank you.
"I was afraid of that," said Willow. "Amy must've been expecting
you'd
come, Buffy. The barrier is kinetically charged. The harder you hit
it..."
"...the harder it hits back," Tara added. "Brilliant. Twisted, but
brilliant."
As they were talking, Amy's eyelids fluttered open. She grinned.
"Thank you." They all took a step back as she slowly got to her feet.
"Why?" Tara asked. "Why did you do this to me?"
"Are you kidding? Have you read about this Rite of Transference
thing?
Do you even begin to grasp what kind of power I'm going to have?"
"My power!"
Amy blew her a kiss. "Not for long." She smiled when she saw Buffy
and
Spike circling, as if they were trying to find a weakness in her
defenses. "It's almost time, you know." She was talking mostly to
Willow
and Tara. "In a few minutes the moon will be at its peak, for the
purpose of this ritual, and afterwards there isn't a damn thing any of
you can do to stop me!"
Vampire and Slayer attacked simultaneously from opposite sides,
obviously hoping to catch Amy by surprise and take her down. But the
witch didn't even flinch as they collided with her barrier instead, and
for their effort they were both flung backwards by a surge of energy.
"You're wasting your time," Amy warned. "Once cast, the Sphere of
Cytorrak can't be penetrated, or dispelled, until the duration of the
spell has passed. Even I can't lower it." Waving to them, the witch
turned and went back to her work, dropping to her knees next to the
Hellmouth.
Tara pulled Willow away and lowered her voice. "We have to stop her,
now."
"We'll get your powers back. I promise."
Tara shook her head. "It's not that. Will, we're sitting on top of a
mystical convergence here. It's like a powder keg, and what Amy's doing
is like playing with the fuse. If the ritual goes wrong, and maybe even
if it succeeds, she'll be unleashing some pretty unstable energies. I
don't think I have to tell you..."
"I know, I know. The Hellmouth." Willow frowned. "But how, Tara?
I've
read about the Sphere of Cytorrak. It's as close to indestructible as
you
can get. Plus, the harder you hit it, the harder it hits back. Even the
two of us, I mean when you had your powers, I'm not sure we could make
a
dent."
"That's just my point. We've seen that force is wasted on the
Sphere.
We need a gentler approach and, frankly, right now you're the only one
of
us who can pull it off."
"Me?" Willow started. "Tara, how can I...?"
"It's tricky. But there is a way. It will require concentration and
focus."
The redhead felt her confidence dwindling. "But, we never finished
the
lesson. In fact, we never really started it. What if something goes
wrong? What if I screw up? What if..."
Tara lunged forward and kissed Willow on the lips, silencing her all
at once. After a few moments, she pulled herself away, with great
reluctance. "Listen. You have to do this. Do you understand? If you
don't, Amy will win and everyone else could lose. Do you understand?
It's
all up to you."
"I-I told Buffy, before we went to fight Glory, I don't do well
under
pressure."
Tara gently stroked the redhead's cheek, and smiled. "Relax, Will.
You
can do this. I know it." She took a deep breath and encouraged Willow
to
do the same. "Now then, look within yourself. Find the part of you that
is one with the magick, and embrace it. Make it a part of you. Okay?
Concentrate on being one with the magick, and it will let you open a
door. All you have to do it step through it. The Sphere does not exist.
Do you understand? It is nothing but an illusion, a mist. It's vapor.
See
yourself on the other side."
Nearby, Spike and Buffy looked on and listened, the former with
clear
disbelief on his face. "Bloody hell. Do you really think that's going
to
work?"
The Slayer elbowed him in the ribs, and pointed. "Look."
"I'll be damned," said the vampire.
*****
Willow was glowing.
Not very brightly, and the effect seemed to fade in and out, but
there
was a definite aura of energy around her body. It pulsed slightly as
she
started forward, and when it came in contact Amy's barrier spell the
both
of them rippled, but did not otherwise react. The redhead continued
until
she was through.
"Bloody hell," said Spike. "She did it!"
Tara couldn't help but smile. "That's my girl."
Willow's arms fell limply to her sides and the energy faded, while
all
the color drained from her face. With a strangled cry she dropped to
her
knees, trembling.
"Oh no!" Tara bit her lip. "Willow!"
Buffy clutched at the other blonde's arm. "What is it? What's
happening?"
"She's been trying to stop doing so much magick, and the strain must
have been too much for her." Tara shook her head. "Damn it, I never
should have let her do this!"
"No sense whining," said Spike. "What's done is done. Not a bloody
thing we can do
Amy heard Willow's cries, and glanced up from the text she was
reciting to see the redhead just falling to her knees. She smiled. "I
underestimated you, Willow." The brunette put the book down and stood
up.
"I know I said you had a lot of power, but I never imagined you'd find
a
way to get through the Sphere of Cytorrak. I was under the impression
they were pretty much impenetrable."
The other witch turned her back on the redhead. "Not that it really
matters. Even you can't do anything to stop me now. It's almost time."
She kneeled down and took Tara's soul crystal in one hand, the book in
the other, and closed her eyes as prepared to recite the spell text.
"Willow!" Tara's voice carried, but the redhead didn't even flinch.
"Willow, get up! Please!"
Amy glared over her shoulder. "She's quite a loudmouth, isn't she?
Tell you what. Once I'm done here I'll have her power inside me. Maybe,
I'll just have to see what the rest of her is like." As she went back
to
her book, the brunette failed to notice Willow slowly raising her head.
Sparks of energy began surging around the redhead's fingertips. Her
eyes, meanwhile, darkened. She rose off the ground and landed on her
feet, without moving her body. Every step she took released a flash of
energy, yet she hardly made a sound as she approached Amy.
Tara's eyes widened. "Uh oh."
"Man, I can feel the power she's giving off from all the way over
here," said Buffy. "I haven't seen Willow like this since...oh God,
Tara.
It's Glory all over again."
Spike took out a cigarette, leering at the impending spectacle.
"This
should be interesting."
*****
IP: LoggedSciFiAcidSassy Eggs
Posts: 580
Registered: Sep 2000 posted January 07, 2002 02:43
It's done, folks. TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
Amy frowned as the shadow fell across her. Yet another distraction.
She was prepared to do something about it, until she actually turned
and
saw Willow.
The redhead was seething, literally, with energies Amy had never
seen
before. It was enough to sent a chill of terror down her spine, and she
scrambled to get away. In the process she lost her book; it tumbled
into
the hole in front of her and was never seen again. She barely noticed
though.
"Now Willow, hold on." Amy was trembling. "I didn't mean anything.
Here..." She held out the soul crystal in a desperate bid to appease
the
other witch. "...take it. All you gotta do is get her to break it, I
swear. She'll get her powers back, and then we'll be even, all right?
No
harm no foul, right?"
If Willow understood any of what Amy was saying, if she even heard
it
at all, she gave no sign. Instead she put her left hand out, and a
glowing orb of light formed. Her eyes had turned solid black, and she
was
clenching her teeth so tightly it discolored her lips.
Amy's eyes widened. "Y-You wouldn't..."
"Willow!" Tara cried, suddenly feeling nearly as scared as Amy.
"No!"
The redhead ignored them both. She cocked her head as the energy in
her hand surged.
"Please!" Amy's eyes filled with tears. "Don't! Please! I'm sorry!"
Everyone was so busy watching Willow's left hand, they failed to
take
notice of her right--expect Spike. Only the vampire saw her clenching a
fist, or the way she drew her arm all the way back. He spit out his
cigarette and smiled. "Take her down, Red."
The punch was so sudden and swift no one but Spike could follow it,
and even that was only because he'd seen it coming. It wasn't
particularly well-executed though, Willow lost her balance and fell to
one knee, but at least it got the job done.
Amy's head was snapped back and around, with such force that it
wrenched her neck. She was spun around and went face-first into her own
barrier. It surged, she screamed, then the backlash knocked her up into
the air. Her body was still sizzling as she hit the ground and slid for
several feet.
The energy faded from all around Willow's body, and her eyes
returned
to normal. Sighing, she turned to face her friends. A tired smile lit
up
her face.
"Nicely done Red," said Spike. "I'm impressed."
Buffy nodded. "So am I. I never knew you had it in you, Will."
"Neither did I," said the redhead. She held up her hand. "I've just
got one question." Her knuckles were starting to turn red. "How do you
deal with the pain? Oww!"
"Slayer strength," Buffy replied.
Willow looked expectantly, even a little worriedly, to Tara. "What
did
you think?"
"You scared me." Tara crossed her arms."For a minute there, I was
afraid you'd let your anger get the better of you and the magick had
taken over." She smiled. "Now I'm just glad you're okay."
"Except for my hand."
Tara chuckled. "Except for your hand."
"Don't worry," said Spike. "Once you get out of there, I'm sure
blondie'll kiss it and make it all better."
*****
Once the barrier was down, the vampire's words proved eerily
prophetic.
Willow and Tara flew into one another's arms, embracing tightly and
kissing. Spike stood by watching, until a slap to the back of the head
from the Slayer convinced him otherwise.
"I thought I was going to lose you," Tara whispered.
Willow shook her head. "Never. I said I'd always find you, and I
knew
you'd always find me."
"But the magick, Will. I saw it..."
"No, you saw what I wanted Amy to see. I was trying to intimidate
her."
Tara pressed her forehead against Willow's, and closed her eyes.
"I'm
glad it's over."
"Not yet." The redhead gestured, mystically drawing the soul crystal
to her. "We've still got one more thing to take of." She held it out.
"Would you like to do the honors?"
Nodding, Tara twisted the crystal until it broke in half. A
shimmering
spiral of energy came pouring out, only to be drawn in through her nose
by her next breath. She closed her eyes, gasping, as a wave of light
passed over her entire body. When she opened her eyes again, she was
smiling.
"How do you feel?" Willow asked.
The blonde held up her hand, and the two pieces of crystal began to
float. "Better."
"It worked! Oh goddess, Tara!" The redhead threw her arms around
Tara
and held her close.
Buffy stepped forward and cleared her throat. "I hate to interrupt,
but...could we get out of here? I really don't want to spend any more
time in this place than I absolutely have to."
Spike cocked his head, and nodded at Amy. "What about the dark witch
here?"
"A part of me says we should leave her," said Buffy. "After
everything
she's done, it'd serve her right to be the next meal for whatever big
bad
beastie comes along."
Willow frowned. "Buffy..."
"I'm kidding," the Slayer replied. "More or less." She crossed her
arms. "Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her. I promise I won't hurt
her,
unless I have to, and I'll see to it she gets home."
"You want some company?" Spike asked. "Might get...lonely."
Buffy shrugged her shoulders.
"Let's go," said Tara. She held out her hand, and Willow took it.
*****
The two of them made it back to Willow's dorm room in record time.
They were all over each other as they stumbled through the door, and
fell on to the bed.
"Goddess, Tara!" Willow threw her head back and gasped when the
blonde
began nuzzling her throat. "Not that I am...complaining...or
anything...but what's...ooh!" Off came the top two buttons of her
blouse,
thanks to Tara's oh-so-skilled mouth. "What's got you so...turned on,
all
the sudden?"
Tara lifted her head, a familiar glimmer in her eye. "You really
have
to ask?" She sat up and swept a stray lock of hair from her face. "I
nearly lost you today, Will. Not just to the magick, but to Amy. I
don't
think I can stand another day being without you. I love you."
"I love you too. And I want this, Tara. Goddess. I miss being with
you, so much it hurts." Willow sighed. "But I also don't want you
rushing
into something you may, you know, regret later."
Tara shook her head. "I could never regret being with you, Will. Not
like this, and not...the other way, either. I want us to be
together...even though I know it won't ever be like it was again. You
really hurt me." The redhead's face fell, and she lowered her eyes.
"And
I also know there is always a chance that if I let you get close it
could
lead to my getting hurt all over again, but you know what?" She tucked
her finger under Willow's chin and lifted her eyes to meet her own. "I
don't care. I'm willing to risk it, if you are."
"Tara, I...I can't ever say I'm sorry enough. I'll regret what I did
for the rest of my life, and in my heart I know I have no right to
believe you would ever want to see me again. Yet here you are somehow
willing to forgive me, and the idea of us being together again makes me
so indescribably happy." Willow took one of Tara's hands and held it
over
her heart. "I swear to you, Tara Maclay, with all my heart and soul,
with
every fiber of my being, I'm going to try my best to never do or say
anything to hurt you ever again. And one day, somehow, I pray I can
find
some way to help you find it within yourself to forgive to trust me
again."
The blonde put her hand on the back of Willow's neck, and pulled her
in for a kiss. "Do you have any idea how much I love you, Willow
Rosenberg?"
"Why don't you show me?" the redhead asked.
Tara smiled. "I'd be more than happy to."
THE END
IP: Logged
posted January 07, 2002 02:43 It's done, folks. TITLE: Small Steps
AUTHOR: Kirk Baldridge
E-MAIL: KirkBwriter@juno.com
FEEDBACK: Yes, please. The more the better.
DISTRIBUTION: You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.
SPOILERS: The 6th season, particularly OMWF, TR, S and W.
CONTENT: W/T
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Willow, etc..., that's Whedon's dumb
luck.
SUMMARY: In a sequel to BURNOUT, Willow and Tara take the first steps
toward getting back together. But is it really going to be that easy?
Not
if the Hellmouth has anything to say about it.
NOTE: This story takes place approximately one week after BURNOUT.
*****
Amy frowned as the shadow fell across her. Yet another distraction.
She was prepared to do something about it, until she actually turned
and
saw Willow.
The redhead was seething, literally, with energies Amy had never
seen
before. It was enough to sent a chill of terror down her spine, and she
scrambled to get away. In the process she lost her book; it tumbled
into
the hole in front of her and was never seen again. She barely noticed
though.
"Now Willow, hold on." Amy was trembling. "I didn't mean anything.
Here..." She held out the soul crystal in a desperate bid to appease
the
other witch. "...take it. All you gotta do is get her to break it, I
swear. She'll get her powers back, and then we'll be even, all right?
No
harm no foul, right?"
If Willow understood any of what Amy was saying, if she even heard
it
at all, she gave no sign. Instead she put her left hand out, and a
glowing orb of light formed. Her eyes had turned solid black, and she
was
clenching her teeth so tightly it discolored her lips.
Amy's eyes widened. "Y-You wouldn't..."
"Willow!" Tara cried, suddenly feeling nearly as scared as Amy.
"No!"
The redhead ignored them both. She cocked her head as the energy in
her hand surged.
"Please!" Amy's eyes filled with tears. "Don't! Please! I'm sorry!"
Everyone was so busy watching Willow's left hand, they failed to
take
notice of her right--expect Spike. Only the vampire saw her clenching a
fist, or the way she drew her arm all the way back. He spit out his
cigarette and smiled. "Take her down, Red."
The punch was so sudden and swift no one but Spike could follow it,
and even that was only because he'd seen it coming. It wasn't
particularly well-executed though, Willow lost her balance and fell to
one knee, but at least it got the job done.
Amy's head was snapped back and around, with such force that it
wrenched her neck. She was spun around and went face-first into her own
barrier. It surged, she screamed, then the backlash knocked her up into
the air. Her body was still sizzling as she hit the ground and slid for
several feet.
The energy faded from all around Willow's body, and her eyes
returned
to normal. Sighing, she turned to face her friends. A tired smile lit
up
her face.
"Nicely done Red," said Spike. "I'm impressed."
Buffy nodded. "So am I. I never knew you had it in you, Will."
"Neither did I," said the redhead. She held up her hand. "I've just
got one question." Her knuckles were starting to turn red. "How do you
deal with the pain? Oww!"
"Slayer strength," Buffy replied.
Willow looked expectantly, even a little worriedly, to Tara. "What
did
you think?"
"You scared me." Tara crossed her arms."For a minute there, I was
afraid you'd let your anger get the better of you and the magick had
taken over." She smiled. "Now I'm just glad you're okay."
"Except for my hand."
Tara chuckled. "Except for your hand."
"Don't worry," said Spike. "Once you get out of there, I'm sure
blondie'll kiss it and make it all better."
*****
Once the barrier was down, the vampire's words proved eerily
prophetic.
Willow and Tara flew into one another's arms, embracing tightly and
kissing. Spike stood by watching, until a slap to the back of the head
from the Slayer convinced him otherwise.
"I thought I was going to lose you," Tara whispered.
Willow shook her head. "Never. I said I'd always find you, and I
knew
you'd always find me."
"But the magick, Will. I saw it..."
"No, you saw what I wanted Amy to see. I was trying to intimidate
her."
Tara pressed her forehead against Willow's, and closed her eyes.
"I'm
glad it's over."
"Not yet." The redhead gestured, mystically drawing the soul crystal
to her. "We've still got one more thing to take of." She held it out.
"Would you like to do the honors?"
Nodding, Tara twisted the crystal until it broke in half. A
shimmering
spiral of energy came pouring out, only to be drawn in through her nose
by her next breath. She closed her eyes, gasping, as a wave of light
passed over her entire body. When she opened her eyes again, she was
smiling.
"How do you feel?" Willow asked.
The blonde held up her hand, and the two pieces of crystal began to
float. "Better."
"It worked! Oh goddess, Tara!" The redhead threw her arms around
Tara
and held her close.
Buffy stepped forward and cleared her throat. "I hate to interrupt,
but...could we get out of here? I really don't want to spend any more
time in this place than I absolutely have to."
Spike cocked his head, and nodded at Amy. "What about the dark witch
here?"
"A part of me says we should leave her," said Buffy. "After
everything
she's done, it'd serve her right to be the next meal for whatever big
bad
beastie comes along."
Willow frowned. "Buffy..."
"I'm kidding," the Slayer replied. "More or less." She crossed her
arms. "Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her. I promise I won't hurt
her,
unless I have to, and I'll see to it she gets home."
"You want some company?" Spike asked. "Might get...lonely."
Buffy shrugged her shoulders.
"Let's go," said Tara. She held out her hand, and Willow took it.
*****
The two of them made it back to Willow's dorm room in record time.
They were all over each other as they stumbled through the door, and
fell on to the bed.
"Goddess, Tara!" Willow threw her head back and gasped when the
blonde
began nuzzling her throat. "Not that I am...complaining...or
anything...but what's...ooh!" Off came the top two buttons of her
blouse,
thanks to Tara's oh-so-skilled mouth. "What's got you so...turned on,
all
the sudden?"
Tara lifted her head, a familiar glimmer in her eye. "You really
have
to ask?" She sat up and swept a stray lock of hair from her face. "I
nearly lost you today, Will. Not just to the magick, but to Amy. I
don't
think I can stand another day being without you. I love you."
"I love you too. And I want this, Tara. Goddess. I miss being with
you, so much it hurts." Willow sighed. "But I also don't want you
rushing
into something you may, you know, regret later."
Tara shook her head. "I could never regret being with you, Will. Not
like this, and not...the other way, either. I want us to be
together...even though I know it won't ever be like it was again. You
really hurt me." The redhead's face fell, and she lowered her eyes.
"And
I also know there is always a chance that if I let you get close it
could
lead to my getting hurt all over again, but you know what?" She tucked
her finger under Willow's chin and lifted her eyes to meet her own. "I
don't care. I'm willing to risk it, if you are."
"Tara, I...I can't ever say I'm sorry enough. I'll regret what I did
for the rest of my life, and in my heart I know I have no right to
believe you would ever want to see me again. Yet here you are somehow
willing to forgive me, and the idea of us being together again makes me
so indescribably happy." Willow took one of Tara's hands and held it
over
her heart. "I swear to you, Tara Maclay, with all my heart and soul,
with
every fiber of my being, I'm going to try my best to never do or say
anything to hurt you ever again. And one day, somehow, I pray I can
find
some way to help you find it within yourself to forgive to trust me
again."
The blonde put her hand on the back of Willow's neck, and pulled her
in for a kiss. "Do you have any idea how much I love you, Willow
Rosenberg?"
"Why don't you show me?" the redhead asked.
Tara smiled. "I'd be more than happy to."
THE END
IP: Logged'lucy' mooreDoll's Eye Crystal
Posts: 69
Registered: Dec 2001 posted January 07, 2002 14:01
That was good...Well done.------------------
fiat justitia,ruat caelum.
IP: Logged
posted January 07, 2002 14:01 That was good...Well done.------------------
fiat justitia,ruat caelum.
IP: LoggedDave VCool Monster Fighter
Posts: 156
Registered: Nov 2000 posted January 07, 2002 21:22
Very good.Respecting the writing, you handled Willow's use of misdirection very well. I thought she was going Dark Phoenix again. Her physical (as opposed to magical)solution worked well with the already establshed properties of the sphere.
IP: Logged
posted January 07, 2002 21:22 Very good.Respecting the writing, you handled Willow's use of misdirection very well. I thought she was going Dark Phoenix again. Her physical (as opposed to magical)solution worked well with the already establshed properties of the sphere.
IP: LoggedScoutBig Pineapple
Posts: 838
Registered: Jun 2001 posted January 07, 2002 22:07
I'm just getting caught up on this. Such an interesting twist with Tara losing her magick and Willow not wanting to do magick. Plus, we get a happy ending! Very entertaining and very enjoyable! IP: Logged
posted January 07, 2002 22:07 I'm just getting caught up on this. Such an interesting twist with Tara losing her magick and Willow not wanting to do magick. Plus, we get a happy ending! Very entertaining and very enjoyable! IP: LoggedKirk BCool Monster Fighter
Posts: 213
Registered: Oct 2000 posted January 08, 2002 11:24
Thank you, everyone.I enjoyed writing this story, it was good to see Amy get her come-uppance (even if I had to do it myself), and of course I was happy to get Willow and Tara back together again.
It may or may not (no, it HAS to) happen on the show. But as long as we have fan fiction we can always revel in the wonder that is Willow and Tara.
------------------
Kirk B
"A Willow is a tree that weeps, but Tara is firmer and will hold.”
Hear that baby? You're my always.
I got so lost.
I found you. I will always find you.
IP: Logged
posted January 08, 2002 11:24 Thank you, everyone.I enjoyed writing this story, it was good to see Amy get her come-uppance (even if I had to do it myself), and of course I was happy to get Willow and Tara back together again.
It may or may not (no, it HAS to) happen on the show. But as long as we have fan fiction we can always revel in the wonder that is Willow and Tara.
------------------
Kirk B
"A Willow is a tree that weeps, but Tara is firmer and will hold.”
Hear that baby? You're my always.
I got so lost.
I found you. I will always find you.
IP: LoggedorionFloating Rose
Posts: 33
Registered: Dec 2001 posted January 08, 2002 19:35
Great job on this fic I'm almost sad to see it end. Wonderfully executed, with lots of twists and turns. I hope to read more of your work, keep it up.------------------
"Okay, thats a little blacker then I like my arts" -Willow
IP: Logged
posted January 08, 2002 19:35 Great job on this fic I'm almost sad to see it end. Wonderfully executed, with lots of twists and turns. I hope to read more of your work, keep it up.------------------
"Okay, thats a little blacker then I like my arts" -Willow
