I'm glad Tara made Willow tell Rowan about her dream concerning Amy and Tabitha. Tara is so fiercely protective of Willow; I love it. Great update. Looking forward to see what kind of trouble Tabitha and Amy will cause.

Kate aka BeMyDeputy,

congrats on your dibs!

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Shel aka Finey_McFine

No worries on the miss, it happens.

Of course Tabitha is up to no good, she is related to Amy after all, lol.

I really like writing Tara, for me the stutter is a nervous/confidence thing, just like hiding behind her hair (when she had it). The more comfortable she gets, then it goes away, just like the more confident she feels it goes away. Even at first she stuttered with Willow when they met again. But threaten someone she loves, and it bets are off, she's been through too much to just stand by, you know?

It is part guilt that Willow feels but it is also that annoyingly ever present need that Buffy and all the Scoobies have to try and see the best in someone even when there may be no good to really see - case in point what we have going on here. I mean look at Spike - he should have been a pile of dust long ago, but that's just my opinion. *Spuffy just gives me the wiggins, lol*

The clocks a tickin' that's all I'm gonna say for now.

Thanks for stoppin' by!

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

zampsa19752001,

The "rat cousins", I love it, lol.

Yes, things are brewing plots are being made, but how much will actually come to fruition is yet to be seen.

Thanks for reading!

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Cyteach,

Aww, shucks... *shuffles feet*, but you don't get an in depth response since you get to see it all before anyone else and we talk about,

Thanks for commenting, hon.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Laragh,

Tabitha is just as bad as Amy, they're both be-yotches in my book. Sneaky and not to be trusted.

I think I said in another reply that it's not just guilt that is driving Willow, it's also that sometimes horribly misplaced hope for the good to come out from someone that has none. All of the Scoobies are guilty of that almost wide-eyed innocent, hope against hope, that if they try hard enough with someone that's beyond redemption that they ultimately can be redeemed. Uhh, shit ain't like that kids... or maybe I'm just a cynic.

Thanks for reading.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

love_2003,

Foreshadowing is a great tool to use in a story, and what better way to do it than with a dream, or a series of them?

Tara's also expressing her need to protect what she considers to be her's, and that's most definitely Willow, but it would crop up with any of the Scoobies. They all made her part of the family when everything went to hell and Willow left. Hey, we all protect our own, right? Tara's made of strong stuff.

Thanks for reading.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Chapter Twenty Four

Pairing: W/T – is there really any other?

Rating: R - for the “F” Bomb

Angst/Drama Rating: This is about a 7 on the 1-10 scale.

Setting: The Grove – Tucson

Disclaimer: I in no way, shape or form own the characters from BtVS, they’re owned by Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy. All original characters are in no way connected to them except by me in this forum. I own nothing but my soul, and even that is only a fleeting ownership… such is life.

Email: riverwillows@me.com

Feedback: My Momma always said if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all… unless it’s constructive.

Author’s Notes: I’d like to thank the kittenboard, all my peeps on pens for all their support, ummm, oh, gods, uh, my stellar beta CYTEACH aka Crystal, and…sorry wrong speech. She’s poking me (with a stick no less) to put these in so she can read them so this is what you get Crystal. The music for this chapter is as follows: Garbage – self titled and “Absolute Garbage: The Best of Garbage” disc one, NIN “Pretty Hate Machine” & “Broken”, and Lords of Acid “Lust”.



malevolent (m??l?v?l?nt) – Adj
1. Wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; malicious
2. Astrology having an evil influence

[C16: from Latin malevolens, from male ill + volens, present participle of velle to wish]





“Hold still,” Tabitha muttered to Amy.


“Is it supposed to hurt so much?” Amy whined. “Can't we do something about the vomiting; I mean this is getting to be a little much.”


Tabitha looked at Amy in shock. “Did being a rat damage your mind? Have you heard any of Willow’s stories? You idiot, you should be in traction! I think a little vomiting you can suffer through.”


Sighing heavily, Amy continued to whine. “Can I try now; I’m starting to itch again.”


Tabitha rolled her eyes, “Try now.”


With some effort Amy was able to cast a small spell. Flopping back on the floor Amy waited for Tabitha to begin extracting her energy and replacing it with Tabitha’s own. Tabitha stretched her energy to feel out the spell that had been used, and then feel its caster; when she had a small “in”, the exchange could begin. They were feeding off of one another, like they had as children. Tabitha siphoned off the binding and replaced her own dark energy and magick into the bound energy of Amy.


It wasn’t quite the high Amy was used to, but it kept the withdrawals away to the largest degree, and let her magical signature continue to appear to be bound. The ruse was getting harder to maintain, weeks had started to tick away quickly, and Amy was getting more and more frustrated.


“You’re getting sloppy. They’ve started changing up the spells they’re using to keep you bound along with who casts them. Who performed it this time?” Tabitha inquired innocently.


“It was Willow this time, like I said. She’s done it the last two times,” Amy huffed. “Look, we just need to keep them thinking that I’m really trying for a little while longer. Once Davos gets me the book, we will have the spell to really set them on their asses.”


“Are you sure he’s going to do it?” Tabitha questioned. “Because I can’t keep doing this, Amy; it’s been weeks already, and they’ll begin to notice the change in me if they haven’t already.”


“Look, he will come through…he likes what he had, and what I’ve promised to give him is far beyond his pathetic little dreams. I’ve never let him down; he, in return, always comes through for me.” Amy smiled maliciously.


The smile was quickly wiped away, as Amy turned green and jumped up heading for the bathroom. It was Tabitha’s turn to grin evilly, as she listened to her cousin retching in the next room.


“I’ll be back later,” Tabitha called, starting to head out of the room.


“Wait, where are you going? You can’t just leave me,” Amy groused loudly.


“If you want me to continue to be able to help you, you’ll keep your mouth shut. I’m going to take care of business, somewhere I can get a little recharge of my own,” Tabitha said icily.


“Take me with you,” Amy demanded.


“You know I can’t, it would be too suspicious, and if the ‘fabulous four’ are already switching spells up on us, then they suspect something – or did you forget that little fact?” Tabitha reminded Amy, as she heard her rinse out her mouth.


Amy nodded as she came out of the bathroom still looking a bit pasty, and wiping her mouth on a wash cloth. “No, you’re right, I just have to be patient. Give me your cell for a moment; I need to up the ante for Davos. Time is running out, if they try a binding before I get that spell, well, we’re fucked, to put it mildly.”


“Well, duh, brainchild. This is your plan? Where is this book? Why can’t I just go get it, why do we need him?” Tabitha questioned trying to force Amy’s hand.


Amy wheeled on Tabitha, backing her into the door. “This one spell will set me up with my own coven to drain and command, cousin. They will do my biding, and be ecstatic they could do for me – and don’t you forget it – this is make it or break it time, sweetheart. I’m going for the fucking big leagues, cousin, so get with the plan, or get off the playground.”


Tabitha narrowed her eyes, “Don’t you mean ‘we’, cousin?”


Amy smiled sweetly, “Of course I do, cousin. Just have a little faith, okay? Now give me your cell phone…please.” Phone in hand, she headed into the bedroom.


Tabitha crossed her arms over her chest as she paced, trying to hear Amy from the bedroom, as she made the call to Davos. She could only catch faint words here and there, not enough to make sense of the conversation, but Amy’s tone was frightful.


After a few minutes, Amy swept into the room all smiles as she dropped Tabitha’s phone into the palm of her hand.


“Seventy-two hours, cousin. Davos will be here with the book, and we will have our coven. We’ll have to arrange a pick up, but I’m sure you can manage that little detail, yes?” Amy spoke as if she were talking to a small child.


Through gritted teeth Tabitha answered, “Just get him here, and I’ll take care of the rest…cousin.”


With an angry glare, Tabitha stalked to the door, letting it slam behind her as she sauntered off down the hall with an evil grin plastered on her face.



*********



Down the hall Willow was leaning against the wall of a corridor unseen. She could feel Amy’s magickal signature, and knew she was actively casting. Now she just had to prove it, then she could convince Rowan that they couldn’t wait any longer.


The sooner Willow could do this the better. She felt it in her bones that their time was running out. Amy had proven to be slipperier than they thought she would be.


Swallowing thickly, Willow said a silent goodbye to the friend she had grown up with, and squaring her shoulders, she got ready to face the enemy Amy had become.



*********



Amy sat slumped on the couch in the living room as random objects started to float and swirl around her. Moaning in pleasure as she drained off some of her excess magicks from being bound via the spell Tabitha had worked for her, she felt secure in her plan.


Seventy-two hours.


That’s all she needed and everything would change for the better, she would be better. She would have surpassed her mother, she was smarter, stronger, and this finally proved that she was the superior witch. Just like she told Willow, it was all about the power and who had the most of it.


A chilling laugh echoed off the walls, as Amy began to laugh and laugh, becoming almost hysterical. Finally as delirious tears streamed down her cheeks, swirling glasses began to shatter, pens and pencils were driven flush into walls or doors, and paper spontaneously combusted leaving bits of ash to flutter to the floor.


Malevolent glee was written on Amy’s face as things exploded all around her.



********



Tabitha quickly navigated the halls of The Grove, heading for her car. Taking a deep breath as she hit the hot summer air, picking up her pace, she couldn’t wait to get away from Amy.


Unlocking the door to her little Honda, she slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine. Resting her head against the steering wheel, she took a few deep breaths to steady herself before backing out and speeding out of the parking lot.


Soon, Tabitha was turning down a barely lit dirt street, passing several abandoned houses, windows boarded up and the exteriors tagged by gangs. A stray dog ran alongside her car barking, and slowing she turned into the driveway of an old adobe house.


Standing next to her car, Tabitha looked around for a moment, summoning up courage, before she approached the screen door and knocked.


A little girl missing her two front teeth, of maybe eight or nine, dressed in dirty denim shorts and a t-shirt came to the door, and looked at her with a smile full of mischief.


“Qué güerita?” she asked. {What little white/pale girl?}


“Necesito ver a la Abuela Javier,” Tabitha said. {I need to see Grandmother Javier.}


“¿Quién eres?” The little girl asked. {Who are you?}


“Dile que la bruja de ojos grises está aquí,” Tabitha said {Tell her the grey eyed witch is here.}


The little girl disappeared, and Tabitha could hear voices from inside. A middle aged woman in a dirty, garish multi-colored skirt and what looked like blood on her equally dirty cream colored peasant blouse, came back and opened the door letting Tabitha in.


She was immediately assaulted with the sour smell coming from a pot on the stove. Herbs hung randomly around the kitchen drying, bottles of varying sizes full of unidentifiable liquids were littered around on shelves, and a dirty table covered in chicken feathers dominated the middle of the room.


“Follow me, güerita,” the woman muttered.


Tabitha moved slowly behind the old woman, as they went through the house and out into the backyard. Chickens roamed the yard, and an old woman was seated in front of a fire pit, stoking it with a long metal rod. The mesquite smoke filled the air, while the wood snapped and crackled in the flames. As she got closer she could feel a heat rolling back from the pit, but it wasn’t from the fire.


“Abuela, la pequeña bruja está de vuelta,” she said. {Grandmother, the little witch is back.}


The old woman turned to face Tabitha, her hair was very white against the rich brown of her skin, and her eyes a deep, fathomless black in her heavily lined face. She nodded, and pointed to a stool next to the fire. Tabitha took the stool and moved it a bit further back from the fire.


“Abuela, I need help, I need you to let me cast here again,” Tabitha asked quietly.


“I told you last time, güerita, no more. You’re dangerous, you have no respect,” Grandmother Javier said.


“Abuela, this will be the last time, I swear, you won’t see me again after tonight,” Tabitha promised.


Grandmother Javier studied Tabitha so closely she started to shake a little nervously under such scrutiny.


“Give me your hand,” she said.


Tabitha smiled and extended her left hand, and quicker than Tabitha thought possible, Grandmother Javier grasped her wrist tightly, and with a flash of steel, cut the tip of her little finger off. Tabitha screamed in pain and shock, as blood ran quickly down her hand, dripping into the dirt at her feet.


“There’s always a price, mi hija,” Grandmother Javier said, then pulled the metal rod she used to stoke the fire out and placed the red hot tip against the wound. {mi hija means daughter}


The smell of burning flesh permeated the air and Tabitha’s face drained of color. A clammy sweat rolled down her face, and off her pointed chin. Blood still dripped slowly from her maimed hand, as she gritted her teeth.


“Zelda!” Grandmother Javier called sharply.


Zelda appeared at the door. “Yes, mamá,” she said.


“Clean her up, and take her downstairs, give her what she asks for. She has an hour,” Grandmother Javier ordered.


Tabitha rose unsteadily from the stool, “Thank you, Grandmother,” she whispered, holding her hand close to her body protectively.


Zelda saw her hand and began laughing, “Could be worse, güerita, so what you need?”


Tabitha listed several books, and herbs she wanted as Zelda cleaned her hand up and bandaged the tip of her finger. Zelda had started to cast a spell for the pain and Tabitha stopped her, she wanted the fuel the pain provided. Once her hand was done, Tabitha headed down to a root cellar. A pentagram was already drawn on the dirt floor, so Tabitha began to organize what she needed for the dark magicks she was about to cast.


She had very little time, so she quickly scryed for Davos and watched him procure the book Amy had spoken of. She tried to see its title but couldn’t get a clear enough picture. Then the casting began; she had paid a price, and she had no plans to let Amy take control.


Preparing to cast against her cousin, Tabitha would bind Amy again, but mark it with enough of Amy’s signature dark magicks so it would be a dead giveaway that she had been tampering with her binding. Someone as trained as Rowan would spot it instantly, and maybe even Willow would spot it as Amy’s doctoring too. Tabitha needed to be sure to remove any traces of her own magickal signature from the re-binding of Amy. Then Tabitha would let Amy get her everything she needed, and it would all be hers – she had enough of waiting, she had paid the price.


Her time was now, and her hour was up.



*********



Willow was waiting outside Rowan’s office when Tara, Rowan, and Dana approached after Tara’s training session. Her face was clouded over and sad.


Tara went immediately to her side and wrapped her arm around her waist, pulling her close trying to ease her obvious distress.


“My Lady, I need to speak with you,” Willow said gravely.


“Of course Willow, would you excuse us, Sisters?” Rowan said politely.


Willow spoke quietly, “No, they should be here too, it’s about Amy and Tabitha, My Lady.”


Rowan opened the door to her office, and stepped aside, “Ladies,” she said letting them enter ahead of her. Whispering under her breath, she cast a spell to keep ‘listening ears’ from hearing anything, then walked in and locked her door behind herself.



********



Tabitha arrived late back at The Grove, and knew she would have to see Amy once more before her night would be over. Going quickly to her room, she removed the bandage, and looked at her little finger, now missing the tip to the first knuckle, and grimaced.


The skin was angry and red as she gently cleaned it, applied antibacterial ointment, and a smaller bandage. Wiping her face clean of sweat with a wash cloth, she decided quickly to do a small glamour, and unless her hands were closely inspected, no one would ever be able to tell the difference. Once again she headed slowly to Amy’s rooms.


Uttering a quick incantation, the lock on the door popped open, and without knocking, Tabitha just walked in. Looking around the room she could see Amy had been having some fun.


“Where have you been?” Amy demanded.


“Oh, dry up, I’m here now. Sit down and get ready,” Tabitha growled.


Amy’s eyes grew wide, and chastened, she hastily sat in the circle of candles she had setup while she had been waiting for Tabitha’s return. Until the book arrived Amy was at Tabitha’s mercy, and she knew when to not push her cousin.


“Tabby, are you ok?” Amy asked overly smarmy.


Tabitha’s eyes flashed and pooled to an inky black, as she smiled cruelly. “Save the sweet talk, Amy, just get ready, I think you’re gonna like this.”


Tabitha began to cast around Amy, and as Amy watched transfixed, Tabitha worked the energies around them. With no warning, Tabitha hit Amy full force with the spell’s energy. A sickly green light danced menacingly around the room. Tabitha knew the chink she had made in the previous binding, seeking it out so she could load Amy up to the gills.


Closing the spell with her own altered binding, she left Amy sighing almost sensually on the floor of her room. Catching her breath for a moment, she sat back and watched her cousin’s pleasure at the magicks she had given her. Amy sighed and undulated on the floor as if she were beneath a lover.


Shaking her head, Tabitha stood from her place next to Amy, and with a sneer plastered on her face, headed for the door.


“Goodnight, Amy,” she snickered as she left.



********



Willow’s hand was aimlessly wandering over Tara’s back as she held her close in bed.


“Will?” Tara whispered.


“Yeah, baby?” Willow answered softly.


“Your dream, it’s coming true, isn’t it?” Tara asked cautiously.


“I’m afraid so, baby. We just have to be careful any time we’re around one or both of them, we have to be alert. They won’t play fair,” Willow said. “Or better yet, just don’t be alone with them, okay, baby?”


“That goes for you too, you know,” Tara whispered as she tightened her grip on Willow, and nestled further into her shoulder.


“I think I can do that, baby,” Willow said with a smile.


“Do you think she’ll go back to Sunnydale?” Tara said, thinking out loud.


“Who, Amy? Probably, it’s her home. As for Tabitha, I guess maybe Amy will take her with her,” Willow said thoughtfully.


Nodding her head, Tara continued her questions. “Do you think Tabitha has a clue that she’s under suspicion too?”


“At this point I don’t really know, I don’t think so,” Willow said softly, as she kissed Tara’s temple. “Let’s get some sleep; we’ll deal with this tomorrow. Lady Rowan won’t waste any time with this, baby.”


Tara nodded again, and kissed Willow’s neck. “You’re right, it’s been a long day. ‘Night, sweetie.”


Willow smiled, “Goodnight, baby, love you.”


A soft smile graced Tara’s lips. “Love you too.”




TBC….

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

ooohhh hehehe DIBS

The absolute EVILNESS of the cousins sinks to astonishing depths. I am so hoping that Willow, Tara, and the rest will be able to triumph over the terrifyingly devious women that seek only power.

I love the way your story has such intricate details. You are one of the writers on the board that has inspired me in my own writing. Thank you for sharing your imagination with all of us kittens.


sapphoselene (kathy)

_________________
Life is created from the imagination. Never let your imagination die.
Darkest Desires
The True Nature of Soulmates
Scarlet Black

Yay for great update-y goodness... I hope Willow, Tara & rest of the Grovers notice that Tabby is the more dangerous one of the Rat Cousins and deal with her first. Preferably in the blown to bits kinda way... I think a permanently binded Amy can be transformed back to rat and released to the wild, and maybe a kind predator makes a nice meal out of her...

_________________
We Few, We Happy Few, We Band of Buggered

Posting while nude improves your mood...

Hey Heather,

Despite there being very little Willow and Tara in this chatper it was still thoroughly engaging. I loved every minute of it. I can understand the need for a chapter heavy with Amy and Tabitha from a plot point of view and you did an excellent job of building the tension. Deninitely feeling the manevolence!

I was deeply concerned with the talk of Tabitha working to remove the binding from Amy, but then I realised the real danger is Tabitha, I hope the girls are careful around them both. Though I do have to say I loved the conversation dripping with sarcasm between the two.

I was completely intrigued by Tabitha's visit to "Grandmother Javier's". Exactly what kind of dark stuff is Tabitha into? Nice touch with chopping of the finger off :/

Also, my interest was piqued with the mention of Tara's training with Rowan, are we going to see some of that?

Absolutely loved it, can't wait for more,

Laura.

_________________
Corporal Laura of the Kitten Army ~Semper WillTara~

In the end, it doesn't matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away.
-Anon.

Woot! Yay updates!! Good chapters I hope they can stop them in time. Cant wait for more.

I have no sympathy for Tabitha getting part of her finger cut off. I hope she doesn't realize she is under suspicion until it is too late for her. Hoping that Willow, Tara and everybody else come up with a plan to finally get rid of Amy and Tabitha.

Kathy aka Sapphoselene,

Congrats on your dibs!

I guess I've made it pretty easy to hate both Tabitha and Amy... so that worked out well.

Thank you for all of your wonderful words, to know that you you find something I've written inspiring is just phenomenal - it does much for my ego.

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

zampsa19752001,

Well, the clue train is running and passengers have stepped on board when it comes to Amy & Tabitha.

Bad witches go "boom"? Lol

Yeah, a rat Amy wouldn't last too very long out in the desert, but let's see if I can come up with something more creative - what do you think?

Thanks for reading.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Hi Ya Heather!

So this chapter...what can I say except that Tabitha and Amy are just so...unpleasant. Are they that stupid that they think they can get away with their evil scheme in a coven full of highly sensitive witches...especially Willow? 'Next up in this episode of America's Dumbest Criminals..." lol

Yay for stealthy Willow! I'm glad Willow realizes what's going on, because you had me worried in the last chapter. Sometimes she just tries to hard to see the good, when there isn't any there to see.

I loved their quiet time in bed...one of my favorite times of the day as well:)

Great update! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us!!

_________________
Shelby - Racing The Rain (IN PROGRESS) / Baby Makes Three (IN PROGRESS) / The Santa Line / Everything She Does...Is Beautiful / Calfornia Grass

"Transform your pain. Release your past. And ... uh ... get over it."
~Willow, Where The Wild Things Are

xlaurax1,

You ask a question, but does it really have an answer? Between the two, Amy & Tabitha, who is the more evil of the two? I don't think it is a matter of evil as power hungry. Which witch will go to most extremes to get what she wants? We know Amy had a coven but it was witches under duress. We also know that Tabitha has been biding her time at The Grove and maybe has some delusions of grandeur going on here about taking over.... They both want to be the alpha female, but neither are really cut out for the task, so you'll just have to wait and see what other little pseudo power plays they try once they have the book....

I won't say anymore.

Glad you enjoyed the chapter - and yes you'll get a peak into Tara's training, I promise.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

jazhers,

Timing is everything isn't?

tick, tock, tick, tock


Thanks for stoppin' by to read!

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

love_2003,

Everything with magic has a price, it just depends on what you are willing to pay, much like life itself. Things will be coming to a head here in the next couple of chapters, so hopefully you'll like what I have planned.

Thanks for reading.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Hey Shel!

Lol, they are unpleasant, aren't they? Dumb? Maybe or do they just think they are that sneaky? That people aren't really paying as much attention to them as they really are? I think it's more like careless, but it will cost them.

Trying to see good where there is none, I think at some point we all have fallen into that mistake, but you live and learn - hopefully. That's also one of the "Scooby Flaws" too, ad nauseum. But Willow's gotten a bit smarter and can see the lost cause that is Amy has become.

Mmmm, quiet time, so very sweet.

Thanks for stopping by!

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Chapter Twenty-Five

Pairing: W/T

Rating: PG-13 for the acidy tummies

Angst/Drama Rating: This is about a 7 on the 1-10 scale.

Setting: The Grove – Tucson

Disclaimer: I in no way, shape or form own the characters from BtVS, they’re owned by Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy. All original characters are in no way connected to them except by me in this forum. I own nothing but my soul, and even that is only a fleeting ownership… such is life.

Email: riverwillows@me.com

Feedback: I live for it.

Author’s Notes: Well, my kittens, today is a momentous day. Dry Heat turns one years old. I had no idea when I started this last June, that, A) I would still be writing it a year later, and B) I wouldn’t be done with it yet! What an interesting experience this has been. Thank you for continuing to read my little opus, I hope I’m able to continue to entertain you. As ever, thank you to my beta, you put up with me, Crystal, enough said. Music for this chapter, Moby “Destroyed”, Soulstice “Illusion”, Tiesto “Club Life Vol. 1 Las Vegas”, and BT “These Humble Machines”.

The Training of Miss Tara Maclay

(Get your minds out of the gutter...)

“Concentrate, Sister,” Rowan commanded Tara, as she concentrated on the tongue of flame she had stopped and was floating before her. Slowly the flame stopped dancing and shimmered for a moment before being encased in ice with a hiss. At that moment, the ice dropped to the floor shattering and evaporating.


Dana stood off to the side; she had been watching Rowan with Tara for the last half hour and marveled at how far Tara had come in the last six weeks. Her focus was impeccable, and her strength was just as Rowan had said it would be, equal to Willow’s. Rowan had been correct, given the right encouragement and training, once she believed in herself, Tara truly was a formidable witch.


Unsure of just how long she had been with Rowan, she could only guess a few hours at the least, judging by Tara’s sweat soaked t-shirt and pink face. The workout space was as humid as Baltimore in late July, and smelled of ozone from the spells being cast about. Tara’s element of was water, anything thrown at her was quickly shorted out beyond use, encased in a spell of Tara’s own design, or simply frozen solid.


“Very good, and again,” Rowan said this time sending the flame at Tara with more speed and not just floating it. Tara’s arm shot out to stop the flame. Again it hovered, shimmering violently as it was covered, then dropped to the floor to disappear in a puff of steam.


“Again!”


Two flames shot out at Tara to meet the same icy fate. Sweat slowly dripped down her brow to roll off her chin. Her cheeks flushed with concentration and exertion, her bangs plastered to her forehead as she continued to cast.


“Again!”


This time, Rowan gave Dana a subtle nod. With a flick of her wrist Dana shot a bolt of electricity at Tara’s head breaking her concentration. The flame danced again and Tara dropped to the floor to avoid the bolt. Without thinking Tara shot back at Dana, encasing her in a swirling, thick mist that hovered around her even when she moved, effectively crippling her.


Tara had designed a spell, with Willow’s help, that allowed her opponent’s body’s own moisture to fuel it – blood, sweat, tears, venoms – all of it turned against the owner and would keep them immobile behind a dense, freezing mist that grew more painful the longer it was left in place to feed from its target. With Dana disabled, she quickly doused the flames.


“Excellent, Sister!” Rowan called as she clapped, “Enough for today, we ran a bit over our schedule anyway.”


Approaching Tara, she offered her hand, and a towel, helping her from the floor of the gym. “You have to remember even though concentration is paramount, a fight won’t always be one on one. In the heat of battle you also have to be aware of those around you.”


“Yes, My Lady,” Tara said wiping her forehead, slightly out of breath. Turning to Dana, Tara uttered an incantation to release her.


“You are aware that is cold – and mean – correct?” Dana huffed, her ears and nose were red, and her teeth chattered.


“Kept you still didn’t it?” Tara asked cheekily, wrapping the towel around her neck. “I could have given you a bath and shorted you out yet again, Sparky.”


Rowan smirked as the mental image of the doused Dana, looking very much like a drowned cat, from just a few days prior, danced in all their mind’s eyes. The three were now exiting the gym and headed back to the main part of the compound.


“That was not remotely funny, and you know it, Tara,” Dana whined.


Tara laughed, “But you standing in a puddle stopped the bolts didn’t it? C’mon you have to admit, it was a little funny…” Tara held her up thumb and forefinger, just a little apart, as she laughed.


“Now, Sisters, no fighting, and Dana you have to admit it was quick thinking,” Rowan gently chided.


“You’ve both been spending too much time with Willow,” Dana huffed to more of Tara’s laughter, as she blew on her hands to warm them.


“My Lady, forgive me, but how is it I look like I tried to run a marathon, and you have barely broken a sweat?” Tara asked.


“It’s all about channeling and pacing one’s energies, Sister, and I have been doing this a lot longer than you, but you will learn. To change the subject and let Dana pout some more,” Rowan teased. “Tara, how do you think things are coming with Amy?”


Tara’s face clouded over at the mention of Amy’s name. Wiping away the sweat around her face and neck she bought time as she chose her words carefully.


“My Lady, something is not right. For someone as enmeshed in the dark arts as she was, she seems to be having almost no withdrawals. I’ve only heard about what Willow went through, and in comparison… Are we sure she is staying bound properly? I just think we’re being toyed with by her yet again.”


“What about you, Dana?” Rowan asked.


Clearing her throat, Dana began, “My Lady, I know it’s different for everyone, but I would have to agree that she seems to be having an awfully easy time of it. I can also see why Tara mistrusts her, My Lady, there’s just something about her…”


“I see,” Rowan said nodding thoughtfully. “Do you think she is somehow casting in secret?”


Dana and Tara looked at one another, before answering in unison, “Yes.”


“I was afraid of this. I would like to talk to Willow again, before I make any judgments, but I agree, Sisters, there is something off with her. Do you think she is being helped?” Rowan looked at them both as she asked.


Dana nodded as Tara spoke, “Yes, My Lady, and I think we all know by whom. We have to be very careful, we have to remember Willow’s dream.”


“I haven’t forgotten, child. Believe me, I haven’t forgotten,” Rowan answered darkly.


“My Lady, what will happen with Tabitha? We know she is the one helping Amy, she’s going against a direct order from her Lady. She can no longer be trusted,” Tara said quietly.


Both Dana and Rowan’s faces clouded over at their mutual thoughts of what would have to be sanctioned against the pair.


“Tara, child, she would also have to be permanently bound and banished from the coven. She will no longer be accepted by any respectable coven. The same as will Amy, they will no longer be able to practice,” Rowan uttered morosely.


“But, My Lady, if they are finding a way around the daily bindings for Amy, how can you be sure she will no longer be able to practice?” Tara wasn’t letting the subject drop easily.


Rowan stopped and turned to Tara. “Child, we take it from them, we leave them with no talent to use. The ceremony doesn’t just bind them; it strips them of their power. That’s why it is so rarely used. Most witches, when faced with this as their punishment, decide their current path is not worth being stripped. They are completely ostracized by the magickal community.”


“My Lady, I just get the feeling, that whatever they are planning, that would be the best outcome we could hope for. They will fight – they are fighting,” Tara stressed.


“Yes, child, I think you’re right,” Rowan said sadly.



*********


As they approached Rowan’s office, they saw Willow standing by the door, fidgeting nervously and looking anxious. Tara immediately went to her, taking both Willow’s hand into her own.


“Will, what is it?” Tara asked, her voice tight with concern.


“My Lady, I need to speak with you,” Willow said gravely.


“Of course Willow, would you excuse us, Sisters?” Rowan said politely.


Willow spoke quietly, “No, they should be here too, it’s about Amy and Tabitha, My Lady.”


Rowan opened the door to her office, and stepped aside, “Sisters,” she said letting them enter ahead of her. Whispering under her breath, she cast a spell to keep ‘listening ears’ from hearing anything before she entered.


Tara was sitting on the edge of her seat in one of the wing backed chairs, watching Willow as she paced and rubbed her forehead. Dana perched on the table off to the side in Rowan’s office, and once Rowan was seated, Willow had the floor.


“She’s casting, My Lady. I felt her, we have to stop her now,” Willow blurted out.


“I assume you mean Amy, yes?” Rowan asked rhetorically. “You know that should be quite impossible, you bound her yourself.”


“Yes, My Lady, it ‘should’ be. Every spell can be broken or augmented; she and Tabitha have found a way to augment the binding,” Willow said before flopping into the chair next to Tara.


“I felt her My Lady; I’ve cast with Amy enough to know her magicks. At first it was weak, then Tabitha left and I felt it grow.” Willow leaned forward and put her head in her hands for a moment. “She’s played us…again.”


“Will, how were you anywhere near enough to feel her?” Tara asked.


“I was in the corridor down from her room; I had come in from greenhouse five and was heading to our room when I felt it. At first it was just someone casting, that must have been Tabitha, and then I felt Amy. I stopped out of view and waited; I thought I couldn’t be right. They must have argued, I could hear their voices but not what they were saying, then Tabitha left and she wasn’t happy.” Willow looked around the room at everyone as she spoke.


“My Lady, the three of us were there when she was bound late this afternoon. Willow did the binding, and it was a sound spell,” Dana said in Willow’s behalf.



“I have no doubt of the spell or its caster, Dana. What I want to know is how are they getting past it? If it’s Tabitha, then she is more adept than she’s been given credit for. If they’ve been doing this all along, what are they plotting?” Rowan inquired, looking at everyone for ideas.


“Power,” Tara said simply. “My Lady, I’ve said this before, Amy told us in Sunnydale it’s what she wants.”


Willow nodded. “She’s right, My Lady; the day we left, Amy went on and on about it being the only thing. If she’s convinced Tabitha that together they can somehow gain power…well, if she could bully and sweet talk a coven, then her cousin should be simple.”


“We’ve left them alone for the last six weeks to hatch some sort of plan, My Lady,” Dana said. “Amy is dangerous, we must act quickly. I’ll agree with Willow, we can’t wait now.”


The room fell silent, as they waited for Rowan to make a final decision. With a sad nod of her head she agreed.


“We have tried, Sisters, but we knew it may come to this. I need to know how deeply Tabitha has been involved. If she is willing to betray her coven, for whatever it is that Amy is promising her, whatever type of power play they intend to make, then she is just as dangerous,” Rowan stated.


“My Lady, we can’t wait, we must act quickly…I know this and…I feel this,” Willow tried to convey the depth of her worry.


Rowan nodded in acquiescence. “I understand, Willow. I need to do some investigating first, I just can’t make a snap judgment here, you have to understand that.”


“My Lady, I don’t think we have time anymore, please be swift about this, remember Willow’s dream, please,” Tara plead.


Rowan looked at Dana who had been listening as the three of them bandied the subject of time about.


“My Lady, I agree with whatever you ultimately decide. However, I will agree time is of the essence. If Amy and Tabitha find out beyond a shadow of a doubt that we know that, well there is something to know, it may be our undoing,” Dana replied.


“Indeed, Sisters, indeed… give me seventy-two hours, and I will have the confirmation I need for us to move forward with a full breach-marked binding,” Rowan pronounced.


“Yes, My Lady,” was murmured by Dana, Willow and Tara.


“Well, I think that’s enough for one evening, don’t you?” Rowan asked as she rose from her chair.


Willow and Tara rose with her and excused themselves to head back to their own rooms, leaving Dana alone with Rowan.


“I know what you’re thinking, Dana,” Rowan said as she turned her gaze toward Dana.


Dana looked at her wide eyed for a moment, then shrugged. “My Lady, how can you know if I don’t?”


“You think I shouldn’t wait and should do this tonight, you agree that we can’t wait anymore,” Rowan remarked.


Dana thought for a moment before replying softly, “Maybe I do, My Lady, but I will abide by whatever you think is best. You will be fair, and whatever happens will be as it should.”


Rowan smiled sadly, “Indeed…as it should be.”


*******


Tara went back to the room to shower, while Willow went and gathered food for them. Tara was still standing in the middle of her bedroom in a towel when she returned. Willow let out a wolf whistle as she stood with her hands full looking at a Tara still damp and bending over a drawer. The hem of the towel rose up, dangerously close to giving Willow an unhampered view of her girlfriend’s naked bottom.


Tara shot a look over her shoulder, and watched Willow lick her lips. Smiling rakishly, Tara dropped the towel, and proceeded to rummage for clothing longer than actually necessary, bending and twisting before Willow eyes.


When she finally slipped on a pair of shorts and a thin tank top, Willow was still standing frozen in place watching her.


“Wipe your chin, sweetie, you’re drooling,” Tara laughed.


“Ahh, what? Food…I brought…yeah,” Willow shook her head to clear it, only making Tara laugh that much harder.


“Why don’t you take a quick shower and I’ll set everything up, okay?” Tara suggested.


Willow nodded as she handed off the items in her hands. “I need to cool off anyway,” she muttered.


Tara laughed again, which made Willow smile. “I love that sound,” she said just before she dropped a kiss on Tara’s lips, then skipped away.


Tara’s smile grew as she watched Willow bounce off towards the bathroom. Unpacking the bag Willow brought with her, she saw salad, pasta with marinara sauce, what smelled like garlic bread, and even a small shaker of Parmesan cheese.


Tara set out plates and silverware, and was pouring glasses of water for them when Willow came back into the living room.


“That was quick,” Tara observed.


“You said be quick, so I was extra efficient. Besides I know I smelled faintly like one of the greenhouses, and ‘eau de compost’ just isn’t in this year,” Willow grinned.


“Did you want something other than water, sweetie?” Tara asked.


“Umm, no water’s good for now,” Willow said as she sat down and Tara came in with their drinks.


They dished out food onto their plates and began to eat, and Willow handed Tara the cheese. “This is special for you, shake it and tell me what you see.”


Tara took the small shaker, and as she shook it she could see it also had crushed red pepper flakes mixed in.


“You remembered,” Tara said with a smile.


“Of course I did, and now there will always be a shaker for you –70/30 red pepper to cheese mix, just like you like it.” Willow’s eyes glowed with affection, as she popped a cucumber slice into her mouth.


The rest of the meal was eaten mostly in silence; random bits of each other’s day were shared. Willow cleared away their dinner dishes and loaded the dishwasher in the little kitchen. They each were supposed to spend the next two hours studying before going to bed.


At about the hour and a half mark, Willow neatly put her work aside and simply began to watch Tara. She had her chin on her hand and a faint smile playing around her lips, Tara held out trying to finish the last bit of her paragraph before stopping what she was doing to look at Willow.


“What?” Tara asked.


Willow stood up and held her hand out to Tara. Dropping her pencil into the book she had open, Tara set everything on the coffee table, and taking Willow’s hand, she let herself be led off to the bedroom.


*******


Willow’s hand was aimlessly wandering over Tara’s naked back, the sweat still drying on their skin as they lay holding one another.


“Will?” Tara whispered.


“Yeah, baby?” Willow answered softly.


“It’s coming true, isn’t it?” Tara asked cautiously.


“I’m afraid so, baby,” Willow said. “While this makes me ten shades of unhappy, we’ll do what we have to do. Power hungry often equates to short-sightedness, and Amy’s never been the sharpest crayon in the box. It all works in our favor, baby.”


“When did they start coming true?” Tara inquired shift in Willow’s arms to look at her.


“In England, shortly before I came back. Nothing quite like this, though, not this important,” Willow replied.


“Do you think she’ll go back to Sunnydale after she’s been bound?” Tara said, thinking out loud.


“Probably, it’s her home, but if this happens – when this happens – we’ll have to warn Buffy, she’ll have to be watched,” Willow said thoughtfully. “Just because she can’t cast doesn’t mean she won’t try…she just can’t be trusted that’s all.”


Nodding her head, Tara continued her questions. “Do you think Tabitha has a clue that she’s under suspicion too?”


“At this point I don’t really know, I don’t think so,” Willow said softly, as she kissed Tara’s temple. “Tabitha’s harder to gauge, but I’ve always trusted her less – and that was before I knew she was Amy’s cousin.”


“Trust is a funny thing, it’s given and taken for granted, earned and lost, to be earned again. But somehow there always has to be something innately trustworthy about a person. It can be faked, but that’s like a glamour – eventually the truth side of trust comes through, you can only fake it for so long,” Tara whispered.


“Very true, and the ones that you never trust, there’s always a reason that comes to light, isn’t there?” Willow said. “Let’s get some sleep; we’ll deal with this tomorrow. Lady Rowan won’t waste any time with this now, baby.”


Tara nodded again, and kissed Willow’s neck. “You’re right, it’s been a long day. ‘Night, sweetie.”


Willow smiled, “Goodnight, baby, love you.”


A soft smile graced Tara’s lips. “Love you too.”




TBC…

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Yay for great update-y goodness... Big yay for the gang now knowing that the Rat Cousins are up to no good and can now prepare to blow up some Rats...

_________________
We Few, We Happy Few, We Band of Buggered

Posting while nude improves your mood...

Yes I was so glad to see an update. I can't wait to see what happen with Amy. Also with Willow and Tara I have a feeling hard times are ahead for my favorite couple but I also know they will pull through in the end!!! Keep writing I love it. Can't wait for more!

Loved the update. Glad to see that Rowan is taking great consideration to what Willow had to say about Amy and Tabitha. I'm really hoping that Tabitha doesn't think she is a suspect and is surprised when she is approached.

zampsa19752001,

The rat cousins - you kill me....

Yup, everyone is boarding the clue train and it's bound to be unpleasant.

Thanks for reading!

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

WR/TM,

Yes, things are coming to a head here.

I don't know that I have anymore rockiness planned for them as a couple, but outside situations are going to get more interesting, I promise.

Glad you enjoyed the chapter.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

love_2003,

All shall be revealed.... lol.

Considering she asked W/T to be part of this with Amy, I wouldn't have wanted her to discount their observations and findings when it comes to her. Besides of all of them Willow really does know Amy the best.

I think I've already set it up also that Rowan does actually trust Willow - she's earned it during her stay with the coven at The Grove. Rowan is on their (W/T) side, so of course she's supportive.

Glad you enjoyed it!

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Mmmmm...not there's a lovely visual!

Arrrgg...why is Lady Rowan waiting?? Amy and Tabitha need to be spayed ASAP! Which will be hard to do because I'm not so sure that Tabitha is coming back. I was glad that Lady Rowan took Willow seriously, but I just don't get why she is waiting. It's obvious the situation is coming to a head and fast. Honestly, how do these people sleep at night? lol

Loved the update and anxiously waiting to see what happens next!!!

_________________
Shelby - Racing The Rain (IN PROGRESS) / Baby Makes Three (IN PROGRESS) / The Santa Line / Everything She Does...Is Beautiful / Calfornia Grass

"Transform your pain. Release your past. And ... uh ... get over it."
~Willow, Where The Wild Things Are

Hello All,

Let me first say, that I am NOT ditching the story in any way, shape, or form. RL has stepped in and closed one door while opening another (funny how that happens) in the form of a new job with Apple (yay me!). So I ask that you please bear with me while I get settled in. I do have some of chapter 26 already down, so all hope is not lost. I do however expect that I more than likely won't be posting anything new until sometime next month - that's just how things are going to swing.

Thanks to everyone who is still reading, and now to reply to a comment.


Shel aka Finey_McFine,

Yes, that is a lovely little visual even if clothes are involved, lol.

Spayed, eh? Well, I do have something a little different in mind, and this will be a bit more action-y in this chapter so hopefully I'll be able to do it justice and my schemes for dealing with Amy and Tabitha will appease everyone reading.

Thanks for taking the time to comment and read.

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"

Chapter Twenty-Six

Pairing: W/T

Rating: R for the acidy tummies & language

Angst/Drama Rating: This is about a 7 on the 1-10 scale.

Setting: The Grove – Tucson

Disclaimer: I in no way, shape or form own the characters from BtVS, they’re owned by Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy. All original characters are in no way connected to them except by me in this forum. I own nothing but my soul, and even that is only a fleeting ownership… such is life.

Email: riverwillows@me.com

Feedback: If you’re up for, it’s always appreciated.

Author’s Notes: I know this took a lot longer than I anticipated, *ahem* so I apologize. Getting into my groove at the new job was part of it, and part of it was a bit of writers block. I will try to resume the bi-monthly posting schedule, but I may have to cut back to monthly posts. I just wasn’t sure how I was going to relay some of what I wanted to convey in this chapter, so I’m hoping this was worth the wait, everyone, thanks for sticking around. As ever, thanks to my beta Crystal, for not using the sharp, pointy stick too often. Music for this chapter: Emilie Autumn “Laced and Unlaced”, Tori Amos “Abnormally Attracted to Sin”, Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs “Alone in This Together”, Aimee Mann “Lost in Space”, Skylar Grey “Invisible” (single), and Yael Naim “She Was A Boy”.




48 hours later



Rowan sat at her desk, staring darkly at the phone, almost willing it to ring. The sun had long ago set from view as the moon rose, the first rise of a waxing crescent, into the darkening night. She was waiting for the call to confirm the request that she knew was not going to be refused. She had Dana gathering everything they would need, and Tara and Willow preparing for what would take place. A full breach-marked binding. The first such binding to be performed by any coven in over one hundred and fifty years; the first set of witches dangerously reckless enough to require such an act.


She was pulled from her dark thoughts when the phone rang. She took a deep breath and picked the receiver up from its cradle.


“Yes…yes, I understand. The Watcher’s Council has been following her as well. Amy Elizabeth Madison, daughter of Catherine Angeline Rosseur, daughter of Anne Marie Holcolmb. Tabitha Elise Rosseur, daughter of Jill Rose Talbot, daughter of Roseanne Emily Warren. Yes…they’re both hereditary, cousins as well. She was found in Sunnydale and bound by myself, Sister Dana Addams, and Rupert Giles of the Watcher’s Council. Tabitha has been here at The Grove since she was twelve, and left in our care.”


Listening to the voice on the other end of the line Rowan rubbed her hand tiredly over her face. The red tape and formalities for the governing body of the Witches Committee was just as bad as the Watcher’s Council. The only difference was the Committee was actually effective at what it did and less meddlesome in what it tried to do.


“Yes… I understand. It shall be done and recorded. Yes… thank you. Blessed be.”


And with a phone conversation that lasted less than ten minutes, Rowan had the verdict and consent of the Committee to move forward with the full breach-marked binding of both Amy and Tabitha. She would inform everyone in morning that they would indeed be binding both girls in less than forty-eight hours. It wouldn’t be easy and it could potentially be dangerous given those they had to bind.


With a deep, bone weary sigh Rowan stood slowly from behind her desk, and uttered a small prayer of sorts.


“As the Goddess sees fit, so shall we do, we walk our path guided by her light, blessed by her spirit in times of doubt and gifted with her strength in times of need…”


Rowan crossed to her door, opened it and stepped through to leave.


“Goddess, be with me now, I am in desperate need of you…” she whispered as she shut the door behind her and made off towards her rooms.



*********



60 hours



The smell of paint thinner and oil paints permeated the air, and the soft sounds of a paint brush being dragged across canvas and the tapping of keys echoed lightly through the two suites. The morning had been eventful for the girls. Dana had appeared early to wake them with a summons to meet Lady Rowan in her rooms as soon as they could be dressed.


The request only surprised Willow in that she had been to Rowan’s actual rooms a handful of times over the entirety of her stay at The Grove. Having a good idea what it would be about, upon Dana’s departure she quickly woke Tara. When Tara started to playfully pout about the lack of snuggles, in hushed tones Willow explained that they had to hurry directly to Rowan’s room. The serious look on her face had been enough to motivate Tara into moving quickly.


Now though, they were back to their routine – everything had to appear normal – it was one they had developed over the last six weeks for when they studied. Today was one of the days of their week they worked on academics not associated with witchcraft.


Often they would study together, but they were both working on final projects, and Tara’s was more involved. She had set her easel up a few weeks ago under the large skylight in her rooms to take advantage of the natural light, so she could work as the impetus or inspiration struck.


Willow had finished writing the last of the code she needed for her final, and had a row of three laptops set up with the code she had programmed running through its paces on the two, while the third laptop monitored for glitches.


Willow stood and stretched, rolling her neck and shoulders. She went to the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of water. Opening one, she took several long swallows, and then wiped her hand off on her jean shorts as she picked up the other bottle and headed to where Tara was working.


Moving quietly across the carpet, Willow stopped in the doorway and leaned against the frame to watch as Tara painted. Tara was barefoot in white painters pants covered in swipes and splatters of paint along with a white t-shirt equally as abused. Paint had been smeared along her nose, running across her forehead, and up into her bangs that now stood on end coated in black and blue paints.


“Thirsty?” Willow asked softly.


Tara’s eyes flickered up briefly from the canvas in front of her. She stepped back, staring hard at the painting. With a nod she came around the easel and approached Willow with a bright smile.


“Are you hungry too? Can you stop and we can have some lunch while we’re at it? Careful, I opened the top a little so it would be easy to get off with paint covered hands,” Willow said as she handed Tara the bottle.


“Can you give me fifteen more minutes? I actually think I just might be finished with it. We can go together and get something to eat,” Tara said as she glanced at the clock that hung in the kitchenette.


Willow nodded. “Yup, I’ve got stuff running and it won’t be done for a bit, so we can leave it and go eat with everyone else,” she reached out and played with the tufts of hair covered in paint. “I like your fancy new do, blue suits you,” she giggled.


Tara reached up, touching the now stiff hair. “Hmm, maybe I’ll leave it for you then, but I want to clean up and change. I don’t think the Sisters would appreciate paint smudges everywhere in a trail that leads right to me.” She winked at Willow before dropping a quick kiss on her cheek and turning back to her easel.


Willow watched as Tara picked up a brush from a can next to her easel and rubbed it rapidly against her pants leg, and then swayed back and forth in front of the canvas. Her eyes moved carefully over the image in front of her, before choosing her color to work with, picking places for perfecting. A fond smile eased its way across Willows face as she watched, before turning and retreating to her computers.



*******



Half an hour later Willow and Tara walked hand in hand down the hall towards the main dining room. Lunch would have just been set out and people starting to trickle in and congregate.


Passing the desk at the entrance, they noticed a familiar body leaning against the desk chatting Tabitha up and laughing, much to their mutual surprise.


“Claude,” They said in surprised unison.


Turning to face Willow and Tara was a brightly smiling Claude. Willow and Tara looked at one another, neither being able to hide the surprise or curiosity.


“So, what brings you here, Claude?” Willow asked, trying not to sound to snarky.


“Wow, Tara, your hair! I’ve never seen it so short, it looks great. I’m supposed to be meeting a Mr. Rupert Giles for lunch. He called the ranch and left a message a few weeks ago. Do you know him?”Claude guilelessly asked.


Both girls nodded. “Yes, he’s a good friend; did he tell you why he wanted to meet with you?” Tara asked. Willow shot Tara a knowing look.


“No, but he asked questions about mom, and whatnot,” Claude said as she started to shuffle a little nervously.


“Well, don’t worry, he won’t bite,” Willow replied with a smile.


“We were just on our way to eat, but since you’re meeting Giles, I guess we’ll catch you later then,” Tara said with a smile.


Claude flashed another bright smile. “Definitely, it was good to see you both.” Her face fell, and a wistfully envious expression crossed her features as she watched them walk away.


Heading quickly for the dining room, and not speaking until they entered the room, Willow gave Tara a questioning look.


“You know what that’s about, right?” Willow asked quietly.


“The coven, but Claude never really practiced,” Tara frowned.


“If she somehow has been brought to the attention of the Watcher’s Council, there’s a little more to dear Claude than she let’s on, or maybe more than she even wants to know, baby. Giles wouldn’t have called her here for nothing,” Willow said as she made her way to the long buffet table to look over what had been set out.


Tara bit her lip as she nodded. “I know, but really I never felt anything from her, and she never wanted there to be anything. I know her mother had some power, and could grow just about anything, even if it was three quarters dead when you brought it to her. She always had the prettiest roses, and part of the hedge in her yard was nothing but honeysuckle and jasmine…she had more than just a green thumb.” Tara giggled. “She was a “plant whisperer”. My mama used to tease her about it.”


“Well, maybe there’s something to that, maybe a little of that rubbed off on Claude and she could be helpful in the greenhouses here or something. I know green witches pride themselves on their abilities to grow plants and herbs,” Willow said as she shrugged.


Tara frowned slightly, and with a shrug, handed Willow a plate. “I don’t know, I guess we can pester Giles about it later and see if he spills.”



*****



66 hours



That evening, Tabitha stomped into Amy’s room to hear retching coming from the bathroom. Her mouth quirked into a cold smile as she listened; sauntering over to one of the few remaining chairs left, she turned it to face the bed, and perched herself on it, waiting for Amy to show herself.


The bathroom door slammed carelessly open, and Amy wobbled out holding her head. Her skin had taken on the pallor of old parchment, and her eyes were just pits of blackness that almost looked like they had been punched into her skull.


“Hello, cousin, not feeling well today?” Tabitha asked in a saccharine tone.


“What the fuck does it look like to you?” Amy snarled.


“When does your man show up? Something is going on. That Englishman sent for the brunette, Claude, who was sniffing around Willow before she brought her sweet little blonde here. Claude and the Englishman had lunch today; when Willow and Tara saw her, I could tell that they know something.”


Amy rubbed her head as she slowly made her way over to the bed, easing down on it.


“Davos and I have already talked; he’ll be here by two o’clock tomorrow. Then we move forward, and get what we deserve.” Amy lay back on the bed and clutched a pillow to her chest.


Managing a modicum of sincerity, Tabitha asked, “Is there anything I can get you, Amy? Some tea perhaps, water maybe?”


Looking over the pillow at her cousin, Amy’s mouth twisted cruelly. “I bet you just love this don’t you? No, dear cousin, I’m just dandy, thank you. By tomorrow evening I’ll be spectacular, don’t you worry your pretty little head about me.”


Tabitha’s expression grew closed and her eyes cold. With a curt nod of her head, she swept out of the room with a slam of the door. Standing on the other side she could hear Amy cursing at the pain the noise had caused, and with a pleased little smile, she headed back to her rooms at the other end of the wing.



*******



Tara led the way into her rooms, which was the way that she and Willow were currently living with the adjoining door between the two suites open – they just floated back and forth at will. The main living areas served as work spaces for them to work on school, while the bedrooms were fluid. It didn’t matter which bed they were in so long as they were together, and they were always together. Reconnecting even in their silence, knowing that the other was only a few feet away, was reassurance enough of their bond.


They had always been very affectionate with one another when they were in private, and it carried over into the almost constant hand holding when they were in public. They felt most at ease that way, and it was even more so now. It was an unspoken agreement; they loved one another and they didn’t care who knew.


Willow noticed that an envelope had been shoved under Tara’s door. Stopping to pick it up she saw it was addressed to them both in Lady Rowan’s flowing script.


“Baby, we have something here,” Willow said holding up the envelope for Tara to see.


“Open it, sweetie.”


Willow tore into the envelope and quickly read the note inside. “It looks like we are to meet her and Dana at twelve thirty tonight in the training fields,” she handed the note over for Tara to read. “It’s time then, she must have gotten confirmation from the Witches Committee.”


Willow ran her hand through her hair as she watched Tara read the note.


“That makes sense, a waxing moon is a good time for a binding, banishment and protection spells too. I wonder if Amy and Tabitha know yet what’s going to happen to them. I know it’s still early, but maybe we should start to prepare, so we can get up and do a cleansing before we go out,” Tara said thoughtfully.


Willow sat on the couch, and kicked off her sandals, then patted the space next to her. Tara toed off her sneakers, pulling off her socks and stuffing them inside before she joined Willow.


Snuggling into one another they immediately joined hands. Willow nuzzled Tara’s neck, dropping a few soft kisses on the warm, soft skin.


With a sigh Willow said, “That’s a good idea, baby. Maybe we should meditate a little tonight before we lay down to nap, just to be a little more in tune with each other. We don’t know what exactly is going to happen, and I think we should be prepared for anything. We’re dealing with Amy here.”


Lifting Willow’s hand to her lips, Tara smiled a sad smile. “It’s for the best, Willow. She’s left us no choice and she’s had so many chances to avoid this. I know she is your friend…”


“Was,” Willow interjected.


“Okay, was your friend, so I imagine this has a whole different meaning for you, sweetie. Just know you did what you could to help her and she didn’t want it, okay? You didn’t fail her Willow, she failed herself.” Tara rested her head on Willow’s shoulder.


“I never dreamed that when Amy, Michael and I started dabbling in high school it would ever come to this. I really thought that she had learned from what her mother did to her, but I was so wrong, baby, so wrong. It may not be what she wants, but it’s what she needs. In a way that sounds hypocritical coming from me, but when the life line was thrown, I grabbed on. I had too much I didn’t want to lose forever.” Pulling Tara closer Willow dropped a kiss on her temple.


“I love you, Tara.”


Shifting to look Willow in the eye, Tara gently placed a hand on her cheek. “I know you do, sweetie, just like I love you.” Placing several soft kisses on Willow’s lips, Tara then eased back into the couch. “We should get started soon so we can get some rest.”


“You’re right, we should get prepared.” Willow sighed. “How about I’ll let you gather stuff for a cleansing, and I’ll get the bedroom ready for us to meditate in? We've got to have our game faces on when we get there.”


Tara pulled Willow close for a long sweet kiss, then their mouths pulled apart with a slight pop. “Sounds like a plan, love. Off we go.”


Willow just looked at her for a moment before she stood up. “Off we go to work ourselves up into a witchy little frenzy – yay,” she said sounding less than thrilled at the prospect.


Tara rose and swatted her behind. “Look at it this way; it’ll be stories to tell our grandchildren.”


Willow whipped around to look at her, surprise written all over her face, she squeaked, “Our grandchildren?”


“Definitely our grandchildren,” Tara said with a sincere smile. Willow opened her arms, and Tara walked into her embrace.


Willow pulled her in and kissed her hard, they broke apart breathless, eyes dilated and shining. Willow played with the soft wisps of hair at the nape of Tara’s neck. Smiling mischievously she said, “Our grandchildren,” her tongue poked out a little as she smiled and hugged Tara tight.


“Maybe there’s something else we can do to get in tune with one another,” Tara whispered in Willow’s ear.


With a throaty laugh, Willow’s eyes gleamed brightly. “Lead the way.”



******



72 hours



Willow and Tara made their way out to the training field just as the sliver of a crescent moon rose almost directly overhead. They both were dressed in loose white cotton ceremonial gowns.


Tara’s was embroidered with a triquetraTriple Goddess knot, and it alternated with the Lover’s Knot along the edges of the collar, sleeves and bottom hem in twisted threads that changed color from deep emerald green to cobalt blue with a golden shimmer to it.


Willow’s gown was almost identical except for the style of knot and the color of the threads. Instead of the standard triquetra Triple Goddess knot, hers were the swirl patternfor the Triple Goddess, alternating with the Lover’s Knot. And Willow’s threads were a deep, almost blood, red and a rich purple that were twisted together.


Dana and Lady Rowan were already waiting when they arrived; they were dressed in similarly ornate ceremonial robes, with Rowan’s being the most ornate.


“Merry meet, and blessed be, Sisters,” Rowan said solemnly, and Dana simply nodded.


“Meet meet, My Lady,” Tara and Willow responded.


“Rupert has been sent to fetch Amy, and Tabitha received an invitation similar to the one you both you were given. Neither girl knows the exact nature of their summoning. Dana and I have taken the liberty of setting up the circle, and when they arrive we can get started without delay. They should be here shortly girls, I hope you are prepared.” Rowan’s face was grave when she looked at Willow and Tara.


“Yes, My Lady, we have prepared knowing this won’t be pleasant,” Tara almost whispered.


Willow cleared her throat. “My Lady, I fully expect Amy to fight and I wouldn’t be surprised if Tabitha does as well. Not being pleasant, I think will be an understatement, but Tara and I have faced worse.” There was a note of pride in her voice as she slipped her hand into Tara’s.


Speaking for the first time since their arrival, Dana said, “I’m sure you have, being practicing witches living on the hellmouth.”


As they spoke, going over what would take place and the spell that would be used, Giles arrived with Amy. A lone figure could be seen making its way towards them in the night. Soon, Tabitha could be distinguished in the soft light of the lanterns that had been lit around the circle that had been drawn.


Giles’ robe was as ornate as Dana’s, while Tabitha and Amy wore simple white robes of an initiate. The four faced the circle at which point Rowan lit a white candle approaching the group of six people to stand in front of them and began to draw a protective circle.


Rowan spoke as she lit a yellow candle, “Let it be known that this circle has been cast. All who enter the Circle may do so in perfect love and perfect trust. Guardians of the East, I call upon you to watch over the rites of the Coven of The Grove. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in perfect love and perfect trust.


She then moved to the south and lit the red candle waiting in place, and said, “Guardians of the South, I call upon you to watch over the rites of the Coven of The Grove. Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in perfect love and perfect trust.”


Moving next around the circle to west, Rowan lit a blue candle saying, “Guardians of the West, I call upon you to watch over the rites of the Coven of The Grove. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in perfect love and perfect trust.”


Finally approaching the north she lit the yellow candle, intoning, “Guardians of the North, I call upon you to watch over the rites of the Coven of The Grove. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in perfect love and perfect trust.”


Motioning Tara forwards Rowan asked, “How do you enter the circle?”


Tara approached with the grace and confidence born of years of practice, and responded in a clear strong voice, “In perfect love and perfect trust in the light and love of the Goddess.” Rowan anointed Tara with ceremonial oils.


The process was repeated until everyone had entered the sacred circle. Amy and Tabitha were loosely surrounded by Dana, Willow and Tara, as Giles was helping Amy to stand upright.


“My Lady, what’s going on? This isn’t the usual time for a ritual or celebration,” Tabitha asked, her suspicion plain as her eyes darted around to the people surrounding her.


Rowan moved to stand in front of the group. Her presence and power easily felt as she began to call her magicks to her. Her face set in hard lines, and the air fairly cracking around her, she cut an imposing figure as she began to speak, facing Amy she began.


“Amy Elizabeth Madison, daughter of Catherine Angeline Rosseur, daughter of Anne Marie Holcolmb, you have proved time and again you are a danger to yourself and others. You have repeatedly defiled the true meaning and intent of a practicing coven by using it for you own gains.”


Turning to Tabitha, she almost spat, “Tabitha Elise Rosseur, daughter of Jill Rose Talbot, daughter of Roseanne Emily Warren, you have betrayed your coven, engaged in machinations to overthrow your priestess for your own gain to the detriment of the other members of the coven. You have also proven to be a danger to yourself and others.”


Straightening to her full height, Rowan set her jaw, her eyes cold as she stared down both young women. “I hereby decree, under full consent of the Witches Committee, that you are both to have your powers bound permanently, and be banished from this and any coven until the end of your lives natural or otherwise.”


Dana approached first Tabitha and then Amy, tying sashes around their waists that had the rune Aegishjelm – the Helm of Awe, a binding rune & the tri-runes of Hagel, Jera, and Rad to bind and return negativity – painted onto them.


Tabitha stood slack jawed and stunned, just watching what was happening, looking back and forth between Amy and Rowan. Amy pulled away from Giles’ grasp with a murderous look on her death mask of a face.


The five began to chant, “The darkness you have created is bound to you. You own your darkness. You may no longer share this darkness with others. Your negative energy shall be destroyed, and your evil will forever be banished from this world. Maiden, Mother, and Crone, earth, air, fire and spirit we ask of she who commands our obeisance for her blessing. We bind all powers; we banish all powers and energies never to return, never to do anymore harm to themselves or others. By the rule of three by three, we bind Amy Elizabeth Madison, daughter of Catherine Angeline Rosseur, daughter of Anne Marie Holcolmb. Tabitha Elise Rosseur, daughter of Jill Rose Talbot, daughter of Roseanne Emily Warren.”


By this time Amy was shaking with laughter. Energy had already been building in the air around them when Amy turned to look at them, her eyes as black as pitch.


“Do you really think you can bind me?” She laughed hysterically. She began to draw energy forming a nasty looking black and red orb in her hand. “C’mon Willow, do you really think you’re up to taking me?” With a flick of her wrist she flung the orb not at Willow but at Tara.


Tara just smiled, and shook her head as she caught the orb. As she held it, it changed to the opalescent light blue of her power. With a smirk Tara, lobbed it over to Willow. Willow juggled it between her hands. Turning it from flame to ice, to a rose, then to a rock and dropping it to the ground at Amy’s feet.


“Amy, did you honestly think we expected any less from you? You’re easy to figure out, you’ll go for what you think will hurt us most, but you have no idea what you’re playing with here, little girl,” Willow said her voice deadly serious.


Rowan, Dana, and Giles continued to chant, moving together and clasping hands.


With a screech of anger Amy began firing orbs of energy at Willow and Tara, only to have the same thing repeated. Willow threw rocks, roses, snakes, lizards, rats, and gerbils at her feet while she and Tara laughed.


Amy screamed at Tabitha to help her, but her cousin seemed to be rooted to the spot where she stood.


With another frustrated screech, Amy began to levitate, “Enough playing! I WILL NOT be bound, much less by you, Willow Rosenberg.” This time she shot pulses of entirely black, oily-looking energy at Willow.


Willow blocked the pulse and fought back with a continuous pulse of green-white energy, forcing Amy back to the ground as she began to tire.


Panting heavily, Amy pulled anther trick from her arsenal and all of a sudden, just appeared next to Tabitha. Placing one hand on her head, she seemed to feed from her. Tabitha began to drop to her knees, as Amy’s cackling grew louder. When Tabitha keeled over onto the ground twitching, Amy whipped around to face Willow and Tara.


“Bring it on girls,” she said. Her eyes had gone completely black; the whites were completely gone and seemed to spark. She rubbed her hands together; black magicks crackled and shot off little bursts energy.


“You really don’t want to do this, Amy,” Tara tried to encourage her.


“Don’t you get it? There is nothing else, you twit! And I’m gonna go down fighting and drain the two of you while I’m at it,” Amy laughed.


“Amy, she gave you one last chance, and we both know it’s me you want. So here it is, I’m giving you one free shot, bring on your best because you’ve stepped into my world.” Willow’s voice lacked inflection, and her expression was blank.


“Baby,” Tara started to plead.


Willow looked at Tara and gave her a wink. “It’s okay, really, go see if you can help Tabitha. I can take her on since this is the way she wants it.”


As Tara started to move away, Amy shot another nasty, oily, black pulse at her knocking her down. Tara writhed and cried on the ground.


“That was your last mistake, bitch,” Willow menaced. Without hesitation she dropped into a lotus position.


“What are you gonna do, Willow? Meditate me to death?” Amy taunted and laughed.


Amy began to wind up like a pitcher about to throw a baseball, when she was struck by a shot of energy from Willow that sent her flying.


Dana, Rowan, and Giles had surrounded Tabitha and continued to chant, while Tara laid on her back trying to catch her breath. Bolts of energy began to shoot between the two witches with increasing rapidity. You could smell the ozone in the air, and the hair on everyone’s arms was standing on end. Tara managed to get upright and into a lotus position.


Willow had knocked Amy around the circle. She was bleeding from a cut on her lip, both of her eyes were starting to swell closed and blacken, while her left arm hung at an odd angle. Willow had never even opened her eyes or moved from her position. Willow shot another beam of energy that picked Amy up off of her feet and held her suspended.


Suddenly, another shot of white energy shot from Tara to mingle with Willow’s energy. Amy let out a wail of pained rage, and began to fight them both back. The energy around her began to spark and turn nasty shades of red, purple, green and black. Swirling like a viscous tidal pool, Amy began pushing against their combined energies, forcing them back.


Willow and Tara both began to rise and move towards one another in the meditative positions. They rotated to face one another once their knees gently touched; they calmly raised their hands to join them. As one, they sent a burst of golden light that hit the pulse Amy had sent their way.


And, with an ear rending howl, and one final thunderous crack, Amy was gone in a shower of sparks.


Slowly they lowered back to the ground, still holding hands, they opened their eyes. Tara blinked rapidly in stunned surprise at Willow, who burst into tears and dropped her head into her hands.


By now Rowan, Dana and Giles had stopped chanting and just watched Tara, Willow and where Amy had been. No one had quite expected this end to things.


Tabitha was still crumpled off to the side, for all intents and purposes a vegetable. Quickly, Willow wiped the tears from her face and looked at Tara.


“We had no choice, right?” she pled.


“She left us no other choice,” Tara said softly.


Willow nodded and stood. Holding her hand out to help Tara up, she looked over at Tabitha with sadness, tears welling up again in her eyes.


“Rowan, can you dismiss the circle please? We’ve had enough for one night, you can deal with Tabitha.” Tara said as she put her arm around Willow’s shoulders to hold her close.


Without hesitation Rowan began to close the circle. Repeating the process counterclockwise, releasing the guardians of the four points and extinguishing the candles as she went. With a final, “I declare this sacred circle closed. So mote it be,” the circle was now closed.


Without a backwards look, Willow and Tara walked away.


Willow clung to Tara’s arm that had been around her shoulders, and tears still rolled unchecked down her cheeks. Tara continued to stare ahead blankly, as they trudged on autopilot back through the field, and towards their rooms. Shuffling through the halls they arrived at their door, and just stood staring at it. The only sound that echoed gently off the walls was of Willow’s soft sniffling.


“Baby, you know it’s not over now, right? Now we go back to Sunnydale,” Willow whispered.


Finally moving to open the door, Tara tightened her hold on Willow. “Yes, sweetie, I know.”




TBC…

_________________
Heather aka vampyregurl73 aka Riverwillows73

My stories:
"Dry Heat – In Progress (still)" "Penny Arcade - Completed"

My Fic Challenge entries:
"Fireworks" "Promise" "I Did What Last Night?"