The Cathedral And The Bazaar

[justin]

BlueWillowWitch: Hi,

Quote:

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I hope that Faith is okay and can proove to the group that she didn't do anything.

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You'll find out more about what happenning with Faith in the next part *tease, tease*



Thanks for the feedback

Postel's Prescription: Be generous in what you accept, rigorous in what you emit.

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar



- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/?

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

- note1: Many thanks to Arwen for betaing this part

- note2: The way that Emma kills a vampire in this part is a homage to the late, lamented series John Doe.



Chapter 21



Willow and Tara were in their room, Tara was sitting on the bed while Willow paced in front of her. After Dawn had finished explaining what had happened with Doc they had told her to get some sleep then had come here to discuss what to do. “So...” Tara started, stopping when she realised she had no idea what to say.



“So...” Willow repeated. “That was quite some revelation from Dawn.”



Tara nodded, “Yeah. I didn't see it coming. So what do we do? It's not something we can just ground her for.”



“Part of me thinks great. He was a demon and he served Glory, but it just all seems so...” Willow stopped, looking for the right word.



“Premeditated,” Tara supplied.



“Yeah. I mean Dawn must have been planning this for months.” Willow frowned, “I have to say that that makes me rather uncomfortable.”



Tara nodded her understanding, “It's one thing to kill a demon who's attacked you but another to plan out their execution.”



“But he did kill Buffy, or cause her death. I think maybe I can understand her wanting revenge.” Willow sighed, “I just don't know whether we should punish Dawn or say well done, you're a scooby now.” Willow sat down next to Tara and rested her head on Tara's shoulder. With a small sigh she whispered, “Well I guess no one said parenting would be easy.”



Tara put her arm round Willow and gave her a small squeeze, “What about what she said about Faith? Do you think this set her off?”



Willow snorted, “I doubt it. Faith was tricking us the whole time.”



Tara looked uncertain about this, “She seemed genuine.”



“I know, and I was starting to really trust her,” Willow muttered, her expression dark, “She's probably off somewhere laughing at us.”



***



Faith stood in the large clearing staring at the trees nestled over the side. She didn't really feel comfortable here, it wasn't her kind of place.



“You were right, this place is beautiful.” A voice said from behind her. “You wouldn't think somewhere like this could exist so close to the Hellmouth.”



Faith smiled as she thought how it was worth it though. Turning to Buffy she said, “Yeah, Emma said fairies used to come here or something.” Faith shrugged.



Buffy walked up so that she was standing face to face with Faith, “So do you bring all your girlfriends here?”



“Yeah well B...” Faith stopped and stared at Buffy a moment, not quite able to believe what she had just said, “Did you just say girlfriend?”



Buffy grinned, “That is what we are isn't it? We have been dating for the last month. Even if we haven't told anyone yet.”



Faith tried to work out how she had lost a month. “Uh, B. This is all very confusing.”



“Maybe this will help you figure things out.” Buffy leant forward and kissed Faith. Ignoring all the thoughts telling her there was something wrong, Faith put her arms round Buffy and deepened the kiss.



***



Faith opened her eyes to find herself lying on a hard, stone floor. Her sides were aching and there was blood dribbling from her mouth. At least she hoped it was blood, she was getting fed up of that black goo. Looking up she found Amy grinning at her. That was something else she was getting fed up of.



“Tell me Faith, where do you go?” Amy's tone was somehow both sweet and malicious at the same time.



Faith tried to answer but instead started coughing.



“It really is quite annoying the way you keep hiding like that. It takes us a lot of energy to draw you out again. I guess this is something you learnt from your mother's boyfriends.”



Gathering her strength Faith managed to snarl, “Fuck you.”



Amy laughed, “Oh Faith, you are so easy to get to.” Standing Amy nodded and Faith found herself being picked up by the arms. She struggled to pull loose but found she was too weak. “Why do you keep fighting Faith? Why don't you just give in.”



“You mean like Amy did?”



Ignoring the question Amy went on, “It's not as if your life is worth anything. Just give in, put an end to the pain.”



It would be so easy to just let go. To accept oblivion. Too easy. Faith looked Amy in the eyes and said, “Go back to hell.”



Amy just smiled, “You first.” Turning Amy walked away, while a large demon stepped in front of Faith.



“I'm really going to enjoy this slayer.” The demon moved forward cracking his knuckles.



***



Emma stood behind a tree and watched the three vampires as they approached. As they had been burying Dracula she had realised that the three sisters would try to dig him up.



“Are you sure that this is the spot?” One of them asked.



“Yes,” Another answered, “Can't you feel him?”



Emma pulled a small knife, only a few centimetres in length, out of her pocket and removed it's sheaf. As the three vampires began digging she quietly walked up behind one of them. She drove the knife through one of the vampire's neck, severing it's spinal column.



“What...” Was all she had time to say before exploding into dust. The two remaining vampires turned towards their attacker, only to find no one there. They had barely had time to react when another was hit in the chest with a crossbow bolt. As the vampire dusted, Emma moved to dispatch the last vampire.



“I see that you had the same idea that we did.” Giles said as he approached, the crossbow in his hand. Xander was a short distance behind holding an axe.



Emma brushed the dust off of her top, “I dislike leaving a job half done.”



“I can understand that” Xander said, “I was building some shelves at work and... you probably don't care.”



“Not really. Well this has been fun. If you ever need any help, you know where to find me.” Turning Emma opened the door that had just appeared and went through it.



“I wish I knew what it was that she was after.” Giles said, almost to himself.



***



The next day Tara went to work at the Magic Box, arriving a little early. As she hung her coat up Anya walked over, “You're early, I like that.”



“I just need to do some research.”



“Without Willow?” Anya couldn't believe that Willow would willingly miss out on research.



“Well, she's visiting the lawyer.”



“Oh, the adoption thing.”



Tara nodded, “Yes, is Giles about?”



Anya shook her head, “No, he hasn't been in. Claudia hasn't either. Hey I wonder if they...”



“Well I better get started.” Tara sat down at the table and got some books out.



“You know we've got a wide variety of books here, there was no need to...” Then, as Anya saw what the books were about she went on, “Oh you're researching parenting. So what's Dawn done now?”



“I just wanted to be prepared,” Tara responded, her voice weary.



“Is this what you wanted to talk to Giles about? I don't think he's ever had any children.”



“Yes but he's so mature...” Tara stopped, she wasn't sure what she meant. It was just that Giles was always the first person she thought to turn to for advice.



“You mean old,” Anay finished for her.



“Well I thought he might be able to...” Tara stopped again as Giles came in.



“You can ask him now.” Anya suggested.



Giles looked between the two women, then asked, “You wanted to ask me something?”



Tara looked downwards, unconsciously fidgeting with the book she had been holding, “I just wanted some advice.”



“Well I just need to check this.” He laid the paper he had been holding onto the counter.



“What's wrong?” Tara asked as she got up and walked over.



“The police were outside my apartment. I was trying to find out if it was something that we need to look into.”



“So is it?” Anya asked.



“One moment.” After a while Gile said, “Here it is, it seems a Muslim man was beaten up by a gang of youths. He's in hospital with a couple of broken ribs.”



“So it's nothing supernatural,” Tara said.



“No it just seems to be your typical hate crime.” Giles began closing up the paper as he said, “Now Tara you...” He stopped as the door opened again. This time it was Claudia.



“Has the council called here?” Everyone shook their heads. “Ah.” Claudia looked worried at this.



“Is something wrong?” Giles asked.



“The team the watchers council had sent was supposed to arrive last night. They never showed up.”



“Maybe they were held up,” Anya suggested.



“Well I'm trying to get hold of the council partly to find out if that is the case but it's unlikely.”



“Which means that something happened to them.” Giles sighed, the watche's council was very good at research but they just didn't seem to be able to manage actual field work.



***



Tara was alone in the Magic Box when Caitlin arrived. “Caitlin, is something wrong?”



“No, I just came to see if there was anything that you needed help with.” Seeing that Tara didn't understand she added, “Didn't Faith tell you?”



“Tell us?”



“That I want to help you. You know fighting demons and monsters and things.”



“You know this isn't just going to be a bit of fun, it'll be dangerous.”



“Yeah, Faith said the same thing.” Caitlin looked round the shop, “Where is she, by the way?”



“Uh, there's something that I need to tell you about Faith.”



***



Caitlin left the Magic Box, her head spinning. She couldn't believe what Tara had just told her. That Faith was a killer. Worse still that she had betrayed her friends and was now hiding from them. A part of her didn't want to believe this, and also had trouble accepting how quickly the others had condemned Faith. Tara had explained how Faith had done the same things when she had been in Sunnydale a few years ago but still Caitlin felt that there had to be another explanation. She just wasn't sure how to go about finding it.



***



Willow glanced around the office as the lawyer read over her file. “So you're applying for a second parent adoption of Ms Dawn Summers.”



“That's right.”



“Your partner, Ms Tara Maclay is the child's primary parent.” Willow nodded. “Well I don't foresee any problems. We'll get things started and will be in touch with you within the next week to go over some more details.”



“Thankyou.” Willow shook his hand and left the office. She was glad to see a lift waiting for her and went in. She was about to hit the button when it occurred to her that the way the lift had been waiting for her with it's doors open had a creepy, horror film sort of feel to it. No sooner had she thought this and the lift doors closed and it began to descend.



TBC

There's more than one way to do it. - The Perl mantra

[bluewillowwitch]

justin ,

I love this fic! I it is so funny. I feel bad for and not knowing what to do about Dawn. What was all that with Faith and Buffy, is that something important that I'm going to want to remember for later? I hope that Giles can help with her questions. I love 's thoughts:

Quote:

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"She was about to hit the button when it occurred to her that the way the lift had been waiting for her with it's doors open had a creepy, horror film sort of feel to it. No sooner had she thought this and the lift doors closed and it began to descend."

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Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

------------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[justin]

BlueWillowWitch: Hi,

Quote:

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I feel bad for and not knowing what to do about Dawn

---

True, though it is understandable they'd be a bit lost considering they're only just adults themselves.

Quote:

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What was all that with Faith and Buffy, is that something important that I'm going to want to remember for later?

---

To be honest I've always been something of a fuffy fan. The problem with this story is that you can't have fuffy without uffy, so that little dream sequence was just my way of inserting a bit of fuffy-ism into the story.



Of course I'm not ruling out the possibility that about twenty chapters later it'll turn out that that dream sequence is the key to understanding the whole story



Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad that you're enjoying the story.

There's more than one way to do it. - The Perl mantra

[justin]

- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/?

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden



Chapter 22



Faith staggered slightly, then righted herself. She looked round the street she was in, looking for... something. A man was walking long the road up ahead. Faith watched him a few moments then growled with rage, running after him. Faith threw herself into him, knocking him to the floor. His face changed as he struggled to rise. Faith punched the vampire in the face. She kept punching him, harder and harder. She didn't notice as her knuckles split or as his skull cracked with a loud snap. Then she stopped. She stared at the vampire a moment, confused, before muttering, “Not the one.” She stood up and walked away, saying to herself, “Dawn.”



***



Willow waited with a feeling of trepidation as the lift began to slow down. She pictured all the things that she might see when the doors opened, and kept trying to tell herself that she was just being silly. The one thing she didn't think of was a long white corridor that stretched into the distance. Willow took a nervous step towards the doors and, suddenly, the corridor was replaced by the foyer of the building. People were walking about, talking to each other and not seeming to be aware of anything odd. Sighing with relief Willow told herself that she'd have to tell the others about this right away. She stepped out of the lift and everything changed again.



Willow looked round her surroundings trying to get an idea of where she was. This was hampered by the fact that she could only see about a meter all around her. Also she didn't want to move too far away from the elevator as she knew she'd get lost if she did so. The problem was that aside from the elevator she couldn't see any land marks. She was walking on gravel that crunched every time she took a step, and there was a slight breeze which told her that she was outside. Finally Willow decided the best thing to do was get back into the lift and see if she could get away from here. Willow turned, then gasped in horror. Her insides froze as she realised that the lift had disappeared. “Tara,” She whispered, “Help.”



***



Tara was helping Anya rearrange some of the stock. She was moving a statuette when everything around faded. “Tara!” a soft cry echoed around her.



“Willow?”



“Help.”



Tara was brought back to reality by a loud crash. She looked round trying to work out what had just happened. She took a step, her legs almost giving out. Suddenly Anya was by her side, holding her up. “Tara, what's wrong?”



Tara shook her head, still not sure. “I think... Willow's in trouble.” Saying those words brought everything into focus. Moving towards the phone she said again, “Willow's in trouble.”



“How do you know?”



“I don't know. I just know she's alone somewhere and frightened.” Tara grabbed the phone and dialed a number. After talking on the phone to someone for a few minutes she hung up and turned to Anya, “Willow had her meeting with the lawyer but she never signed out of the building.”



“Maybe she forgot?”



Tara shook her head, “We have to make sure.” Tara thought a moment, “There's a book I need. I think it's here somewhere.”



After they'd been searching the book cases for half an hour Anya asked, “Are you sure the book's here?”



“Yes I'm... Oh.”



“Yes?”



“I lent it to Caitlin. I'll get her to bring it over.”



“You lent one of...” Anya stopped as she realised that Tara had already gone to the phone.



***



Realising that staying where she was wasn't going to help, Willow chose a direction and set off in it. As she walked she dragged her left foot along, so as to leave a trail in the gravel. Since the elevator had vanished Willow wasn't sure there'd be any use to be able to get back to her starting point, but a part of her felt happier knowing that she'd be able to.



After walking for a few minutes Willow came to a large hole. She could only see a small part of it but was able to guess that walking round it would take some time. Feeling curious Willow grabbed a stone from the gravel and threw it in. She was surprised when the stone hit the surface with a splashing sound. “This place is just too weird.”



“You can say that again.” A voice said from behind Willow.



***



Caitlin arrived soon after, “Hi, what's up?”



“Willow's missing,” Anya explained, “Or at least we think she is.”



“But why do we need this book?”



“Well I...” Tara shook her head as she tried to think how to explain, “A while ago I thought that I heard Willow calling for me. There was something about how it happened that made me think about something that I read in that book. Have you got it?”



“Yeah.” Caitlin reached into her bag and pulled the book out, accidentally pulling a small object out with it.



It rolled over to Anya who bent down to pick it up. “Mace? I'm not sure it works against vampires.”



As Caitlin went to retrieve it she said, “It's not for vampires. I mean, haven't you heard?” Seeing that they hadn't she went on, “A girl from the Lesbian Alliance was beaten up recently. I've been carrying this ever since.” She then handed the book to Tara, “Well, I hope it helps.”



Anya looked at the clock, “Weren't you supposed to be picking Dawn up from school?”



“Damn, yes.” Tara glanced at the book then asked, “Could either of you two...”



Anya hesitated, not wanting to leave her shop, so Caitlin said, “I can do it.”



Tara smiled in gratitude, “Thanks.”



***



Willow turned to see a middle aged man standing there, “Who are you?”



“I guess that you could say that I created this place.”



“Okay. Was there a reason?”



“I'll explain but we need to get to some shelter before they come.”



“They? Who exactly are they?” Willow had a horrible feeling that she wasn't going to like the answer.



“You haven't seen them? Then you've been lucky, believe me you don't want to.” With the man leading the way they both set off.



***



When Dawn left her school she was a little surprised to see Caitlin there. “I thought that Tara was going to pick me up.”



“Oh there's something scoobyish going on, so I said I'd come.”



Dawn thought about it a while then said, “Oh you should probably go help. I can make my own way home.”



“Oh it won't take long.” Caitlin studied Dawn a moment then said, “Or maybe you could tell me what you're really planning.”



“I don't know what you're talking about.” Dawn sounding offended by the idea that she could be planning anything.



“Okay then, let's go home.”



Dawn shuffled from foot to foot as she tried to figure out what to do. Finally she said, “I want to look for Faith.”



“You do? Why?”



“Because I think what happened is my fault, and I want to try to help her.”



“You shouldn't...”



“But if I don't do this, how am I going to live with myself.”



“I was going to say, you shouldn't do this alone,”



“But none of the others would... You mean you. Why do you want to help?”



“Well Faith helped me with Brandon and I think I...” Caitlin hesitated, seeming uncertain about whether she should finish that thought. Finally she went on, “I think I owe her one.”



“Okay then, let's go.”



“We'd better phone the others, so they don't worry.”



“What'll you tell them?”



Caitlin blushed slightly, “I was thinking I'd say that we were going to see a movie.”



***



After hanging the phone up Tara turned to Anya and was about to speak when the door opened and Willow came in. Walking towards her Tara said, “Willow we were starting to worry.”



Willow turned to Tara, looking confused, “How did...” Then Willow's confusion seemed to grow. She took a step back and looked round before turning to an empty part of the room and asking, “What just happened?” Willow nodded and continued walking through the room.



“Willow who are you...” Tara stopped as she realised that Willow wasn't paying any attention to her. Tara and Anya followed Willow through into the training room.



“What do you think she's doing?” Anya asked.



“I'm not sure. I don't think that she's here, at least not mentally.”



“I always thought that Willow was on another planet.” At a glance from Tara Anya added, “Sorry. So what are we going to do?”



“I've got an idea, but I'll need you to keep an eye on Willow.”



“Okay.”



***



As they walked Willow said, “I'm Willow by the way.”



“Gerard,” Gerard said, “We're almost there.”



“That's...” Willow stopped as she realised that she was in the Magic Box.



Tara walked up to her saying, “Willow we were starting to worry.”



“How did you?” They she was back in the alternate world again. Turning to Gerard she asked, “What just happened?”



“Happened? Oh I take it you were elsewhere for a moment. What you saw was just an echo of your own world. They happen occasionally.”



***



After they had been walking for what seemed like ages they came to a small cave. “We should be reasonably safe here,” Gerard said as they went in, “I must say that you really have been luck to have not seen any of them. One guy they attacked before he even left the elevator.”



“So you were going to explain where this is, and why you created it.”



“Ah yes. First of all I have to say that it wasn't intentional, at least not completely. You see five years ago my wife was killed by a drunk driver. I guess I kind of lost it afterwards. The thing that kept haunting me was the fact that the man responsible didn't know just how much damage he had done, the lives that he had ruined.”



“So you decided to show him.”



“Yes. It took some time but eventually I found something that I thought would do it but instead it created this place. He was stuck here a month before dying then this place changed, became malevolent. It began looking for new victims to, well I guess torture would be the right word.”



“Just how does it choose these victims?”



“It take people who are feeling guilt.”



“So why me? It's not as if I feel any guilt about anything?”



“You don't? Then you must be a rather strange person. We all feel guilt about something. Things we should have said, or done, people that we let down.” Willow looked up at this. Tara, Bufffy, Amy, the list went on. People she could have saved if only she had been smarter or quicker, or just better. “I cast the spell because I didn't think the man who killed my wife was feeling enough guilt. The ironic thing is it would never have worded if he hadn't been.”



***



Tara checked through the book that Caitlin had brought her till she found what she was looking for. It was an explanation of translocation, which is what she thought had happened to Willow. That her mind her been moved to another world. However Tara needed to make certain. Suddenly remembering a story from the paper she got up and went over to get it. She soon found the story of a man who had thrown himself off of a cliff. Witnesses said that he had been screaming, and that he seemed to be running from something. Tara then remembered a story from a couple of weeks ago about a man who had stepped in front of a car. He had seemed dazed and had been talking to himself. Tara realised that they must have been affected in the same way as Willow had. Returning to the book Tara found a spell to take herself to the same world as Willow. After casting it she was disappointed when nothing happened. Then she noticed the lift that was standing waiting for her.



***



“So what happened, earlier? I was sure I was in the magic box.”



“Yes that happens sometimes. You see flashes of the real world. It's just a subconcious echo.”



“But Tara was there, she saw me.”



“She did? That is interesting.” They both turned to the entrance as a figure appeared.



“Tara?” Willow started towards her.



“It's not who you think it is.” Tara walked towards them, she seemed dazed and didn't seem to know where she was.



“How did you get here?” Willow reached out to take Tara's arm.



Tara brushed Willow off, “Stay away, I'm bad, so...” She started to make a low moaning sound.



“Tara?”



“I told you. It uses your guilt against you.”



***



Tara stepped out of the elevator and looked around. The ground was covered in gravel which made a harsh noise as she walked on it. She could only see a couple of meters from the lift. “So how am I going to find Willow?” Tara wondered to herself. Tara jumped as she heard a roar from behind her. Looking round she couldn't see anything but she could hear something moving towards her, something large. Turning Tara started running.



TBC

"To mess up a Linux box you need to work at it; to mess up a Windows box you just need to work on it."

[bluewillowwitch]

justin ,

I loved the update! It is so great. Okay, so let me see if I have this straight. is in another reality and has gone to find her. I don't trust that guy that is with. There is just something that doesn't seem right about him. I hope that finds her in time to save her.

Okay, What is up with Catlin and Dawn? Does Catlin have a little thing for Dawn that we don't know about?

Quote:

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Caitlin blushed slightly, “I was thinking I'd say that we were going to see a movie.”

---

That line there kinda makes me think that she does. And here I was thinking that Dawn had a thing for Faith. I wonder what if anything you are going to do there.



Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

------------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[justin]

BlueWillowWitch: Hi,

Quote:

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I loved the update!

---

Thanks

Quote:

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Okay, so let me see if I have this straight. is in another reality and has gone to find her

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Right on both counts

Quote:

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Okay, What is up with Catlin and Dawn? Does Catlin have a little thing for Dawn that we don't know about?



Quote:Caitlin blushed slightly, “I was thinking I'd say that we were going to see a movie.”



That line there kinda makes me think that she does.

---

Hmm, maybe I worded that line poorly. She's just saying she's going to say they're seeing a movie rather than what they're really doing and she's blushing because she's embarrassed about lying.



So no, Caitlin doesn't have a thing for Dawn. She does however have a thing for one of the Scoobies though.

Quote:

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And here I was thinking that Dawn had a thing for Faith

---

Dawns a hormonal teenager, so she has a thing for almost everyone

"To mess up a Linux box you need to work at it; to mess up a Windows box you just need to work on it."

[justin]

I just have a couple of notices before the next update.



1: A while back there was a scene with Willow editting a program that she had found which ended with a mysterious figure complaining that their plan had almost worked. There was going to be a story around this but I haven't been able to fit it in, and since we're now nearing the end of the second act I probably won't. So I guess that was just a red herring.



2: This part ends with a cliff hanger



Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/?

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

- Feedback:



Chapter 23



Tara slowed down a little as she spotted a cave up ahead. She glanced behind her and was relieved to see that she wasn't being followed. Walking into the cave Tara found Willow and a man there. Willow was huddled up in a corner, her face buried in her arms, sobbing softly. “Willow, what's wrong?”



Looking up Willow moaned, “Not again.”



“Who are you?” The man asked, standing up. Her had only know the place to take one person at a time, so he didn't know why this other woman was here..



Turning on him Tara demanded, “Who are you and what have you done to Willow?”



“I'm Gerard, and I haven't done anything to her, this place has.”



Turning away Tara went to crouch next to Willow and put her arms round her, “Willow, it's okay, I'm here.” She gently kissed Willow on the cheek.



“You must be Tara.”



At this Willow looked up, “Tara, you're really here?” Tara nodded, “How?”



Tara moved to dry the tears from Willow's cheeks then said, “Magic.” Willow smiled at this. “Now where are we?”



“I think I'd be best answering that one.” Gerard said.



***



Gerard paced back and forth as he explained what had happened. All the while Tara sat next to Willow, holding Willow's hands in her own.



“So that is how this place came to exist.” Gerard finished, “It is most commendable that you came here looking for your lover but it means that you're trapped here as well.”



“There must be a way to destroy it,” Tara reasoned.



Gerard shook his head, “Oh believe me I've tried.”



“You regret making it don't you?” Willow asked suddenly. She had been quiet all through Gerard's explanation, a thoughtful expression on her face.



“Of course I do,” Gerard flared up, “How could you even ask that, not a day goes by when I don't wish I hadn't.”



“But it feeds on guilt,” Tara said, seeing what Willow was getting at.



Gerard seemed shocked a moment, “You mean it's my guilt over creating this place that's keeping it in existence.” Both witches nodded. “So how does that help us?”



"If you can somehow deal with your guilt then it will..." Tara stopped as she realised that the thing she was suggesting was a tall order.



"You can start by coming to terms with what happened," Willow suggested.



"What happened?"



"To your wife."



"Oh. I thought I had, I've forgiven the man who was responsible."



Willow hesitated, she wasn't sure she wanted to say this, even though she knew she had to, "Have you forgiven yourself?"



"What?"



"What happened just before the accident?"



"I don't see how this is relevant. So we had a fight and she stormed out, lots of couples have... Oh god. I'm so very stupid."



"You blame yourself, don't you?" Tara suggested, "That's why you were so angry at the man who hit your wife, because blaming him was easier than blaming yourself."



"Yes." He was silent a moment, "I know how to fix this." He lead them both back to the large pool that Willow had found. "This is it. My guilt, the thing that is feeding this place." With that he ran towards the pool.



"Wait." Willow shouted, moving to stop him, but she was too late. He hit the surface with a loud splash, then everything went black.



***



“How exactly are we going to find...” Caitlin's voice trailed off as they spotted Faith up ahead. She turned towards them, her face twisting with rage.



“I think that she's going to find us,” Dawn answered, seeing the same thing. She took a step back, shocked by the expression on Faith's face. She had never seen Faith look this angry, not even when she had attacker her, just before going after Joyce.



“Dawn,” Faith growled, before running towards them. Caitlin tried to move in between Dawn and Faith, but Faith just threw her to one side. Reaching into her pocket Caitlin grabbed the mace that was there and pulled it out as she stood up. Faith had grabbed Dawn round the throat and was choking her.



“Faith.” Caitlin punched Faith in the back, causing Faith to let Dawn go and to turn towards her. Dawn staggered away, gasping for breath. “Sorry Faith,” Caitlin said, she raised the mace and sprayed it in Faith's face. Snarling Faith reached up and grabbed Caitlin's hand, twisting it around. There was a loud snap and Caitlin shrieked with pain. Staggering back Caitlin cradled her arm against her chest, tears running down her cheeks. Faith took a step towards her, then stopped, a look of guilt playing across her face. Faith turned towards Dawn, who took a step away from her. She took a step back herself, and watched the two women.



“No,” Faith moaned.



Dawn started towards her, “Faith?”



“Stay back,” Faith shouted. She turned and coughed then said, “I'm... I'm not as strong as Tara. I can't beat it.”



“You mean you're being controlled? By the same thing that had Tara?” Dawn guessed.



“I can feel it trying to take over again. You have to leave.”



“Maybe we can help,” Caitlin suggested.



“Please,” Faith begged, “Don't let me hurt you any more.”



Caitlin nodded, “Dawn we'd better go.”



“But...” With her good arm Caitlin took Dawn's hand and started to lead her away.



“Wait,” Faith called, “I have to tell you something... Something about Claudia.”



They turned back towards her. “What's wrong with Claudia?” Dawn asked.



“She...” Faith looked confused, “She... Her father... He's been turned into a cat.” Faith looked confused again, “No that's not...” Then the confusion was replaced by anger as she shouted, “Run!”



Caitlin and Dawn both turned and sprinted away as Faith struggled to stop herself from following them.



***



“Am I ever glad to be out of that place.” Willow said as she glanced around the field they had found themselves in. Willow sighed as she thought about Gerard. She was sorry about what had happened to him and hoped that where ever he had gone he had managed to find some peace.



“Me to, but Willow, where are we?”



“That's a good question.” Willow looked around, trying to get her bearings, “I just wish that I had a good answer.”



“Where's Anya, she was supposed to be...”



“There you are.” Anya said as she approached. She stopped to catch her breathe before going on, “I never knew you could run so fast.”



“I'm glad you showed up as we had no idea where we were.”



“You don't?” Anya looked dismayed at this, “But I was just following you.”



“You mean we're still lost?” Tara asked.



Anya laughed, “I was kidding. Of course I know the way back. Come on.”



***



Once they had reached the magic box they called the others and explained what had happened to them.



“Well I'm glad that you're both safe,” Claudia said, “But I think we should make certain that that place has been destroyed.”



“Quite,” Giles agreed, “We don't want anyone else ending up there.”



They all jumped as the phone rang. Tara went to answer it and they all got ready to start researching. When Tara got back she said, “That was Dawn, she's at hospital.”



Willow jumped up, “The hospital? How? When? Wha... Is she okay?”



Tara nodded, “She is, but Caitlin's broken her wrist.”



“How did she manage that watching a movie?” Willow asked.



“Dawn said she'd explain when we got there.”



“Do you want us to come?” Giles offered.



“No, you better continue with the research,” Willow answered.



***



They found a sheepish looking Dawn in the waiting room. Rushing over to her, Tara asked, “Dawn what happened?”



“Uh, we went to look for Faith.”



“You what?” Willow couldn't believe what she'd just heard, “Do know how dangerous that is?”



Dawn just nodded. “You could have been killed,” Tara added. Dawn's hands went unconsciously up to the bruises round her throat. “Did Faith do that?”



“But it's not her fault!” Seeing that they didn't believe her she went on, “Tara remember that thing that was controlling you?” Tara nodded, “I think it has Faith now.”



“But Faith only met Samuel the once.”



Willow shook her head, “It would explain why Faith suddenly seemed to snap. Maybe we were too quick to condemn her.” Seeing that Dawn was starting to look less nervous she added, in her best stern parent voice, which wasn't really all that stern at all, “But we're still angry with you.”



Dawn nodded, “Faith said something else, it didn't seem to make much sense but she said something about Claudia's father being turned into a cat.”



“You're right,” Tara said, “That... doesn't make sense.”



“But she seemed to be struggling to tell us that. So it might be important.”



“Well we'll check into it. But first we need to check on Caitlin, then get you home.”



***



Giles walked down the corridor towards Claudia's apartment. Tara had phoned him and told him the news about Faith and he had decided to go and talk to Claudia right away. There was something about the news about Claudia's father that didn't seem right. The problem was he didn't know what. As Claudia let him in she asked, “Is Dawn okay?”



“Yes and Caitlin's wrist should heal okay, given time. It seems they got it into their heads to go looking for Faith.”



“Oh dear,” Claudia wondered if Faith would tell them what had really happened, and if they would believe her.



“Yes. It gets worse, that black liquid that affected Tara, it appears to be wider spread than we thought. Faith's been infected by it now?”



“You're sure?” Claudia felt a burst of guilt. She knew Faith would have been infected after she had forced her to flee, making it her fault. Claudia tried to keep this from showing as she resolved to help Faith.



“Dawn seemed to be and it would explain why Faith suddenly snapped.”



Claudia nodded, “Yes, I suppose it would.”



Giles hesitated, ap part of him expecting Claudia to laugh in his face and tell him this was the silliest thing she had heard, “There was something else. Faith said something about your father. About him being turned into a cat.”



“Ah.” Claudia turned and called “Leonard, Leonard.” A small white cat walked into the room and Claudia picked him up. “Mr Giles, this is Leonard, my father.”



“How?”



“He's a member of the watcher's council. A few years ago he was part of a group that went after a demon that was plaguing central London. They managed to kill it but before it died it turned him into a cat as revenge.”



“Why didn't you tell us? We could have helped.”



Claudia shrugged, not looking sure about this, “I guess I didn't want to put you out. Anyway Faith should be our priority.”



“Yes, but that doesn't mean we can't look into this as well.”



Claudia nodded, “Thankyou. Could you get that book from the dresser?”



As Giles turned Claudia put Leonard down and grabbed a bottle. Taking a step forward she brought it down on the back of Giles' head.



***



Giles woke up to find himself laid out on a small bed. “What a strange...” Giles stopped as he remembered what had happened. There was a burst of pain at the back of his head. Reaching up he was surprised to find a bandage there. Getting off the bed and looking round the room he saw that it had been cleared out. “She must be a fast worker.” Giles muttered to himself. Grabbing the phone he dialled a number. “Hello, I need to speak to Travers. He is? Can you tell him that Rupert Giles called and that I need to speak to him urgently.” Giles hung up and headed home.



***



Giles had just gotten in when the phone rang. “Hello. Yes I wanted to talk to you about Claudia. Well about her father actually, about what happened to him.” At the response Giles almost dropped the phone. “He did? And Claudia doesn't know about this.” Giles paled at the response, all he could think to say was, “I see. That is worrying.”



TBC

"To mess up a Linux box you need to work at it; to mess up a Windows box you just need to work on it."

[bluewillowwitch]

justin ,

I love the update! I am glad that found and got her out of there. I knew that DAwn liked Faith! I knew it! Now the only question is, does Faith like Dawn like that, or can she come to like her like that? I kinda hope that she does. I mean I love her and Buffy as much as the next person but her and Dawn just seem more alike. Of course I think that and will have heartattacks over this fact. I can't wait to see where you take all of this. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

------------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[justin]

BlueWillowWitch, Hi



I'm glad you liked the update.

Quote:

---

I knew that DAwn liked Faith!

---

What I meant was that Dawn does like Faith, but only in the same way that she liked Xander, and Spike and Tara. I.E. in a I'm a teenager and crushing on everyone kind of way.



When this is set Dawn's only about 15/16 while Faith's at least as old as Willow and Tara, so she's in her twenties. So I'm sorry to disapoint you, but there won't be any Dawn/Faith in this story or indeed any Dawn/anybody.



Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad that you're enjoying the story.

"To mess up a Linux box you need to work at it; to mess up a Windows box you just need to work on it."

[justin]

The Cathedral and the Bazaar



- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/?

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

- Feedback: pretty please



Chapter 24



The next morning everyone gathered at the Magic Box. Facing them Giles took his glasses off and gave them a quick clean. Putting them back on again he said, “Well I suppose we should start with what could be viewed as being good news. After acting in an irresponsible and reckless fashion Dawn and Caitlin were able to find Faith.”



“I guess that's the reason behind the cast.” Xander interrupted, glancing over at Caitlin, who gave him a wan smile.



“Quite.” Giles went on, “However, as foolish as there actions were, they did make an important discovery. It seems that the black liquid that affected Tara and Samuel is more wide spread than we thought. It appears that it has taken over Faith.”



“I'm not sure that I'm seeing the good there,” Anya said.



“I guess the good is that it means that Faith hasn't betrayed us, she's just been possessed by a monster that we don't understand or know how to fight.” Willow frowned, “I'm not seeing the good either.”



“Well I did say it could just be viewed as being good. Besides Tara was able to overcome this creature so it's possible that Faith will be able to as well.”



“What does Claudia think about this?” Xander stopped and looked round the room, only just noticing the watcher's absence, “Where is she?”



“Ah, I was just coming to that. When Caitlin and Dawn spoke to Faith she also told them something about Claudia's father being turned into a cat. I asked her about this and she told me that her father had been a member of the watcher's council and that a demon had transformed him as an act of revenge.”



“Why didn't she tell us?” Willow asked, “I mean I know we didn't do so well with Amy but we might have been able to help her father.”



“Yes well I did ask Claudia that and she said she didn't want to put us out, she then attacked me.”



Every one seemed shocked by this. “Are you okay?” Tara asked.



“Aside from being tired of constantly being knocked out, yes I am. Anyway I then spoke to Travers and he told me that...” Giles hesitated, “that eighteen years ago...” Giles took his glasses off again and began wiping them, “Claudia's father committed suicide.”



“And Claudia didn't know this?” Anya asked.



“I asked Travers that, it seems that it was her who found his body.”



“The poor woman,” Tara whispered.



“Yes, it seems that the trauma was too much for her, and she created this dillusion of her father being turned into a cat as a way of coping.”



“So you're saying she's nuts?” Xander asked.



“Bluntly put, yes. I imagine she didn't tell us and she attacked me because the part of her that recognised the delusion for what it was, was worried that if we tried and failed to turn him back then she'd be forced to accept the truth.”



“So what we need to do is find Faith and get her to sick up that, whatever it is. Find Claudia and get her some psychiatric help,” Anya listed.



“That pretty much sums it up.”



***



Claudia checked her rear view mirror, and gave a small smile of anticipation. The man in the car behind her was just about ready. About half an hour ago she had cut him up, and he had been following her ever since, just as she had hoped. In that time she had been trying to annoy him as much as possible. Giving him one last look she sped up to thirty miles an hour, then slammed her breaks on. The car behind smashed into her. Putting her hand brake on, and turning the engine off Claudia got out. “What the fuck do you think you're playing at?” The driver demanded, “People like you shouldn't be on the road.” Claudia noted that he was carrying a crow bar. She turned to him, not focusing on him, but on the energy around him. She could see all the hatred and anger within. Concentrating on that she drained it away, replacing it with love and happiness. “Um, well I mean... Well I guess these things happen.” He looked at the two cars and said, “Not much damage done.” He got out a card and handed it to Claudia, “Here's my address. Why don't you send me the bill for any damages.”



“Thankyou.” Claudia said. The man got back into his car, whistling happily. Claudia did likewise, a grin on her face. The first test had been a complete success. She was starting to think her plan could work.



***



Willow and Tara were trying to find a reference to the black liquid. Sighing Willow closed the book she had been reading and went to put it away.



“Don't you have a class soon?” Tara asked, glancing at the clock. She was surprised at how much time had passed.



“It's not for another hour.” Willow turned and started rubbing Tara's shoulders.



Tara closed her eyes, “Mmmm, that's nice. So how are you doing? Are you feeling better?”



“Yeah. I mean it wasn't very nice but in some ways it helped me come to terms with some stuff.”



“That's good, but if you want to talk...”



“Then you'll be the first person I go to. Just not now, soon though.”



Tara nodded, “Okay then.”



Willow turned around, then frowned as she noticed something. “Is this a new book.” Willow took it off the shelf and put it on the table, before sitting next to Tara.



“I don't recognise it.”



Willow opened the book and glancing at the inscription said, “It must have been one of the books that the watchers council brought.”



“I wonder why we missed it.”



“I guess it just got mixed up with some others. Well I'm not sure it's going to help us.” Even as she was saying this, Willow began leafing through the book. She had got halfway through when she suddenly stopped and began to go back slowly, carefully checking each page.



“Did you see something?”



“Here it is.” Willow pointed at a diagram on one of the pages, “This is the symbol on the guy who was sacrificed.” Willow looked at the text next to it, “It's the ritual of Xandros. Apparently when Glory fed on someone she left a part of herself behind. This ritual allows you to tap into that part and to gain some of her powers.”



“So someone is trying to become like Glory?”



“Yes. They have to... ewww.”



“What?”



“Well you remember his blood had been taken. Apparently the person who performs the ritual has to bathe themselves in the victims blood.”



“Eww indeed.”



“I wonder what sort of person could do that.”



“Maybe it wasn't, a person I mean.”



Willow shook her head, “No, according to this the ritual can only be performed by a human.”



“Oh, we'd better tell Giles all this.”



***



When Claudia reached her new apartment, which was situated on the outskirts of town, she was surprised to find Glory waiting for her. “How did you get here?”



Glory smiled in a way that was really starting to annoy Claudia, “Who says that I'm here?”



“You're dead.” Claudia hoped that if she kept saying it, it would become true.



“You keep saying that. How do you know that, though? Maybe when Giles killed Ben all he did was set me free,”



“No, your nothing but an echo, a phantasm.”



“Maybe not even that. So you're little trial run worked out okay. The thing is working one person at a time, well it's going to take a long time.”



“That was just a test, when I'm ready I'll cure everyone at the same time.”



“But the only way you'll have the power to do that is if you get the final piece of me. Can you really do that? Drain Tara's blood and then bathe in it?”



Claudia paled a little at this. Shaking her head she said, “I'll find another way. A way which won't hurt her.”



“I knew it, you don't have the stomach. No wonder your father...” Glory raised her hand to underneath her chin, in the shape of a gun, “Bang!” Claudia turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her.



***



Giles read the book that Willow had found before saying, "You're right, this is the symbol that was on that poor man's chest. This is fascinating."



"You know I'm sure that you meant to say gross," Willow said.



"Well, yes that too. We need to find whoever is behind this."



"I know that this is important but we shouldn't forget the fact that there was someone was watching our house."



"Yes, we will need to work on that as well."



"We're busy at the moment," Anya said, coming into the room with Xander, "We've also got to find Faith and Clau..." Anya stopped as the door opened, "or maybe not."



"Claudia," Giles said, approaching the newcomer. "Now we just want to help you."



"Be quiet," Claudia commanded.



Giles did so, not sure why.



"Anya come here." Anya walked over and Claudia handed her a list. "I need these, I wouldn't have bothered you, save I can't get them anywhere else."



While Anya fetched the items Giles considered why they were all obeying Claudia so readily, "You're controlling us."



Claudia ignored him.



As he considered what was happening Giles figured it out, "My god, it was you. You sacrificed those people."



Claudia finally turned to Giles, "It was necessary.” She sighed, “You'll understand soon enough. Look just give me what I came for and I won't hurt anyone."



"Won't hurt anyone?" Giles felt his temper starting to rise, "Look at what you're doing to Tara."



Tara was sitting in a heap at the side of the room, she was holding herself, and muttering, "Wrong, everything's so wrong and dirty. They keep staring at me, judging me."



Willow was trying to comfort Tara but with little success.



Claudia stared at them in horror for a moment, "I... I had no idea it..." Suddenly angry Claudia turned to an empty part of the room, shouting, "Shut up! Don't talk about her like that." Snatching the bag Anya had brought out of her hands Claudia headed towards the door. Just before leaving she turned back and said, "As the future governor of this state is famous for saying, I'll be back."



After Claudia had gone Tara began to recover, standing up she hugged Willow and they held each other closely not saying anything.



After a few minutes the silence was broken by Xander remarking, "Okay, now I know that she's nuts."



TBC

What other people think of me is none of my business - Ellen Degeneres

[justin]

The Cathedral and the Bazaar



- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/?

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden



Chapter 25



Giles arrived at the magic box the next day to find everyone waiting for him. Almost as soon as he got through the door he was bombarded with questions.



"What are we going to do about Claudia?"



"What does she want?"



"How are we going to protect Tara?"



Giles raised his hand to quiet them. He then hung his coat up and walked to the end of the long table, putting a book down on it. "Now Tara I need to ask you something. You've been meditating with Willow in order to help control your new powers." Tara nodded. "How has that been working?"



"Very well. I haven't had any problems since then."



"Good. You see I believe that your power surge came from..."



"Glory," Tara finished.



"Yes. It seems she left some of herself in the people that she attacked. You got more due to being cured, so Claudia needs you in order to complete her plans."



"Which are?" Xander asked.



"Apotheosis."



Xander just looked confused.



"She wants to become a god," Willow explained. Turning to Giles she asked, "How do we stop her?"



"Tara, you will need to release that power. "



Tara nodded, "It'll be a relief to get rid of it."



"Well then," Xander said, "This sounds like a plan."



***



After clearing out a space in their bedroom Willow and Tara began getting together the components for the spell.



"I wonder why she's doing this," Tara said.



"You mean becoming a god?" Willow asked. She was setting up a group of different coloured candles on a desk.



"Yes, she never really struck me as being power mad."



"I guess not. I don't really know, unless... Remember she said that she thought that demons and vampires were the physical manifestation of the darker parts of our psyche. Maybe she thinks that id she's a god she can..."



"Wave her hand and get rid of those darker parts." Tara looked at the instructions, "So this will get rid of my new power."



"Yes, it'll safely release it into the atmosphere. Will you be sorry to see it go?"



"Not really. I mean I haven't used it for anything, and people just seem to want to use me for it." Tara chewed her lip a moment as she thought about something, "It's a shame we can't put it to good use though."



"You're right it is a shame." Willow suddenly lit up, "Or maybe we can."



***



Giles and Xander were waiting downstairs in case Claudia arrived during the spell. They had just settled themselves down when the door opened and Claudia entered. Xander ran at her but she grabbed him and threw him against the wall.



"I don't want to hurt you," She said.



"Claudia don't do this."



"I have to. It is necessary."



"I won't let you," Giles moved in the way of the stairs.



"Giles, don't worry. I have found a way to do this without hurting Tara. I know you want to protect her, I do too. I want to protect all of you, but while everyone is so filled with hate, that won't be possible."



"So you're going to remove all the hate from the world?"



"Yes. I know I can do it. Now let me past."



***



Willow jumped as she heard someone open the door. Seeing that it was Anya she said, “You're just in time.”



“We're going to have to hurry.” Anya said, “Claudia just arrived.”



Nodding Willow handed Anya some paper, “We need you to read this.”



As Anya began chanting the words of the spell Willow and Tara knelt down in the circle they had drawn. Holding hands they began chanting. A ball of light formed in the centre of the room. It started to grow as it rose up. Then it dispersed, filling the room with a faint light, which slowly faded.



Willow felt herself being filled with a feeling of peace and happiness, “Wow,” She said, “That was...”



“Yeah.” Tara nodded, smiling.



***



"Just kill him already." Claudia started as Glory appeared in a mirror on the wall.



Claudia turned to her, "Shut up!"



"Claudia, who are you talking to?" Giles asked.



Ignoring him Claudia said, "Just leave me alone."



"You're too weak to. How can you hope to control my power if you can't even kill this weakling."



Suddenly Glory changed into her father, "You disgust me. You always were an embarrassment to me, how weak you are."



"No." There were tears running down Claudia's face.



"Snivelling coward."



Claudia stumbled to her knees. Looking at her father she said, "I always tried to make you proud, but it was never enough, was it?"



Approaching her Giles said, "Claudia we can help you."



Suddenly rising Claudia punched him in the face, "I can't let you stop me. I won't let you stop me."



***



Claudia stopped at the top of the stairs to dry her eyes and to straighten her clothes. Taking her breath to calm herself she went in. She glanced at the occupants of the room then said, "Tara, I promise you that as long as you don't resist this won't hurt you at all."



Tara nodded, "Okay."



Claudia sighed with relief, "I hoped that you would be sensible about this." Claudia approached Tara chanting the words for the spell she had found. For a moment she felt some power transfer from Tara to her. Then it stopped. Frowning, Claudia repeated the words of the spell. This time there was nothing.



"Is something wrong?" Willow asked, looking very smug.



It occurred to Claudia that they might have done something to remove the power from Tara. Claudia felt ill, she couldn't believe that she could have gotten so close, only to be stopped. Calming herself she repeated the words a third time. This time she once again felt the power flowing again. Tara sighed, and almost collapsed but Claudia moved to catch her. She handed Tara to Willow saying, "Don't worry she'll be okay."



Willow smiled, "I know."



Claudia closed eyes and visualised a connection forming to all the people of the world. For a moment she was almost overcome by all the pain, hatred and anger she could feel. Fighting against it she pulled all the negative feelings out of people and destroyed them. Opening her eyes she saw that Xander and Giles had joined the others.



They went down on their knees as Willow said, "I'm sorry that we tried to stop you. We didn't understand."



Claudia moved to take both Willow and Tara's hands saying, "It's okay, you were doing what you thought was best."



She helped them up and still holding hands they went out into a world that was perfect.



***



"Claudia." Anya snapped her fingers in front of the watcher, not getting any response. "Claudia!" She tried pushing the other woman. Again Claudia didn't respond. Finally Anya turned to the others and shrugged, "The lights are on, but there's no one home."



Tara looked worried, "Did we do this?"



"I'd say rather that being thwarted in her plans shattered her already fragile psyche," Giles explained.



"You think?" Xander asked.



***



Faith sat on her heels, in a small cave, rocking back and forth. She wondered how long she had left. She could feel that thing taking her over completely. She could remember what Tara had said, that she would have been gone and only that thing would have remained. That was obviously what had happened to Amy and now it was going to happen to her.



She had fought it as hard as she could, but the harder she had fought the stronger it had become. Apart from that time when she had been fighting Dawn and Caitlin she hadn't even come close to regaining control. So here she was, locked away in a prison in her own mind, waiting for it to kill her.



Suddenly Faith found she could move again. Standing she tried to figure out what had just happened. For some reason the thing had suddenly lost control of her. She could still sense it, lurking at the back of her mind, but for the moment, it had been subdued. Deciding not to question this good fortune Faith ran out of the cave.



***



After running for some time Faith found herself in the clearing where they had buried Dracula. Taking another step Faith collapsed to the ground and passed out. A door appeared next to her and Emma stepped out. She started to reach for Faith but a voice said, "Not yet."



Emma nodded and went back into her library, leaving Faith lying unconscious.

What other people think of me is none of my business - Ellen Degeneres

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar



- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/?

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden



previously



"Amy? What are you doing here?" Faith tried to rise but couldn't move, "What have you done?"



"Not Amy. Not any more."



"Then who?"



"When we took over Samuel we weren't quite able to get rid of him. A bit of his personality remained. With Amy though she'd been a rat for so long that there was very little left. What little there was gave up without much of a fight."



"What are you?"



"What are you?" Amy repeated. She walked up to Faith and vomited in her face. Faith gagged as her face was covered with a black liquid. She moaned as she felt it soaking into her skin.



***



Claudia stopped at the top of the stairs to dry her eyes and to straighten her clothes. Taking her breath to calm herself she went in. She glanced at the occupants of the room then said, "Tara, I promise you that as long as you don't resist this won't hurt you at all."



Tara nodded, "Okay."



Claudia sighed with relief, "I hoped that you would be sensible about this." Claudia approached Tara chanting the words for the spell she had found. For a moment she felt some power transfer from Tara to her. Then it stopped. Frowning, Claudia repeated the words of the spell. This time there was nothing.



"Is something wrong?" Willow asked, looking very smug.



It occurred to Claudia that they might have done something to remove the power from Tara. Claudia felt ill, she couldn't believe that she could have gotten so close, only to be stopped. Calming herself she repeated the words a third time. This time she once again felt the power flowing again. Tara sighed, and almost collapsed but Claudia moved to catch her. She handed Tara to Willow saying, "Don't worry she'll be okay."



Willow smiled, "I know."



Claudia closed eyes and visualised a connection forming to all the people of the world. For a moment she was almost overcome by all the pain, hatred and anger she could feel. Fighting against it she pulled all the negative feelings out of people and destroyed them. Opening her eyes she saw that Xander and Giles had joined the others.



They went down on their knees as Willow said, "I'm sorry that we tried to stop you. We didn't understand."



Claudia moved to take both Willow and Tara's hands saying, "It's okay, you were doing what you thought was best."



She helped them up and still holding hands they went out into a world that was perfect.



***



"Claudia." Anya snapped her fingers in front of the watcher, not getting any response. "Claudia!" She tried pushing the other woman. Again Claudia didn't respond. Finally Anya turned to the others and shrugged, "The lights are on, but there's no one home."



Tara looked worried, "Did we do this?"



"I'd say rather that being thwarted in her plans shattered her already fragile psyche," Giles explained.



"You think?" Xander asked.



***



Faith sat on her heels, in a small cave, rocking back and forth. She wondered how long she had left. She could feel that thing taking her over completely. She could remember what Tara had said, that she would have been gone and only that thing would have remained. That was obviously what had happened to Amy and now it was going to happen to her.



She had fought it as hard as she could, but the harder she had fought the stronger it had become. Apart from that time when she had been fighting Dawn and Caitlin she hadn't even come close to regaining control. So here she was, locked away in a prison in her own mind, waiting for it to kill her.



Suddenly Faith found she could move again. Standing she tried to figure out what had just happened. For some reason the thing had suddenly lost control of her. She could still sense it, lurking at the back of her mind, but for the moment, it had been subdued. Deciding not to question this good fortune Faith ran out of the cave.



***



After running for some time Faith found herself in the clearing where they had buried Dracula. Taking another step Faith collapsed to the ground and passed out. A door appeared next to her and Emma stepped out. She started to reach for Faith but a voice said, "Not yet."



Emma nodded and went back into her library, leaving Faith lying unconscious.





Chapter 26



Dawn stared at the hole that had appeared in the library, “This is getting worse.”



“We haven't got long,” Tara agreed, “Probably a week at most.”



“I thought we had twenty five years,” Dawn protested, “We've only had twenty four years eleven months.”



Tara grinned, “You're really starting to take after Willow.” She sobered a little, “I hear you've been telling my granddaughter a lot of nonsense.”



Dawn pouted at this and despite being in her forties she still managered to look like an annoying teenager, "I was just telling her about how you came to get the library. Anyway it was Whistler who started the story.”



“Whistler!" Tara gasped, "Well we'd better not tell Willow that part.”



Dawn shrugged, “Well you know teenagers, if you tell them to avoid someone they seek that person out.”



Tara nodded, “Yeah I remember. Well we'd better find her, so I can tell her what really happened.”



“Are you saying that I'd embellish the facts?” Dawn asked, looking hurt.



“I'm not saying anything of the sort.” Tara actually managed to keep her face straight as she said this.



“Well good.”



***



"How long has she been like this?" Travers asked. He had arrived that morning and now he was visiting Claudia along with Giles. Claudia was being held at a luxurious and expensive mental hospital on the outskirts of Sunnydale.



"A couple of days now. She's able to feed herself and has some rudimentary control, but she's totally insensible to her surroundings."



"What have you tried so far to help her?"



"Willow tried a spell to enter Claudia's mind, which she used in the past to help Buffy. However she was repelled rather forcibly. Given the affects it had on Willow I've decided it's best to not try again."



"Well then I don't suppose there is anything that can be done. Claudia may as well remain here." Travers sighed, "Which brings us to the other matter."



"Faith."



"Yes, your report said that she is being controlled by some unknown entity."



Giles nodded, "That's correct."



"Well we'll research the matter of course. For the only slayer to be being controlled like this is not a good position for the council."



Giles felt a moments annoyance at this, thinking he didn't need to be reminded of the importance of the Slayer, "I'm aware of that."



"We could send a team to help you find her."



Giles blanched at the idea of the council blundering into Sunnydale again, "I don't think that would be wise."



"Probably not." Travers sighed again then said, "I'm leaving the council."



"What?" Giles couldn't believe this, he had always thought that nothing would make Travers leave.



"The council is changing. Maybe for the better, maybe not, all I know is there isn't a place for me any more. Well the council will want a report from you."



"On recent events?"



"On everything. I'll be in touch." Walking past Giles, Travers left the hospital.



***



Tara looked up from the book she was reading to see Willow coming in with some aspirin and a glass of water. "Are you still getting the headaches?"



Willow nodded, "But the nose bleeds have stopped, which is something. I'm still not sure why it happened."



"I think that I know. Remember how Claudia attacked Giles in order to preserve her delusion of her father still being alive. I guess where ever she is at the moment, she doesn't want anyone disrupting that."



Willow nodded, then looking at the book Tara had been reading, "Hey is that the book from your great, great, great, whatever, grandmother?"



Tara nodded, "It's really interesting. Or at least the bits that I can read are."



"Are you having trouble?"



"Well her handwriting wasn't very good and the paper has been damaged, so there are large sections that I can't read. What I've been able to get is the monks and knights of Byzantium used the key to travel to another world, where they met various monsters. However there was one monster there that was worse than the others, which I think they'd gone to fight. Unfortunately I can't read what it is."



Willow thought about it a moment, "You know there are some people at college who are working at software for restoring old documents. I could get them to work on the book, they might be able to work out what it says."



"If you think it'll help."



"I do."



Tara handed the book to Willow, "How long do you think it'll take?"



"Probably a couple of weeks at least."



***



“Well this is quite a pickle you've got yourself into.”



Faith was lying on what felt like carpet. Opening her eyes she saw that she was right, it was a carpet. Tilting her head a little she could see a desk. Faith struggled to pull herself into a sitting position. Scanning the room she saw she was in an office. Then she stopped. Standing next to the desk, a concerned expression on his face, was mayor Wilkins.



“Wilkins.”



“I have to admit to being disappointed. That you would be overwhelmed like this.”



“You're dead,” Faith's voice was barely more than a whisper.



“And by what,” Wilkins went on, ignoring Faith's comment. He picked up a jar of black liquid. “Look at this, it's so ooky and unhygenic. That is why I had to come back. I couldn't let something like this take over my Faithy.”



Faith tried to speak, but instead she just began coughing.



“You know what will help with that?" Wilkins chuckled, "A nice glass of warm milk.”



Faith struggled to keep her eyes open, but failed.



***



“It's been sixth months,” Anya complained.



“I know that, we will tell them, soon.”



“You've been telling me that for the last six months.” Anya stared at Xander a moment, “She isn't coming back.”



“Who isn't...” Xander stopped as he realised who Anya was talking about. “I know that, I mean we all decided not to do the resurrection spell. Or at least Willow and Tara decided not to.” There was a certain amount of bitterness in Xander's voice as he said this.



“That's what's been eating at you? You still think that we should have raised her, even after what we found out.” Anya hadn't been entirely comfortable with the resurrection idea. In her experience these things never went well. So she'd been relieved when they'd called it off.



“Yes. She should be here, She'd be doing a better job than Faith is. And she should be at our wedding.”



“That's why you haven't told them. Because you know that when we do tell them we'll have to have the wedding. You're hoping that if you keep putting it off then somehow she'll be able to come to the wedding.”



Not able to argue with this assertion Xander just nodded.



“She's not...”



“I know that she won't be able to come. I know that Buffy's gone and she's not going to come back.” Xander considered what he had just said, “Okay, let's tell them right now.”



Anya looked surprised at this, “You mean it?”



“We can't keep putting our lives on hold, waiting for something that isn't going to happen.”



Anya smiled at this, “Thankyou.”



***



Xander invited the others round to his apartment that night to have dinner. While they were eating he said, “Actually there was a reason why we invited you.”



“We kind of guessed that, seeing as how this is the first time you've invited us all here,” Willow pointed out.



“Yes well I've been meaning to, but the opportunity never came up.”



“Well then, tell them,” Anya prompted.



“I'm getting to that,” Xander answered, “Anyway we invited you here to...”



“Reveal the murderer?” Dawn guessed.



“No to tell you we're getting married,” Anya snapped.



For a while no one spoke.



“You're getting married?” Tara asked.



“Yes!”



“Congratulations.” Tara said, with the others soon adding their words of congratulations.



“I have to say that it's about time,” Giles added.



Willow went round to hug Xander saying, "I can't believe you finally told us."



"Yes well... Wait, you knew?"



"Tara figured it out."



"You didn't say anything," Dawn said.



"We figured it was their place to tell everyone," Tara explained.



"Well one of us kept putting off telling you," Anya said, glowering at Xander.



"Yes, well I was waiting for the right time, I guess I finally realised there wouldn't be a right time."



***



Faith forced her eyes open. She was lying on some grass. Faith sat up and saw Wilkins standing nearby, his brow furrowed in concentration. Faith was alarmed to note that he had grown into a giant, he was standing towering over a nearby windmill. As Faith considered this she realised that she had grown as well. Not only was she bigger than the windmill, but also a castle that was a short distance away. Faith also noticed that Wilkins was holding a golf club and was about to use it to knock a ball at the windmill. It was then that Faith worked out what was going on. Wilkins hit the ball, it passed through the windmill and traveled towards the hole on other side, stopping just on the rim of the hole.



Wilkins groaned, “Ah, I knew I should have used a bit more force...”



Faith picked herself up and began dusting off her jeans, “What's going on?”



“You need to do something about that stuff that growing within you. I need to do something about my short game.”



“Can I beat it?”



Wilkins smirked as he answered, “The witch did, why shouldn't you be able to?”



Faith thought about this. Why should she fail where Tara had succeeded. The answer came straight away, “But Tara had Willow.”



“And who have you got?” Wilkins was still smirking as he asked this.



Faith considered this a moment before answering, “Me.”



“That's my girl.”



***



Emma sat on a small bench in a park by a lake. She had a piece of bread in her hands which she broke up and threw to the ducks. She didn't look up as someone sat down next to her. After a few minutes had gone by she said, “I thought that you were avoiding Sunnydale.”



Whistler sighed and said, “Events are moving quickly, quicker than the powers that be thought they would.”



“So the powers aren't infallible after all.” Emma started to stand up.



Whistler moved to stop her, “We need your help.”



“Why exactly should I care?”



Whistler studied Emma a moment, “You used to care, when did you stop?”



“August the sixth, nineteen forty five.” Emma closed her eyes, “One hundred and forty five thousand, five hundred and sixty people.” Emma turned to Whistler, emotion showing on her face for the first time, “I felt them die.”



Whistler coughed, for once not sure what to say. Finally he said, “You want to die so much. Maybe this is your chance, and to do some good at the same time.”



Emma considered this a moment. “Okay then, what do you want me to do?”



***



“Goodbye, come again soon, with all your money,” Anya called after the witches who were leaving. When they had gone Anya walked over to turn the sign round then went back to the till. Opening it she began counting the money.



After she had been doing this a while Giles looked up, from the pile of books and papers he was surrounded by and said, “Anya I know that you're excited about your engagement, and that you enjoy counting the money, but couldn't you do it a bit quieter.”



“But this is important.” Anya made a dismissive sound, “Much more important than whatever you're doing.”



“What are you doing?” Willow, who had just arrived with Tara, “Researching a new big bad.”



“I think, that would be preferable to what I am doing." Giles shook his head, "I'm working on the report for the watchers council.”



“You're certainly being...” Willow stopped as the door opened.



Almost automatically Anya started to say, “I'm sorry, we're...” She stopped when she saw who it was.



Faith took a couple of steps into the shop. She gave the people gathered there a triumphant look then said, “I beat it.” Faith took another step forwards then fell to the floor.



TBC

"VOOM"?!? Mate, this bird wouldn't "voom" if you put four million volts through it! 'E's bleedin' demised! - The Parrot Sketch

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar



- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/?

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden



Chapter 27



Faith woke up shortly after she had arrived at the Magic Box. Reaching up to hold her head she muttered, “Oh, what was I drinking last night?”



“Hey, she's awake,” Anya pointed out to the others. Needlessly as it turned out, as everyone had already noticed.



“Are you okay?” Tara asked as she approached Faith.



Faith quickly checked then said, “All my parts seem to be attached.”



“You said that you'd beaten it,” Willow prompted, moving to stand next to Tara, “so you're not being controlled any more.”



“No, I got rid of it.”



“How did you become infected?” Giles asked.



“After Claudia killed that guy...”



“Wait, it was Claudia who killed him?” Xander asked.



Faith nodded, “What? Did you think it was me?”



Everyone looked embarrassed at this.



“We thought you had because you were being controlled.” Willow said finally.



Faith shook her head. “That was later. I think he was working for Claudia.”



Giles considered this, “That would make sense. Presumably he had someone watching you Tara in order to make sure that nothing happens to you that would ruin her plans.”



“Plans? What happened to Claudia anyway?”



“Ah well, it seems she was trying to become a god. We were able to stop her. She's now being treated at the nearest psychiatric hospital.”



“Oh.”



“So what happened after Claudia killed him?” Willow prompted, wanting to get away from the subject of how they'd all assumed Faith was guilty.



“I ran away. I thought you'd blame me. When I figured it out I was going to come back, but Amy got to me first.”



“Amy,” Tara said, “Is she okay?”



Faith shook her head, “She's been infected. From what it said, I think Amy was dead.”



“And Amy passed it on to you.”



Faith nodded.



“We still don't know what it is though,” Giles pointed out.



“Hatred,” Faith said, her voice low.



“What?” Tara asked.



“It's pure hatred.”



Tara nodded, “That would explain what I felt.”



“Well it's a start. Travers has promised the full resources of the council and I think we might need it.”



***



A man came stumbling down the main street. He stopped as he saw the sign for the Magic Box. Bunch of freaks, people like them shouldn't be allowed in Sunnydale. He felt a moment of total hatred for the people who ran this store. Bending he grabbed a stone and threw it through on of the windows. He then picked up another. After a few moments all the windows had been smashed. He then carried on, stopping at the next shop, which was a florists. Bunch of freaks, they shouldn't be allowed in Sunnydale. He bent to get another stone.



***



Faith walked quickly to the first cemetery that she needed to patrol. Giles hadn't been sure that this was such a good idea, but Faith had convinced him that she needed to get out. There was a couple of men walking in front of her. One seemed to be weaving, slightly as if he were drunk. Suddenly the other man turned and punched him, knocking him to the floor. The attacked man quickly got up and jumped at his friend. For a moment Faith considered ignoring them, and continuing on with her patrol. Ignoring this impulse she moved to separate them. Pulling them apart she found herself being hit in the face by both men. Knocking one away, she noticed a glint of silver. Moving quickly she grabbed the man's hand, as he was about to stab her with the knife he was holding. She forced him to drop it, before knocking him out. Noticing a police car approaching, Faith decided to leave.



***



Willow woke up with a start, moaning, “Frogs!” After a moment, she realised that she wasn't surrounded by frogs. A moment later she worked out that a sound from outside had woken her up.



“There's something outside,” Tara whispered.



“Yeah,” Willow nodded. Getting up they made their way to the window. Outside they could see people moving about. Suddenly there was a burst of light. They soon realised that the people outside had set fire to a large wooden cross. A moment later a stone broke through the window.



“That's it,” Tara said, her voice cold with anger, “We need to get rid of them.”



Willow nodded, “I think I know how.”



Tara raised an eyebrow.



“Blizzard.” Willow explained.



Tara nodded and they joined hands. As they chanted softly a small snow storm began to form outside the house. The cross went out under the weight of the snow, and as the storm increased the people outside were forced away.



***



The next day Willow, Tara and Dawn went out to survey the damage. Seeing that just the one window had been broken, Willow and Tara set about removing the cross.



“Why do you think they were doing it?” Dawn asked, “Do you think it's because you're gay?”



“I don't think so,” Tara shook her head and pointed at the wall. The word kike was painted there in large letters.



“So they're not homophobes, they're anti-semites,” Willow growled, her small body was shaking with anger.



“Why is this happening now?” Dawn asked, “We've always had problems with demons, but never anything like this.”



With the cross dismantled, Willow said, “I'm going to call Giles.”



TBC

"VOOM"?!? Mate, this bird wouldn't "voom" if you put four million volts through it! 'E's bleedin' demised! - The Parrot Sketch

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar



- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/?

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden



Chapter 28



They all gathered together at the Magic Box. The others listened quietly as Willow and Tara recounted what had happened the night before.



“It certainly is a sick sad world,” Xander said, when they had finished.



“Quite.” Giles took his glasses off and as he wiped them he went on, “And that wasn't the only such incident. There were similar attacks all across Sunnydale.”



“Do you think it's some kind of demon?” Xander wondered.



“No, I doubt if it's anything more supernatural than plain old human nature. As you said, it's a sick sad world.”



“See, not everything bad that happens is demons.” Anya said to Xander in an accusing tone.



Xander sighed, not wanting to get into this argument again.



***



When Tara got home from her classes she found a note from Willow saying that she was at the library. Tara quickly made her way there, finding Willow in the microfiche room. Willow was sitting at one of the machines, a notepad beside her, Standing a short distance away Tara watching Willow working, a small smile on her face.



“This would be a lot quicker if they made the old town papers available on the internet,” Willow said.



Going to sit next to her, Tara said, “Found anything?”



“I was thinking about what Dawn said, about why this was suddenly happening now. I've found that the number of disappearances and attacks has increased lately.”



Tara looked confused by this, “But we've been seeing less demons about lately.”



“I know. It seems that people have been making up the numbers.”



***



“Here we all are again,” Xander said, as he surveyed the room full of people.



Willow explained what she had found checking the papers.



“So?” Anya asked, in a bored tone, “It's not really our area of interest, now is it?”



“But before now, Sunnydale has always been a quiet place, I mean aside from the demons. I don't think this is normal.”



“I already said that this is nothing for us to worry about,” Giles said, his tone growing angry.



“But...”



“No buts.” Giles shouted, slamming his hand down against the counter. He stopped, looking shocked at what he had just done. “I... I don't know what came over me.” Pulling his hanky out he coughed into it. As he pulled the hanky away from his mouth he whispered, “Oh my.”



“You know you're not supposed to inspect the contents like that,” Anya pointed out, an look of disgust on her face.



“Look,” Giles said as he laid the hanky out on the counter. Going over to look they saw that there were flecks of black liquid on the cloth. “I've been infected by it.”



“Pure hatred.” Willow said, as everyone turned to her she went on, “Isn't that what you said it was, Faith?”



“Yeah,” Faith agreed.



“Maybe this is what is causing all the violence.”



“But that would mean almost everyone in Sunnydale is infected,” Anya pointed out.



Willow nodded.



“So what are we going to do about it?” Tara asked.



***



“So were you thinking of patrolling anywhere in particular?” Willow asked as she and Tara followed behind Faith.



“Not, really. I was hoping to find some information about this new monster.”



“Where were you hoping to find...” Willow stopped as she realised the answer. Then at the same time as the other two she said, “Amy.”



“Yeah, or the thing that's using her body.”



Tara took Willow's hand as she asked, “How were you planning to find her?”



“To be honest, I don't know.” Faith's face lit up as she had an idea, “Hey, couldn't you two use your mojo to...” Faith stopped as Tara shook her head.



“We tried a tracking spell to find you,” Willow explained, “This thing seems to be able to block them.”



“Well then I guess it's just a matter of hoping that we get lucky.”



***



“Well that was a wasted evening,” Faith moaned.



“We did get three vampires,” Tara said, a pained expression on her face.



“And a twisted ankle,” Willow, who was helping Tara walk, added.



“I'm so sorry about that,” Faith said, “I should have gotten that vamp quicker.”



“It wasn't your fault.”



“Still....”



“Well isn't this nice.” They turned to see Amy standing on top of a crypt. Jumping off she said, “I take it that you're looking for us?”



“We'd like some information, about the... whatever it is you are.”



“And we're just going to tell?you.”



“I was kind of hoping you'd resist.” Faith took a step towards Amy.



“Oh, are you going to beat the information out of us?” She held up a small shiny object. “Remember this.” She flicked it open and lit it.



Faith stepped back, muttering, “Not again.”



Amy closed up the lighter, “But we are not quite ready to dispose of this host.” She studied the group a moment, “You do know what we are, don't you?”



“You're hatred personified,” Willow answered.



Amy giggled, “That's right. So how exactly are you going to fight that? Hatred is a part of everyone. Now if Claudia had succeeded you might have stood a chance, but you stopped her for us.” Amy giggled again, “So what are you going to do? Get everyone in the world to join hands and sing cum bay ya?”



“Why you.,,” Faith started towards Amy.



“Repell.” Amy flicked her wrist, throwing Faith back. She then fell down to her knees. Leaning forward she threw up. She did it again, then a third time. After a moment Amy stood up and said “Have fun,” She turned and ran off, giggling to herself. As she left the pools of black liquid began to grow and change, forming into humanoid figures.



“An ice spell?” Willow suggested.



Tara nodded, “It worked last time.”



“Get down.” Faith shouted.



Willow glanced back and saw that Faith was holding a flare, “Oh hell.” she gasped as they both dove to the ground.



Faith lit the flare and threw it at the first creature, before flinging herself to the ground. The creature burst into flames, the fire soon spreading to the other two. Faith looked up at the three pillars of flame, “Cool.”



***



“So do you think we should head back?”



“Yeah, hey what are they doing?” He pointed at the group of people moving towards their car.



“Looks like a riot.”



“What? People in Sunnydale don't riot. This is a peaceful town.” A burning bottle shattered near the car. “Then again.”



“Let's get out of here.” While his partner started the car he grabbed the radio, “Hello, base. We've got a riot on main street.”



“You're not the only one,” The response came.



TBC

A good story should provoke discussion, debate, argument...and the occasional bar fight. -JMS

[WillowRulez]

Hi,

thanks so much for updating!

I think I never replied to your story - sorry.

I've been with it from the beginning I think and I love it!

Wonder what will happen next and how they will defeat the pure hatred.

--WR

"There was always this thing in the back of my head. This, you know, voice, saying, like,’what if things get bad, I mean really bad? And what if you can’t handle it?’

[bluewillowwitch]

justin ,

Sorry that I have missed so much. Bad me. I will try to keep up with it better in the furture. I want to know what is going on. I don't trust any of this. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

------------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[justin]

1: Sorry for the lateness of these replies

2: I'm very, very sorry for the delay in posting. I'm going to try to put more time to working on this, in order to get the updates out at a more reasonable rate.



WillowRulez: Thanks. You're right they are in something of a pickle. I hope you like the rest.



BlueWillowWitch: Thanks, I'm glad you're still liking it.



I'm going to try to have the next part by the end of the week.

--

Homer Simpson: When will people learn, democracy just doesn't work.

[justin]

A little later than I intened but here, finally, is the next part



Chapter 29



Getting back home Willow and Tara made their way up to their room, being careful to not disturb Dawn on the way. Tara sat down at the dressing table while Willow took her clothes off and put them in the washing hamper. Lifting her leg up Tara checked her ankle, and was relieved to see it wasn't too badly hurt.



“I wish that Faith had given us some warning before blowing those things up. I mean you could have hurt your ankle more,” Willow complained.



Tara put her leg down and sighed heavily.



Putting the last of her clothes to be washed Willow walked over and put her hands on Tara's shoulders. “What's wrong, sweetie?”



“I was just thinking about what it said. Do you...” Tara stopped, thinking about how to put it, “Do you think it was right, that we can't beat it.”



“Actually I'm not sure.” Willow fell silent as she thought about the encounter, “I think the most upsetting thought was the idea that we might have been helping it when we stopped Claudia.”



“But we had to stop her,” Tara protested.



“Oh yes, I know that.”



“It was wrong.” Tara decided, “Everything has a weakness, we just need to find it's.”



Willow smiled, liking seeing Tara so determined, “So how do we do that?”



“That's a good question.”



They booth looked at each other a while, realising that neither of them had a good answer.



***



Tara and Willow were seated on their with several open books around them. Willow put the one she had been reading away and reached fro another one. As she did so she glanced at the clock, freezing as she read the time, “It's almost three o'clock.”



Tara yawned, “That late? I didn't realise how long we'd been at this.”



“We should get some sleep, we can start again tomorrow, well actually today, but you know what I mean.”



Tara nodded, putting the book she had just started reading down and they both went to bed.



***



The next morning, as Tara was going down to make breakfast, she stopped to glance at the book she had been about to read last night. After reading it a few moments she went back over to Willow, “Willow, I've found it.”



Still half asleep Willow muttered, “You've found the anti frog spray?”



Tara smiled, “No, A way to beat this monster, or at least find out what it's weaknesses are.”



Sitting up Willow asked, “You have?”



“It's a spell that will answer any questions we have. Here.”



Willow took a look at it saying, “Yes, I think this will do it.”



***



Tara hurried downstairs and started gathering the herbs she thought they'd need. Going into the kitchen she was surprised to find Dawn there making toast.



“I didn't hear you getting up.”



“Oh, well I know you got back late last night, so I didn't want to disturb you.” Dawn waved at the toaster, “I can make some breakfast if you like.”



“No thanks, Willow and I are going to do a spell.”



Dawn blushed slightly at this, “I don't need to know...” She stopped, blushing even more, as she spotted the herbs Tara had collected, “Oh you mean you're actually doing a spell type spell.”



“Why? What did you think I meant?”



“Nothing,” Dawn looked away, avoiding Tara's eyes.



***



When Tara got upstairs they quickly got their casting area ready. Tara drew out a circle with salt while Willow lit some candles on their altar.



“Now you'll have to find the information, while I act as an anchor,” Tara explained.



“You mean like the nether realms spell?” Willow asked.



“Yes, though it won't be quite so...” Tara searched for the right word, “intense.”



Willow nodded, not sure whether she should be relieved or disappointed, “Well eveything's ready.”



They knelt at either side of the altar and taking each others hands they began chanting the words to the spell. Willow blinked as the room began to blur. Then everything went black.



***



Willow found herself on a white plain. She couldn't see anything except for the white ground and white sky. It was very hard to tell where the ground ended and sky started, as the sky was only a little lighter than the ground. 'Why do I keep ending up in these weird, creepy alternate realities,” Willow wondered. She didn't feel worried though, since she could feel Tara anchoring her to her own reality. “So now what?” Willow muttered to herself.



A puff of smoke formed in front of Willow. It grew for a few seconds then suddenly vanished, leaving behind a large, snakelike creature, which had a vaguely human-like face.



“Hi,” Willow said.



“Greetings Willow Rosenberg,” The creature said, it's tone formal.



“Um, what are you?”



The creature dipped it's head, as though bowing, “I am one of the powers that be.”



“Uh, I don't mean to call you a liar but your credibility is reduced by the fact that your pants are on fire.”



The creature's head suddenly shot forwards so it was just a few centimeters from Willow's face, staring at her. It then drew back and said, “There is such a thing as being too clever for your own good.”



“So what are you? A demon?”



“There is a greater variety of beings in the universe than humans and demons.”



“That's what Emma keeps saying.”



The creature made an annoyed sound, “She doesn't know as much as she thinks she does. For now we are an emissary of the powers.”



“We've got a bit of a problem with...”



“The Shakdra. yes it is tricky.”



“How can we fight it?”



“You must fight it at it's source.”



“It's source, where is...” Willow stopped as she realised she was back in her room.



“Did you find anything?” Tara asked.



Willow explained what she had been told.



Tara frowned, “Well I guess it did answer our question, but I'm not sure that it helps us.”



“Maybe Giles will be able to make something...” Willow stopped as the phone started ringing.



“I'll get it,” Tara said. When Tara got back she told Willow, “It was your friend from the computing lab, they've managed to restore most of my book.”



“Okay, we can pick it up on the way to the magic box.”



***



Stopping at the university Willow got out of the car saying, “I'll just be a moment.” Willow raced into the university building.



“Hey Willow,” One of the young man there said, “We were just talking about you.”



“You were?” Willow wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not. The last time they'd been talking about her the conversation had involved her and Tara wearing uniforms.



“Yeah, we had a look at that book you gave us. We think it's really interesting.”



“Yeah,” The second young man said, “If you can fill in some of the blanks, we think you could publish it.”



“Uh, thanks, I'll think about it.” Willow looked around, “So where is it?”



“Here.” He handed Willow a stack of printer paper.



“Thanks, well I've got to go, Tara's waiting for me in the car.”



Willow hurried back to the car. As she got in she handed Tara the printout, “There you go,” Before starting the engine. While Willow drove Tara started leafing through the pages.



They were almost there when Tara said, “Oh my.”



“What is it?”



“I think this might be what we were looking for.”



***



“We've got the answer,” Willow said as they went into the Magic Box.



“Answer?” Giles asked.



“How to fight the monster.” Willow recounted what she had found out from the Powers That Be's emissary.



Giles took a moment to digest what Willow had told him, “Well that is interesting, but how does it help us?”



“Well we also have this.” Willow pointed at the printout that Tara was holding.



“Yes?” Giles said, glancing over at it.



“It's the book we found, written by my ancestor,” Tara explained, “Willow was able to restore it. It tells how she was accidentally taken to another world.”



“Yes, you told us this.”



“Listen to this,” Tara went on, “'There were many terrible creatures but worst of all was the Shakdra, which the monks claimed was hatred personified.'”



“Shakdra, that's what Samuel called the thing that had possessed Tara,” Willow added.



“It says that the monks had travelled there to fight it, I think that we might need to do the same thing,” Tara went on.



“Well that would be no small undertaking.” Giles sighed, “Let me take a look at that.”



Tara nodded and handed it over.



***



Willow and Tara left Giles reading the book in order to talk to Dawn. As they got in Willow checked her watch, “Dawn should be getting home soon.”



No sooner had she said this than the door opened. “I've got some homework to do,” Dawn said as she hurried past them. Willow and Tara stared at each other a moment before following her up to her room.



Tara knocked on the door before opening it saying, “Dawn, sweetie we want to talk to you.”



Putting the book she had been reading aside she said, “But I haven't done anything.”



Willow and Tara exchanged a surprised look. “Why do you think you're in trouble?” Willow asked.



“Because that's the only time Buffy came up to talk to me.”



Tara sat down on the bed and Willow stood next to her, taking her hand.



“Dawn you're not in any trouble,” Tara said, “We wanted to talk to you about this monster we're fighting.”



Dawn perked up at this, “You mean the hate monster? You need my help?”



Willow explained about the plan.



As Dawn absorbed this she asked, “I'm not sure where I fit in.”



“We need some way to get to the creature's world,” Tara said.



Dawn considered this a moment, blanching as she realised what they meant, “You mean the key. You need me because I'm the key.”



“I know you're worried, after what happened before but this won't be like then.”



Dawn looked down as she thought about what they were suggesting. “You said we could trust Faith.” Willow and Tara exchanged a look, but didn't say anything. “And you were right. I mean if it hadn't been for Claudia, Faith wouldn't have had to leave.”



“But Faith did hurt you,” Tara pointed out.



“Only because I went looking for her, anyway that thing was controlling her. I guess I mean if you say this is safe then I trust you.”



Willow again exchanged a look with Tara. On the one hand she wanted to reassure Dawn, but on the other she wanted to be completely honest with her. “We can't gaurantee that this will be safe.”



“But it won't cause all the walls between realities to collapse?” Dawn asked.



“That much we can promise.”



***



“And that is the plan,” Giles finished. They had all met up at Willow and Tara's house.



“Okay, so I get that we need to go to where this creature is strongest so we can fight it,” Xander said, “But how do we do that exactly?”



“This is the tricky part. We need to use the power of the key.”



“You mean finish Glory's work,” Anya shouted, “Are you insane?”



“Of course I don't mean that,” Giles shouted back, “We won't be using the ritual that glory did.”



“Well it still sounds rather dubious.”



Giles took a step towards Anya. He straightned to his full height so he towered over her a little, “Well that's because...”



“Look,” Xander said, trying to ease the tension a bit, “Why don't we try to calm down?”



“You'll find that difficult,” Emma stepped out from the shadows in the corner of the room.



“How long have you been there?” Tara asked.



“Long enough. Now, as I was saying you'll find calming down difficult. You are after all infected by a higher than normal level of hatred.”



“You said you couldn't see it before,” Giles pointed out, wandering if Emma had been lying to them all along.



“That's because I couldn't... before. Anyway you have a problem.”



“Just one?” Willow asked.



“Well one large problem, most of this town is infected. You don't have long to defeat the shakdra before this place erupts.”



“So what do you suggest?”



“I can help.” She took a couple of steps towards Giles, “Rupert give me your hands.” Emma held her hands out and, not sure why, Giles took them. Emma started to glow, the light growing steadily brighter. After a while the others had to look away. In the distance they could hear wings beating. Then the light vanished.



Emma dropped her hands, “So how do you feel?”



“Better,” Giles answered, “Actually I don't think I've felt this good in a long time. So you can do this for everyone?”



Emma shook her head, “No, but I can keep the infection under control while you're gone.”



“And what do you want in return?” Willow asked.



“I always thought you were a very perceptive woman.” Emma turned to Tara and Willow and said, “I'm not going to be around for much longer, when I'm gone I'd like you to look after my library.”



“You're serious?” Willow asked.



“Very. It is my condition for helping you.”



Willow glanced at Tara, who nodded. “Okay then, we accept.”



“Good. Well I'll leave you to your planning.” Emma turned and walked over to a door at the far end of the room. Stopping she turned back and said, “Oh and Faith when you meet the Shakdra, I wouldn't recommend trying that trick with he flare again. That is unless you like the idea of being at ground zero of a nuclear explosion.” With that she left.



“Was there always a door there?” Xander asked.



“I guess that's how she got here,” Willow said, “It must lead to the library.”



They spent the rest of the night discussing the plan. Once everything had been worked out they all set off home, agreeing to meet up the next evening.



TBC

--

Homer Simpson: When will people learn, democracy just doesn't work.

[bluewillowwitch]

justin ,

I just finished the update! I love it! I can't wait to see how this plan works out and what it involves. I do have to wonder what the catch with Emma is. I just don't think that she is going to make it that somple. I hope that Dawn is going to be okay. I still think that she has a major crush on Faith. Can't wait to more.





Grace

-------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos



"Sometimes you have to walk through Hell to get to Heaven."--Me

[justin]

BlueWillowWitch: Thanks, I'm glad that you're still enjoying the story



Chapter 30



Once the meeting had finished everyone started getting ready to leave.



“So we'll meet up at the magic box, tomorrow night,” Giles said whilst putting his coat on.



Xander stopped with his hand on the doorhandle, “Yeah, sure.” He and Anya then left.



“Well it's been a blast,” Faith said as she left.



“I'll see you tomorrow.” Caitlin said as she quickly followed after Faith.



“Well then,” Giles said, “I'll leave you three to get some rest.” He started to leave and then stopped, “Ah I almost forgot, do you think I could have your talisman for getting to the library.”



“They broke, remember?” Willow said.



“I meant yours, Dawn.”



“Oh yeah.” Dawn took the talisman off and gave it to Giles.



“Well I'll see you tomorrow.”



***



Caitlin caught up with Faith saying, “Hey.”



Faith just nodded.



“This is all kind of intense,” Caitlin said, “but I guess you're all used to it.”



“Well I'm sure they are,” Faith indicated towards the house, “Me I'm more used to just dealing with plain old vamps.”



“Well that's more than I can say,” Caitlin shrugged.



“You've just had experience with besserk goddesses and warlocks with a grudge.”



“I'm still feeling a bit out of my depth.”



Faith wondered if this was Caitlin's way of saying that she waned out, “You don't have to be involved.”



“But I want to be. I want to help. Even if I can't come with you,” Caitlin pointed towards her cast.



“You should count yourself lucky. Well I'll see you tomorrow.” Faith turned away and started towards her apartment.



“Uh, Faith,” Caitlin called.



Faith turned back giving Caitlin a questioning look.



“There was something I wanted to ask you.”



Faith didn't move, or say anything.



“Um, well, I was wondering if, when this is all over, we could kind of go out, like on a date?”



Faith started at Caitlin a moment, appraising her. After a while she smiled and said, “Sure.” Turning Faith walked away.



***



After leaving the meeting Giles went straight to the entrance to the library. Using the charm that Dawn had given him, he went inside. He found himself in a large study. Emma was standing over a large table looking at a chart.



“I had a feeling you'd want to talk to me,” Emma said, without looking up from her work.



Walking over he saw that Emma was studying a star chart. She had drawn a couple of lines on it.



“I wanted to talk to you about our plan, does it have a chance?”



Emma smiled slightly, “As much chance as any.”



“That helps so much,” Giles' voice was dry, “So where did this thing come from?”



“It's always been here, only dormant.”



“What woke it up?”



“You may have noticed an increased level of hatred in the world.”



“Caused by this creature, surely?”



Emma shook her head, “No, the creature is a manifestation of that hatred.”



“So as the levels of hatred grows, the Shakdra grows more powerful.”



Emma nodded, “Increasing the amount of hatred, which makes it even stronger.”



Giles nodded, his expression grim, “A nice little vicious cycle.”



Emma nodded, “If you are to survive the cycle must be broken. Which I guess is why you must travel to the other world.”



“I see. But when we fight this monster, are we fighting the cause of the hatred or a symptom?”



Emma shrugged, “Possibly both.”



Giles considered this, “I have one more question.”



“Go on.”



“Why Emma?”



Emma turned to him, shocked, “What?”



“Well it hardly seems a fitting name for an angel.”



“You know?”



“It wasn't too hard to work out. Anyway I was curious where you got the name from.”



“The truth?”



“It would be best.”



“Then I got it from the Avengers.”



“Excuse me?”



“Some time ago, I decided to make some changes in my life. Part of that was taking on a new name. At the time I was quite taken with the series the Avengers, and in particular with Emma Peel. Also as you said, it's not the sort of name you'd expect for an Angel.”



***



Anya was just starting to fall asleep, lying next to Xander, when he suddenly said, “You know it's been almost a year.”



“What?” Anya asked, sitting up.



“Since I proposed to you,” Xander explained, “It's been almost a year.”



“Well we've been busy...” Anya started.



Xander nodded, “Yeah, a lot has come up this last year.”



“I was going to say we've been busy not telling anyone.”



“Oh yeah, that too. I think a year is long enough to be engaged. When we get back from where ever it is we're going, we should get married then.”



“Okay. Though if you get yourself killed in order to get out of marrying me, know that I'll ressurect you, then kill you myself, Anya considered this, “No, I'll make you go through with the wedding, then I'll kill you.”



“I'll keep that in mind.”



***



Dawn went round the living room picking up the mugs and glasses, “They could have stayed to help clear up.”



“Dawn!” Tara said.



“I'm just saying,” Dawn shrugged,



“She does kind of have a point,” Willow said, while filling the dishwasher.



“Well okay then, yes she doesn.”



“See.” Dawn handed Willow the mugs, yawning as she did so.



“Dawn, why don't you head up to bed,” Tara said, “We'll be coming up once we've cleared up.”



Nodding Dawn, heading up the stairs.



***



Willow rolled onto her side, before rolling onto the other side. She made an annoyed sound. There was something missing and she wasn't happy about it. “Tara?”



“Just coming.” A moment later Tara came into the room. Smiling she asked, “Were we getting impatient.”



Willow nodded, “Yes we were.”



Tara lifted the sheets and got into bed saying, “Someone forgot to put the dishwasher on.”



“Oh, I wonder who that could be.”



“It's a mystery.”



Turning towards Tara, Willow put her arm round her, as Tara did likewise. “So,” Willow started, “Traveling to another world. That'll be different.”



“I was starting to think you'd done everything,” Tara said, smiling.



“Well not quite. Do you think we're doing the right thing?”



Tara nodded, “I don't see any other way.”



“There was something I wanted to talk to you about,” Willow said, starting to seem uncertain.



“Oh, yes?” Tara's brow creased with concern.



“Magic. We might have to use it.”



“Well we are witches,” Tara answered, not understanding why this was a problem.



“I meant a certain type of magic.”



Tara realised what the problem was, “You mean dark magic.”



Willow nodded, and looked away, not able to meet Tara's eyes.



“Well we'll do what we have to.”



Willow turned back to Tara, looking surprised.



“What, did you think I'd be like,” Tara put on a stern voice, “dark magic evil?”



“Well yes, I mean maybe,” Willow finished with a shrug.



“Do you know what my mother taught me?”



Willow shook her head.



“She taught me 'an it harm none, do as ye will, an it cause harm do as ye must.' I mean I don't like the thought of using dark magics, but sometimes it's necessary.”



“Is this one of those times?”



“Maybe.”



Willow considered Tara words a moment. She realised she hadn't just brought this up because she was worried about fighting the Shakdra, there was something else she wanted to discuss, something she'd been avoiding for some time. “I used dark magic against Glory.”



“I think fighting a hell goddess counts as one of those times.” Tara pulled Willow closer, trying to make her realise that she knew why she had done it.



“I didn't think you were happy about it,” Willow said in a low voice.



“I wasn't,” Tara admitted, “Not because you used dark magic, but because you got hurt.”



“Oh. I was worried that it made me a bad witch,” Willow said, after a moment she added, “That it made me a bad person.”



Tara took Willow's hand, “Hey, you're not a bad person. I mean the things you do, fighting the monsters here, not many people have the courage to do that.” Tara frowned, “And I'm not going to lie here and listen to the woman I love being insulted like that.”



Willow smirked, “I'll keep that in mind.”



Tara moved closer to Willow, “Let's not talk about that, let's let tomorrow worry about tomorrow.”



“So what do you want to talk about?”



Instead of answering Tara kissed Willow on the lips, then on the throat.



“Oh, I like this topic of conversation,” Willow murmured as Tara moved down her body, “I like it a lot.”



***



Willow woke up to find Tara watching her.



“Morning,” Tara said.



“Morning, how long have you been awake?”



“Just a few minutes.”



“So what are the plans for this morning?”



“Well I'll make breakfast, while you do the calling round.”



“Calling round?”



“Well you need to get copies of our notes for the next week, and you need to call Dawn's school to explain why she won't be there.”



“And while I'm doing this, you'll be making breakfast?”



Tara nodded.



“Well then that sounds like a plan.” Willow kissed Tara, then throwing the covers off they got up.



***



Once Willow had made all the calls she needed to, she went to the kitchen. Going up behind Tara and wrapping her arms round her she said, “Well I've done my side of the bargain.”



“Breakfast is almost ready.”



Dawn came down, “Mmm, is that pancakes?”



“Yes, they're just about ready.”



Dawn yawned, “If it's alright I'd like to visit Janice today.”



“Sure,” Tara said.



“Have you got any plans?” Dawn asked.



“We were going to go over the spell and I thought we'd try to work out a map of the place we're going,” Willow answered.



“Sounds fun.” Dawn muttered as she went to sit down.



“So how are we going to work out a map of somewhere we'd never been?” Tara asked.



“Well your ancestor has been there, I thought it might be possible to work out a map from her journals. It'll be rough but it might help.”



Tara nodded, “That's good thinking.”



***



Tara was taking the rubbish out when she was approached by a friendly looking, middle aged woman, “Hello Tara.”



Tara recognised her as Janice's mother, “Hello Mrs Tompkins.”



“Dawn said that you'd be going away for a while.”



“That's right, we're just taking a short holiday.”



“Well I was wondering if you'd like me to pop in and check everything.”



“Oh, no thank you. We've got a friend who's going to handle that.”



“Oh well I just thought I'd ask.” For a moment it looked as though she was going to go, but instead she said, “You've picked the right time to go. Things seem to be going mad around here.”



Tara nodded.



“We saw those people round your house last week. We tried to call the police but it was engaged. Who ever heard of the police being engaged?” She shook her head, “Oh well I expect it will all blow over, these things normally do.”



***



Giles studied the group that had gathered in the Magic Box. Willow, Tara, Dawn, Faith, Xander and Anya were standing in the center of the training room, while Emma and Caitlin were standing on the outskirts. “Are we ready?”



He was greeted by a chorus of nos. “Well then let's get started.”



“Don't worry.” Caitlin said, “I'll look after Miss Kitty Fantastico, while you're gone.”



“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Dawn asked.



“Unfortunately it's the only one we've got,” Giles explained, “Though all my research suggests this won't cause all the dimensional walls to collapse. If that's what you're worried about.”



Dawn nodded, then asked, “So what do we do?”



“We need you to concentrate on our destination,” Tara explained.



Dawn nodded.



Willow and Tara began chanting as Giles picked up a small knife and approached Dawn. “I'm afraid that this is going to hurt.”



Dawn nodded and held her arm out. Taking Dawn's hand Giles drew the knife across the back of her wrist. As Dawn tilted her wrist a trickle of blood formed and ran down it. As the drop of blood fell through the air A circle of light formed, and started to expand. After a while it was large enough for them to step through.



“Well then let's go.”



Without hesitating Faith walked through the light.



“Good luck,” Caitlin called as the others went through.



Giles went through last. Stopping to look back he said, “We'll be as quickly as we can.” With that he stepped through.



As the portal began to close behind them Emma said, “Now things get interesting.”



TBC

--

Homer Simpson: When will people learn, democracy just doesn't work.

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar



- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/C

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden



Chapter 31



As they stepped through the portal their vision was filled with light, then everything went black.



"Help, I'm blind!" The cry of distress came from Xander.



"Xander, what are you yelling about?" Anya asked.



"I can't see."



"None of us can, it's dark," Anya sounded impatient as she said this.



"Oh, um,” Xander gave a nervous laugh, “well I guess that explains it."



"Illuminus." Willow shouted, throwing a vial of liquid on the ground, and the area was lit up. They was standing on a flat plain. The ground was dry and cracked and there was some trees just at the limits of the light. Faith wandered off to check the surrounding area.



"You couldn't have done that sooner?" Xander asked while thinking, 'like before I made an ass of myself?'



"How long will the light last?" Giles asked.



"It should last an hour," Willow answered.



"Well, then since it's obviously night time, I suggest we set up camp."



"What about if it isn't night?" Dawn asked, "What if it's always like this?"



Giles sighed, "We'll face that when we get to it."



A moment later Faith came back, “I couldn't see anything around here, except us.”



“Still one of us should keep watch, we don't want anything sneaking up on us,” Giles suggested.



***



A couple of hours later, after the light had gone off Xander and Anya were lying together. Xander switched his torch on and pointed it up at the sky. Using his hand he created a silhouette in the light, "Hey Anya, what's this?"



"It'd better not be a bunny rabbit,” Anya said, glowering at him.



"No, it's the Bat signal."



Anya snorted, "Xander Harris you have got to be the biggest dork I know." She paused a moment then added, "Which is why I love you."



***



"It's funny how dark it is." Willow pointed out to Tara.



"Maybe it's because there's no moon, or stars."



"Maybe, but it's odd though."



"I have the feeling that that's going to be one of the least odd things about this place."



Willow nodded. Then, realising that Tara couldn't see her, she added, "True."



***





Willow woke up feeling cold. She quickly worked out that it was light, but that Tara wasn't with her. Sitting up Willow realised that everyone had gone.



"Tara?" Willow got up and looked around. Not only had everyone gone but they'd taken they're sleeping bags. "Hello?" Willow couldn't believe that everyone had just left her. Then again, maybe something had happened to them. Willow couldn't see any signs of a struggle, and if something had, why had she been left? Willow looked around, looking for any clue as to which direction they had gone in, but there was nothing. Willow started to panic as she tried to work out what she was going to do.



***



"Willow wake up."



Willow's eyes shot open. She was relieved to see Tara lying next to her, a concerned expression on her face.



"You were having a bad dream," Tara explained.



Willow nodded. Then, noticing something, "Hey, it's light."



"Yeah, the sun came up a short while ago. Well we'd better get up."



Crawling out of the sleeping bag Willow noticed that the others were doing likewise. She also noticed that the trees that she'd only just been able to see were now clearly visible. They were brown and withered. "This world's dead," Willow murmured.



"Or at least this part of it is."



Holding hands they walked over to where the others were talking.



"So what exactly is the plan?" Faith asked.



Willow got out the map that she had drawn and laid it on the ground. She pointed at a picture of a tower and said, "This is where we need to get."



"That's great," Anya said, "Now where are we?"



"I don't know," Willow admitted, "This area doesn't match anywhere in the book."



"So what? Are we going to just go round in circles like those people in the Blair witch project?" Xander asked.



"You know you're not exactly helping," Willow snapped.



Pointing off towards some hills Giles said, "We should get to higher ground, then we can get a better idea of where we are."



Since no one else had any ideas they agreed on this.



“I'll get Dawn up,” Tara said, indicating the figure that was still sleeping a short distance off.



***



After they'd been traveling for a couple of hours, Anya complained, "Aren't we there yet."



"It's certainly farther than it looked," Giles said.



Faith wiped her brow, "It's gotten hot quickly." She took a flask out of her bag and took a drink.



"Yeah but it's a dry heat," Xander quipped. He looked round expectantly, shrugging when no one responded.



"Well we'd better get going."



"Can't we rest a bit?" Dawn asked, she lifted her foot up and inspected the bottom of her shoe.



"I agree that resting would be of the good," Willow added.



Giles glanced at the hills, that didn't look any closer than before, "Well okay then, for a little while."



***



As they arrived at the base of the hills Giles looked up, saying, "It's rather higher than I expected."



"First it's further than you thought, now they're higher. Do you ever get anything right?" Anya asked.



"Well I must say that that was uncalled for."



"So are we going to..." Willow started.



Everything went dark.



"I'm blind!" Xander moaned.



"Xander!" Everyone else said.



"Illuminous." Willow lit the area up. "It certainly gets dark quickly."



"Indeed," Giles agreed, "So how many more of those tubes do you have left."



Willow quickly checked then answered, "Just three more."



"Well then it might be better to rely on our torches till we get closer. So I guess we should camp for the night and make a...” Giles stopped as he realised that everyone had started setting up the camp.







TBC

--

Homer Simpson: When will people learn, democracy just doesn't work.

[justin]

After much delay here is the next chapter

Chapter 32


Willow was woken up by the ground shaking, "Is this another nightmare?" She wondered.

"I don't think so," Tara answered.

There was a loud thump, and the ground shook again, "What's going on?" They left their tent and found that everyone else had been woken up.

"What is that?" Dawn asked.

There was a loud roar.

Faith looked off in that direction, "Something's coming." She turned to the others, "Trust me when I say we don't want to be here when it arrives."

They hurried to get ready to leave. They were just clearing the camp site up when the creature came into view. It was a massive creature, standing on four legs. It looked a little like an elephant, though it was much larger than one. Roaring, it lifted it's head up and a stream of fire left it's mouth.

"I think that we should get going," Giles suggested. With everything packed away they started to run round the hill. They hadn't gotten far when the ground started to crack.

"This so isn't good." Willow said as the ground gave way beneath her.

***

"Is everyone okay?" Giles asked as he picked himself up and dusted himself off.

He was answered by a chorus of groans.

"Well we should be safe from that, whatever it is, down here."

"Wherever down here is," Tara said.

"Maybe we should explore it a bit?" Willow suggested.

***

Switching on their torches they started to make their way down the passageway.

Moving her torch along the walls Tara said, "There's writing on the walls."

Giles went to look, "So there is. I wonder what it says."

"Probably says danger, don't go this way," Anya pointed out.

***

As they continued down the passageway they passed several turnings, but decided was better to continue on straight ahead than risk getting lost down there.

"I wonder how far this goes on," Dawn said.

Giles was about to answer when there was a loud moaning sound.

"Sorry, that was me," Xander said, blushing. "I'm feeling a bit hungry."

The moaning came back.

"I doubt if that is your stomach," Giles pointed out.

He was proved right as a glowing figure approached them from the direction they were heading.

"What the hell is that?" Faith asked as she approached it.

"It looks like some kind of spirit. I doubt if it's dangerous."

The spirit grabbed at Faith's arm, causing her to recoil backwards,"It burnt me."

"Maybe we should head back the way we came," Giles suggested.

"Bad idea," Dawn said. Turning they saw that more spirits were approaching.

"This way," Tara pointed down a side passage. Seeing them getting away the spirits began to speed up. They had to run in order to stay ahead.

***

"I think that we're starting to lose them," Xander said. No sooner had he said this than a group of the spirits came out of the wall ahead of them.

Turning they saw more coming up behind them. "We seem to be trapped."

"This way." Tara shone her light at a doorway. As soon as they had gone through the door it slammed shut behind them.

"Well that was creepy," Xander commented.

"There's no way out," Willow said.

"So we're definitely trapped now," Anya said

They turned to face the door they'd just come through and waited for the spirits to come through.

After a couple of minutes Dawn asked, "Where are they?"

"Maybe they can't get in," Willow suggested.

After a few more minutes it seemed that Willow was right.

"Well then we might as well look around."

It was a large room which was square in shape but with rounded corners. The only feature was a large table. Going over to look at it they found a large map of the region. Willow got her own map out and compared them.

“Looks like your map was pretty accurate Will,” Xander pointed out.

“But we still don't know where we are,” Anya added.

“Yes we do,” Dawn said, shining her torch at the map. They saw there was an X there.

Willow found the corresponding point on her own map and marked it in. “Assuming that this is where we are then we're not too far from the tower.”

“How far is that?” Xander asked.

“A couple of days walk.”

“That's great,” Faith said. “But how do we get out of here?” There was no answer.

“Maybe the spirits have left,” Xander suggested. Not sounding too hopeful. There was a loud wail from beyond the wall. “Or maybe not.”

“We need to find another way out of the room,” Willow said.

“There obviously aren't any doors out of here,” Anya pointed out.

“So we look for something less obvious,” Tara answered.

“Maybe we could try going through the wall,” Anya muttered.

After searching a while without luck Willow said, “We need more light.”

“Yes, I think we should use one of your light spells,” Giles agreed.

“Illuminous.” Willow said, breaking a vial on the floor. As the room lit up they were able to see their way round better but weren't able to see any exit other than the door.

“Hey down here,” Dawn called out. They all turned, but couldn't see any sign of her.

“Dawn?” Willow asked, “Where are you?”

Dawn's head popped up from under the table, “There's a trapdoor down here.” They moved the table aside and swung the trapdoor open, finding a ladder underneath it.

Faith went down first. When she reached the bottom she called up, “Hey there's a light at the end of this passage.”

As the others joined her Willow said, “Maybe it's the way out.”

“Only one way to find out,” Giles said.

As they walked towards the light Tara said, “This passage seems to be sloping upwards.”

“So then this might be the way out.” A short while later they reached the end and stepped out into daylight.


TBC

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar

- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/C

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

Chapter 33

Leaving the tunnels they took a moment to get their bearings.

“So which way is it now?” Anya asked.

Willow got out a small compass and after checking it against the map she pointed, saying, “This way.”

“How far do you think it is?” Tara asked.

“Well it's not easy to tell from the map, but I'd say at most a couple of days.”

Anya, Xander and Dawn all groaned at this.

“Well standing round here won't get us there,” Giles said.

“Slave driver,” Anya commented.

As the others set off Willow motioned for Tara to wait a moment. Then taking Tara's hand they followed a few paces behind them.

“What's wrong?”

“I thought this map would be a good idea but we still don't know where we are.”

“But I thought you knew the way to the tower.”

“Oh yeah, as long as that X really was our position.” Willow shrugged, “It just doesn't seem like I prepared very well for this trip.”

“There's a limit to how much you can prepare for a trip to an alternate reality that you've never visited before.”

“I know but...”

“No but's. Did anyone else do as much as you did to get us ready?”

“No,” Willow admitted.

“So why do you think you have to do everything?”

“Because I'm a control freak?” Willow suggested, a slight smile playing at her lips.

“I wouldn't got quite that far but... Okay then, yes you are.”

“Hey, you weren't supposed to agree with me.”

Tara grinned, “But then I wouldn't get to see you looking all cute and upset.”

“If we weren't in the middle of an alien world, I'd make you pay for that comment.”

“I'll hold you to that when we get back.”

“Vixen!” Looking ahead Willow added, “It looks like the others are stopping.”

Looking over to the left, Tara said, “That's quite a view.” A short distance from them the ground fell away sharply.

Taking the map out Willow said to the others, “I was wrong when I said it'd be a couple of days. Looks like it'll just be a couple of hours at most.”

“In that case I'm going to scout ahead.” Faith said, getting up and wandering off.

***

Tara wandered away from the others to the edge of the cliff face. There was a forest stretching out below her. She was glad to see that these were still green, relieved that this world wasn't totally dead. Tara felt a hand slip into hers. Turning she smiled when she saw Willow there.

“It'll be okay,” Willow said, smiling back.

Tara turned back to the others. Xander and Anya were standing a short distance off with Dawn nearby them.

“Is it much further?” Dawn asked.

Faith appeared from over a ridge, “Come on, we're almost there.”

Following her they saw what she had seen, a tall dark tower rising up into the sky.

Tara felt Willow squeeze her hand. “It'll be okay,” Tara said, squeezing Willow's hand back. Looking up she was surprised to see the sun next to the tower. Turning to her left she saw another sun there too. “Two suns.”

“What's that?”

“There are two suns.”

Looking Willow said, “Oh yeah. This place just keeps getting stranger.” She looked concerned at the frown on Tara's face, “What's wrong?”

“I've been here before.”

“You have?”

“I mean, I've dreamt about it. I can remember standing here and seeing the two suns. It was just before you suggested the picnic.”

“Really? Well that is strange. Have you had any other dreams come true?”

“Well a few years ago I had a dream that I'd meet a gorgeous redhead.”

“Awww.” Willow said, before leaning over to kiss Tara.

“Come on you two,” Faith called, “You can have your make out session later.”

***

As they got closer it became clear that the tower had once been part of a city. However it was the only building still standing. Of the others all that remained was there foundations and some rubble. The tower wasn't in much better condition, it has been burnt black. It had obviously once had lot's of windows but these had all been shattered.

“What happened here?” Xander asked.

“Something sure made a mess of this place,” Faith added, “Maybe it was nuked.”

As they approached the tower Tara let her hand trail along a pile of bricks.

The city was reformed. There was people moving around, going about their business. “Willow?” But Willow was gone. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted something falling near the tower. It was just a dot tumbling to the ground but Tara was suddenly filled with dread. Then everything went white. As her vision began to clear she could see a ball of fire expanding from where the object had been. She could see the buildings being knocked down as they were hit by the shockwave coming from the explosion. Then it hit her. A moment later she was hit by the heatwave. Tara cried with pain as it felt as though her skin was being burnt off. Then it passed. Looking round she saw that no one else had survived. “Oh goddess,” She moaned. Then the direction of the wind changed, rushing towards the explosion, pulling the debris with it. The heat from the explosion forcing it upwards, forcing the dust into a large mushroom.

Tara felt her knees give way, but a pair of strong arms held her securely.

“Tara, what's wrong?” Willow asked.

“I... I had a vision of how the city was destroyed.”

“A vision?”

“More than that. I was there, I felt it happen.”

“This happened when you touched the rubble?” Giles asked.

“Do you know what happened?” Dawn asked.

“I believe that the experience of the people who were here have been recorded here. I'd recommend not touching anything, or you might have a similar experience to Tara's.”

“So what did happen here?” Xander asked.

“Faith was right, it was nuked.”

“So how is the tower standing?” Dawn asked.

“When Hiroshima was bombed there was a tower close to ground zero which survived, despite everything else being knocked down,” Willow explained.

“Well this history lesson isn't helping us,” Anya pointed out.

“Quite, Tara if you're okay, then we should continue.”

They continued on their way to the tower.

***

Caitlin let herself into the house and was greeted by a small black and white ball of fur. Bending down to stroke it she said, "Hello miss Kitty." Miss Kitty Fantastico pulled away from Caitlin, meowed at her then walked towards the kitchen. "I guess that someone wants to be fed." Caitlin walked through into the kitchen and grabbed a can of food. She then picked up the food bowl so she could clean it out. Miss Kitty Fantastico gave a plaintive meow as she saw her food bowl being taken away. "Hold on I'm coming." Caitlin put the food in the bowl before placing the bowl in front of Miss Kitty Fantastico.

"That's a cute cat."

"Hello Emma. You know you should knock or something before coming in."

"But that would ruin the surprise."

"So did you want something?"

"Just checking to see how you're doing."

"Okay, things seem to have quietened down. I guess we have you to thank for that."

"Oh I'm not really doing anything. This is more the calm before the storm. The thing is building it's strength, so that it can start to spread."

"But I thought it was made stronger by the acts of hatred."

"No it is made stronger by hatred. When people act on the feelings of hatred it helps to dissipate it."

"But since people aren't the pressure is just growing."

"Eventually this town will blow."

"I hope they get back soon."

"Well when the time comes I'll try to contain things for as long as possible but as you say, it'll be good if they get back soon."

TBC

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar

- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/C

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

Chapter 34

Outside the tower there was a large courtyard. In the center there was a large ornament which had probably once been a fountain. At the base of the tower there was a set of glass doors. As they approached the doors opened by themselves. Then as they went through the doors closed.

“That was a little creepy,” Dawn said.

“Nah, they're just automatic...” Xander started to explain. He stopped as he turned back to the doors, “Hey, we're missing two.”

“What?” Giles asked. Then, turning back, he saw that Xander was right, “Where are Willow and Tara?”

“They were right behind us as we came in,” Faith said. She went back out through the doors. “They don't seem to be anywhere around.”

“They can't have just disappeared,” Anya pointed out.

“Maybe but that does seem to be exactly what they have done.”

“So we need to find them,” Xander said.

“The question is, where to look?” Giles said, “I mean we can assume that they didn't just wander off.”

“Which means they were taken,” Faith concluded as she rejoined the others.

“Yes, so the best way to find them is to continue onwards.”

They started to look round the room they were in. It was a largish room, with no furniture. The walls were blackened, like those outside. At one end of the room there was a lift.

“Well that'll make things easier,” Dawn said as she approached them.

“I wouldn't recommend trusting those,” Giles said.

“So we have to take the stairs?” Dawn whined.

“I'm afraid so.”

They went through a door into a stairwell. Faith asked, “So what is it, up or down?”

“I think we need to go up.”

Looking up the many floors Anya groaned, “I was afraid you'd say that.”

***

“Are we there yet?” Anya asked.

“We're not going to go through this again are we?” Giles asked.

“Well how far have we got?”

“We're a third of the way there,” Giles answered.

Anya groaned.

Climbing a short way behind them Dawn stopped to rest, putting her hand on the banister.

The stairs were fully formed, and unscarred. Hearing conversation behind her Dawn turned to see a man and a woman walking up the stairs. She tried to move out the way but they just stepped through her.

“So did you hear the news about the rioting at Beverly Hills?”

“Yeah, it was a bit too close for home.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot you live over that way. There seems to be a lot of this rioting around at the moment.”

“I hear Berkely had to be shut down. The international situation doesn't seem any better. I called my dad up and asked if he still had Granddad's copy of Protect And Survive.”

“I think you're taking this a bit too seriously. I'm sure things will sort themselves out.”

Dawn was back on the blackend staircase. Faith was looking at her with a concerned expression, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I guess Giles was right about not touching anything.”

“See anything interesting?”

Dawn nodded, “I think we know where we are.”

Turning towards her Giles said, “That could be very helpful.”

“Remember the Planet of the Apes?”

“This is a mad house,” Xander said, “A madhouse!”

“I think this is like that. We're on Earth, but in the future.”

“What about the two suns?” Anya asked.

“Oh, I forgot about that.”

“Maybe the second sun is Jupiter, you know like in two thousand and ten.”

“That's highly unlikely. Now maybe this world has a lot of similarities to Earth but I'm sure we are indeed on another world.”

***

Sitting down on the steps Xander said, "I wonder how Willow and Tara are doing. I mean I wonder if they're okay."

No one answered, not having an answer.

"Why did it take them?" Dawn asked.

"I guess that it saw them as being a threat," Giles answered.

"And we're not?" Faith asked.

"Well I imagine it doesn't see us as one."

"So once again we're just the also rans," Xander complained.

"There are more important things at stake here than your bruised ego," Giles pointed out.

"Yeah, like getting Willow and Tara back," Dawn added.

"With that in mind," Giles said, "I suggest that we carry on."

Standing they continued up the stairs.

***

They were just past halfway to the top when they were stopped by a loud creaking sound. The stairs seemed to shift slightly beneath them.

“The stairs are giving way,” Xander said.

“I'd suggest running,” Giles responded, doing so.

They started running for the next section of stairs, which seemed to still be stable. Dawn caught her foot on a step, stumbling. She found herself being picked up.

“Xander, catch,” Faith called before throwing Dawn into Xanders arms. A moment later the section of stairs she was standing on gave way. It went crashing down into the stairs below, which also gave way.

“Not again,” Dawn moaned.

TBC

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar

- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/C

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

-Note: This part is a bit surreal

Chapter 35

“Next stop Alberkerky.”

Willow woke up as the conductor called out the next stop. She wondered how long it would take to get to Sunnydale. It seemed like she'd been on this train for ever. Rubbing her eyes she thought about the dream she had just had. She'd been about to travel to another world with a group of her friends. Willow was disturbed from her thoughts as the door to the carriage opened. Looking up her first thought was that it was an angel at the door. Straight away the rational part of her mind told her it was just the light shining from behind the stranger and reflecting off her golden hair which made it look like she had a halo.

“Is it okay if I join you?”

“Sure,” Willow nodded, “There's plenty of room.”

Coming in the woman sat down and got a book out of her bag. Looking over at Willow she smiled and said, “I'm Tara.”

“Willow.”

Tara nodded and started reading.

Willow studied her a few moments then asked, “Are you going to Sunnydale?”

Tara nodded, “Yes, I'm going to an art festival there, what about you?”

“Oh, I'm going to an open source convention.”

Tara looked doubtful about that, “Did you just say you were going to a convention on open sores?”

“Um, that's open source.” Seeing that Tara didn't understand Willow explained, “It's a computer thing.”

Tara glanced out the window at the town they were passing, “So that's Alberkerky.”

“Yeah, looks kind of dull.”

“I wonder what Sunnydale's like?”

“I hear the night life is pretty wild. Apart from that it's just your average small town.” Willow looked in her bag, getting her drink out. She groaned when she found it was empty.

“What's up?”

“I'm just going to find the buffet. Do you want anything?”

“No, thanks. I'm good.”

'Yes, very,' Willow thought as she left the carriage.

***

Tara looked up as the door opened. A confused looking Willow came in.

“What's wrong? Couldn't you find it?”

“That's not it. Well no, I couldn't, but... I went straight down the corridor, I didn't turn around at all, so how did I end up here?”

Tara shrugged, “It's a mystery.”

Willow sat down. Picking her bottle up she said, “Hey I thought this was empty. I guess I don't need to find the buffet anyway.” She took a drink then asked, “So is that a good book?”

“It's okay.” Tara shrugged, “It's about a school girl who fights vampires.”

“So you're not that keen.”

“Well there just seems to be something missing.” Tara shrugged again, “It passes the time though.”

“Which you need, considering how long this journey is taking.”

Tara nodded, looking out the window, “It's getting dark.”

Willow yawned, “I think I'll take a nap.”

“Don't worry, I'll guard your sleep.”

***

“Next stop Alberkerky.”

Willow woke up as the conductor called out the stop. “Haven't we been there already?” She asked herself. Looking round the room Willow was surprised to find that she was alone, “Wasn't someone else here? Maybe I dreamt it all.” Then, as she woke up more, Willow noticed the bag and book on the seat opposite her, “Or maybe not.”

The door opened and Tara came in, “Hey, you're awake.”

“Yeah. I thought you'd run out on me.”

“I just went to the toilet. Did the conductor just call Alberkerky?”

Willow nodded.

“I guess there must be two,” Tara mused as she sat down.

Willow was going to ask about this when she noticed that it was light, “Hey it's morning.”

“Yeah, you slept through the night.”

“I wonder if we'll reach Sunnydale soon?”

Tara just shrugged.

“Well I need some breakfast. Want to come with me to the buffet? That is if we can find it.”

Tara nodded, “Sure.”

As they went out Tara took hold of Willow's hand. Feeling Willow tense a little, she dropped it again, “Sorry.”

“No, I was just surprised.” Willow explained as she took Tara's hand, “That feels good.”

“Like it's natural,” Tara agreed,

Willow nodded. Smiling she said, “I know something even more natural.”

“What?”

Turning Willow kissed Tara softly. She found herself being pushed against the wall as Tara returned the kiss with a fierce intensity.

“Albatross!”

Both women stopped as the shout rang down the train.

“What's that?” Tara asked.

“Albatross!”

“We'd better check.” They walked a short distance down the corridor and reached a point where it widened out to the full width of the train.

There was a man standing behind a counter which had a large bird on it. The man hit the bird while shouting, “Albatross!”

Willow approached him to ask why he had an albatross but instead found herself asking, “Two choc ices please.”

“I don't have any choc ices, just this Albatross.”

“What flavor is it?”

“It's not any flavor, it's a bloody Albatross. Have you ever heard of a strawberry Albatross...”

As he ranted Willow turned to Tara and asked, “Why do I feel like I've walked into a Monty Python sketch?”

“I wondered why it seemed familiar.”

“Let's get out of here.” They quickly hurried down the train.

“It's a bloody sea bird.” The man paused as he noticed Willow and Tara quickly making their exit, “Where are they going?”

***

Willow suddenly stopped.

“What is it?”

Willow just pointed into the carriage they were next to.

“That's our carriage,” Tara said.

“Yeah. This is just like yesterday.”

“Maybe we got turned around while we were talking to that Albatross guy, or when we were kissing.”

Willow shook her head, “When we left the carriage was on our right and it's still on our right.”

Tara considered this, “This is starting to get very strange.”

“Next stop Alberkerky.” Turning they saw a conductor approaching. “Excuse me miss.”

“Excuse me,” Tara said, “Did you just say we're approaching Alberkerky?”

“That's right. We'll be there in a few minutes.”

“Haven't we been there...” Tara stopped as she realized that the conductor had gone.

“You were saying?” Willow asked.

***

They both sat in their compartment trying to work out what was going on.

“I think we should try to get off,” Willow suggested, “When we stop at Alberkerky.”

They both stared at each other as a realization dawned on them.

“The train hasn't stopped,” They both said at the same time.

“So what are we going to do?” Willow asked, “We can't stay on this train forever.”

“Well I can think of something we can do to pass the time,” Tara smiled at Willow.

“Well that sounds good, but...”

“There's something we have to do,” Tara finished.

“Yeah, I've got that feeling as well.” Willow considered her options, “I'm going to try getting off.”

“But we just agreed it doesn't stop.”

“I know.”

As Willow left the compartment Tara followed saying, “You could be hurt.”

“Don't worry. I've got a theory. If I'm right I won't be in any danger.” Finding a door out Willow opened it. As she opened one door, the door on the other side of the train opened. Willow then stepped out, appearing through the other door, “I was right.” Willow grinned.

“So how are we going to get away from the train?”

“Ah,” Was all Willow could say.

***

As they walked back to there compartment Willow said, “Whenever we've left the compartment we've always gone the same way, to the right. What about if we tried going left?”

“We could try it.” Tara didn't sound to sure about it.

“Or we could try going both ways,” Willow conjectured.

“You mean split up?”

“Yeah.”

“Well it's worth a try.” With that they set off, Willow going left and Tara going right.

A few minutes later they met up outside their compartment.

“So much for that idea.”

“I don't think that just going up and down the train is going to help.”

Willow shook her head, “No.” She marched into the compartment and pulled on the emergency break. When nothing happened she pulled it again, this time holding it down.

“It doesn't seem to be working,” Tara said as she joined her.

“Well do you have any ideas?” Willow snapped.

Tara lowered her head, “No.”

Willow sighed, “Sorry, I didn't mean to snap. It's just this place is getting...”

“Pretty annoying.”

“Also I've got the feeling we're suppose to be doing something.”

Tara nodded, “Me too.” They sat down and considered it. After a few minutes Tara looked up, “Apart from the conductor and that Albatross man, we're the only people here.”

“So you think it's something to do with us.”

“Yes, Something brought us both here for a reason.”

“And maybe that thing doesn't want us to split up.” Willow stood up. “I've got an idea, though it's kind of risky.”

Standing Tara took Willow's hand, “I trust you.”

***

Standing looking through a door out of the train Tara said, “I see what you mean by risky.”

“Remember you trust me?”

Tara nodded and they stepped out.

TBC

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar

- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/C

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

-Note: The surreality continues

Chapter 36

Faith woke up lying on a pile of rubble in a darkened room. Sitting up she felt a burst of pain in the back of her head. Rubbing it she tried to reconstruct what had happened. She could remember the stairs collapsing underneath her. She guess that at some point she must have banged her head and been knocked out. As her eyes adjusted to the lack of light Faith worked out that she was standing in the basement. Her body aching, Faith pulled herself up to her feet and peering up she tried to spot any sign of the others. After a while it occurred to her that, given the fact that most of the staircase had collapsed, it would be impossible for the others to get down to her. Cautiously moving off of the pile of rubble, Faith began looking round for another way to get up.

***

“Seven little, six little, five little, four little Indians,” Anya sang.

Xander was cautiously peering over the edge, looking for any signs of Faith, “An, that doesn't really help.”

“I'm just pointing out that someone seems to be doing a very good job of splitting us up.”

***

A quick search of the room didn't show anything useful. She found a doorway, which she went through. The next room was filled with darkness. Even with her enhanced vision Faith had trouble seeing. Fumbling round on the wall by the door she managed to find a light switch. Flipping it had no affect.

"What were you expecting Faith?" She asked herself, "Obviously there's no power."

Faith started to slowly make her way across the room.

***

“Willow, do please try and keep up,” An annoyed voice called. Willow tried to work out where she was. She could remember being in a train, and there had been someone else with her, or maybe she'd dreamt it. “Willow, stop day dreaming.” Willow realized that the voice was her mother, “You don't want to get lost.” Catching up with her parents Willow looked around her surroundings. Doing so she remembered that they had decided to visit the local caves. Willow hadn't really wanted to come, but when her mother got fixed on an idea, it was often easier to just go along with her. Of course there was a time when Willow would have found this sort of thing educational, now it just seemed like they were laying on some kind of all you can eat buffet for any vampires in the area. Quickly walking to catch up with her parents Willow accidentally walked into someone.

“Sorry,” Willow mumbled.

“No, it was my fault, I wasn't watching where I was going,” The girl that Willow had walked into answered, looking down.

“Well I guess neither of us were paying attention,” Willow said, giving the other girl a reassuring smile.

The girl smiled back and Willow was suddenly struck by how beautiful she was. “Tara,” The girl said suddenly.

“What?”

“That's my name, Tara Maclay.”

“Oh, I'm Willow.”

Taking her hand Tara said, “Well Willow it's a pleasure to meet you.”

“You too.” Then as Tara released her hand and she remembered where she was, Willow said, “I better catch up with my parents, I don't want to...” Willow stopped as she realized that everyone else had gone. “Oh dear.”

Frowning Tara looked round, “Well it shouldn't be too hard to catch up with them, I mean we just need to follow the markers for the tour.”

“Of course. I was starting to panic,” Willow shook her head.

“Then I guess it's a good thing I'm here.”

“Yes it is,” Willow smiled.

***

“Well this is just great,” Willow muttered. They had come to a branch in the cave. What was worse, the markers had stopped, “Is this there way of making sure you stick with your tour party, make sure you get lost if you don't.”

“Maybe we should split up?” Tara suggested.

“Then we'll be just as lost, but we'll be alone.”

“Okay, so not such a great idea.”

“We need to use the scientific approach.”

“Which is?”

Willow pointed at each direction in turn as she said, “Eeny meeny, miny mo. Catch a tiger by it's toe. If it hollers let it go. Eeny meeny miny mo.” Stopping on the right hand passage she said, “Okay this way.”

“Very scientific,” Tara pointed out.

“Do you have a better suggestion?”

Tara shook her head.

“Well then I guess that we go this way.”

As they followed the passage Willow asked, “Are you getting a feeling of de ja vu?”

“Have you been to these caves before?”

“It's not the caves. It's... I'm not sure what it is. Just this feeling of familiarity.”

“Not really, but...” Tara hesitated a moment, then quickly went on, “I have got this feeling that we're supposed to be doing something.”

“Do you know what?”

Tara shook her head.

“Well then I guess we keep going this way and hope we run into someone from the tour.” They came out into a wider passage. “Hey look, The tour markers.”

Looking round, Tara asked, “Isn't this where we met?”

“Oh, yeah. So we went round in a circle. So what now?”

“Maybe we should try the other way?”

“I guess there's nothing else for it.”

***

As they once again reached the chamber where they had met up Willow said, “This is starting to get like the Blaire Witch Project.”

“Uh...”

“Except in some caves, rather in the woods. So what do you think we should do?”

“Maybe we should head to the surface, then we can find someone who works here.”

“Oh yeah.” Willow brightened up as she said this, “Then they can radio the tour guides and let my parents know where I am... Yours too.”

“Actually I'm here on my own.”

“Oh, well okay then, let's get going.”

As they were walking back Willow was a little surprised when, acting of it's own accord, her hand suddenly moved to take Tara's. For a moment she expected Tara to object, instead Tara gave her hand a slight squeeze and, turning, she smiled at Willow.

***

“This can not be happening,” Willow said. They had just reentered the cave where they had first met. “We didn't take any turnings.”

“It seems that no matter which way we go we end up here.”

“Yeah, this is a very strange place.”

“I think we need to sit down and work this out,” Tara suggested. They both found somewhere to sit and discussed what was happening.

“It seems we're the only ones here,” Willow started.

“So maybe we're being kept here for a reason.”

Willow nodded, then said, “Haven't we already worked that out?”

“You're right, we have, just not here. So maybe we need to figure out why we're here.”

“I think that someone wants to tell us something.”

“But who?”

“I think we need to find them. Come on,” Willow stood up. As Tara joined her she took her hand and they started off. They'd taken a couple of steps when everything went white.

TBC

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar

- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/C

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

-Note: The surreality continues

Chapter 37

They rounded a corner only to find another flight of stairs. "I don't think I can go any further," Anya complained, stopping to sit on the steps.

"Me too," Dawn added.

"Me three," Xander added.

"Well this building is rather taller than expected, however we're almost there."

"You've been saying that for the last five floors."

"Yes, but this time I mean it, in fact we're at the top."

"Why didn't you say so," Anya said as she barged past him.

"I guess that she got her second wind back," Giles said to no one in particular.

Leaving the stairwell they found themselves in a long corridor. There didn't seem to be any distinguishing features or any clue as to what they should be doing.

"So now what?" Xander asked.

"Ah." Was all Giles could say.

***

"Maybe we should split up," Giles suggested.

"That's a great idea," Anya said, "If we all want to get killed."

"I don't think there's anything dangerous left on this world."

"You mean aside from those ghosts, and that giant thing that we ran away from, oh and the thing we came here to fight."

"Okay, so we'll stick together."

They started off down the corridors looking in all the offices. Looking for some sort of clue as to what to do next.

***

Going through into the next room she was surprised to find there was a dim light. Heading towards it she realized that it was a set of lifts. For a moment she hesitated, remembering Giles' warning. Then realizing that she hadn't found any other way out of the basement she shrugged saying, "I might as well risk it." She pressed the button and waited. For a moment she worried that it wasn't working, then she heard the lift approaching. A moment later the doors opened. Faith stepped in and looked at the panel. "Well we were going up to the top." She hit the button for the top floor, keeping an eye out for any sort of trap as the doors closed.

***


After some time Anya cried, "I have had enough."

Everyone turned to look at her.

"There is nothing here. How long are we going to spend looking in empty offices before we accept that."

"Well then what do you..."

"I can hear something," Dawn interrupted. She started down one of the hallways, with the others following close behind. She stopped by a set of lifts. "Here." The number above the lift was rising.

"Someone's coming up," Xander said.

"I suggest that we get ready for whoever, or whatever it is."

Xander nodded, lifting his axe up. The lift reached their floor and the doors opened.

***

Willow looked around trying to get her bearings. She seemed to be standing in a fair ground, but she was sure she had been in some caves, or possibly on a train. Willow was distracted from these thoughts when she noticed a haunted house.

"Ooh I've never been in one of those before." Deciding to worry about where she was later, Willow headed towards the building. She was going so fast that she didn't notice the other woman heading towards it. They bumped into each other, and Willow almost fell over. "Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going."

"Me neither." The other woman frowned, "I just got this feeling of de ja vu."

"Me too. It's like we've been here before."

"Or something like it. We need to figure out what's going on." She turned to the haunted house, "I think the answers are in there."

"Then we better get going." As they headed towards the house Willow said, "I'm Willow by the way."

"Tara." Reaching the entrance Tara said, "Two please." An alarm sounded, "What?"

"What's going on?" Willow asked.

"You're our thousandth visitors." The man at the stall said, "Do you know what that means?" Both women shook their heads. "It means that you get in free."

"You mean we don't win a prize?" Willow asked.

The man frowned. Reaching into a drawer he said, "Here you go your very own finger trap." He handed it to Willow, "Enjoy."

"Come on I don't think we have very long," Tara urged. Willow followed still fiddling with the finger trap.

***

Walking through the main doors Willow and Tara came to a short passageway. There were windows along the walls which were surrounded by frilly curtains. There were a couple of small cupboards along the hall. "Well this all looks very nice. I was expecting some more... scary."

"Maybe this is just to, I don't know, lull us into a false sense of security.

"Welcome to Aldaire house. If you'll just step this way the tour will begin. The door at the end of the hallway opened, leading to a dining room. They walked through, wondering what was going to happen.

"Well this doesn't exactly look very scary," Willow said as she looked round the entrance.

"Maybe it gets scarier when we get further in." No sooner had Tara said this, than a cupboard nearby them opened up and a skeleton popped out, with a "woohahah" sound. Willow gave a small yelp and jumped towards Tara, who put her arms round her. "It's okay, it's just a model."

"I wasn't frightened," Willow said.

"Really?" Tara asked, a skeptical expression on her face.

"Um, well I was just acting scared so you'd do this," Willow said as she put her arms round Tara, "I'm sneaky like that."

"Very sneaky," Tara agreed, kissing Willow. They were interrupted from the kiss by the skeleton raising its arm and swinging at them with a knife.

As they jumped out of the way Willow said, "Maybe we should get moving." Quickly moving away from the skeleton they came to a set of doors which they went through, arriving in a large room. There were doors to either side and a large staircase leading upwards. They were considering which way to go when they heard a scream from upstairs. Without hesitating they ran upstairs.

Hearing the scream again, Willow said, "This way." She led them through a side door. It came out into another room like the one they had just left. "Where now?"

"Willow," Tara said, "Isn't this the room we just left?"

Looking round Willow realized they were back in the entrance hall, though they were on the first floor again. "Wait here," She said. Going upstairs Willow chose a door at random and went through.

Tara watched as Willow went upstairs and then went through a doorway, reappearing through one of the doors opposite us. "It doesn't look as though we can get out of this room."

"I'm getting really tired of going round in circles," Willow complained.

"It's like we're constantly going through the same thing," Tara said.

Willow nodded, "A different place each time, but the same experience."

"So what are we supposed to do?” Remembering something Tara went on, “Are we supposed to be meeting someone?"

"I think so, but who?"

"That man who was running the house, he seemed familiar."

Willow thought about it. "He was on the train, and at the caves."

"He must be the one we need to talk to."

They both hurried to exit of the house. Coming out they found him waiting for them. "Well you certainly took long enough."

TBC

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar

- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/C

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden

-Note: The surreality continues

Chapter 38

The doors of the lift opened and Xander stepped forward with his axe ready, only to have it snatched from his hand.

"I'm glad to see you too," Faith said, bouncing the axe up and down in her hand.

"Faith, we thought you were a monster," Xander explained.

"We thought you were dead," Anya said in a matter of fact tone, before adding, "We're glad you're not."

"So this is it?" Faith asked, "The top of the building?"

"It seems to be."

Faith took a quick look round, "It looks like the rest of the building."

"We had just come to the same conclusion," Giles conceded, with a slight sigh.

"So what? Do you think this some kind of a diversion? Get us out of the way while whatever that thing was does whatever it was planning."

"That is a possibility, but it's also possible that we just aren't seeing what we're supposed to be doing."

"So you looked around up here and didn't find anything?" Faith asked.

"That's pretty much the sum of it," Giles admitted.

"So what was all this? Some sort of distraction?"

"I don't know, maybe this building's the wrong place."

"Whether or not it's the wrong place, whether or not coming here was a diversion doesn't matter. Willow and Tara are here somewhere. We need to find them," Dawn said.

"She's right," Xander said.

"But we have no idea where they might be," Anya argued.

"Looking round here isn't helping, maybe we should look where they disappeared."

Giles nodded, "Well I guess we know now that the lifts are safe. They started towards the lifts but stopped as something started to materialize in front of them.

***

Willow found herself sitting at a table. It was large and green and surrounded by people. There was a man sitting opposite who dealt Willow a card, face up. He then dealt himself one before dealing them both another card, face down. "What..." Willow started. She noticed that everyone was watching her as if they were expecting something. "I don't know what to do, I don't even know what game this is."

"It's baccarat," A voice said. A moment later Tara sat down next to her.

"Can you show me how to play?"

"Sure,” Tara nodded, “My brother was obsessed with James Bond, he used to play all the time."

"Okay then." She showed Tara the other card and asked, "Is this a good hand?" She had a Jack and a four. Seeing Tara's expression she said, "I guess not. So what do I do?"

"Well you want to get as close to nine as possible. The jack is worth zero and the four is worth... four."

"So I ask for another card?"

"Since your total is less than seven, yes you have to."

Willow did so and got a six. "Well ten's pretty close to nine so..." She stopped as she saw Tara shaking her head.

"If your total is more than nine you ignore the first digit."

"So I've got zero? I'm so going to lose."

The dealer turned over his cards, he had a nine and an eight. After clearing the cards off the table he said, "Willow, in your short life you have fought not one, but two goddesses, what did that feel like?"

"Uh, scary?" Willow ventured, though she had a feeling she wasn't going to get off that easily. The silence that followed told her she was right. "Well when we were fighting Morigan I was mainly thinking about getting the spell right and making sure that Tara didn't get hurt." Willow hoped that this would be enough.

"What about Glory?"

Willow hesitated a moment, not sure how to proceed till she felt Tara's hand slip into hers, and give it a squeeze. Squeezing back Willow answered, "Well the main thing on my mind was getting back at the b-i... the bitch who had hurt Tara. Like I said I was frightened, I mean she was a goddess." Again there was the silence, "I guess I also felt some excitement, I mean I was able to hurt a goddess." Willow felt a surge of relief as the dealer started dealing some more cards. Willow had a seven and a two.

"That's a natural," Tara said.

"Which means?"

"Which means that you win."

Everyone seemed to be waiting for something again, "I guess we get to ask a question. But what?"

"How about where we are?" Tara suggested.

"Oh yeah, where are we?"

"You're in a casino," The dealer answered.

"Oh great, the engineer answer," Willow muttered, though she noticed that the dealer hadn't dealt any more cards. Remembering the way the dealer had prompted her about her answer she said, "Could you give us a bit more information, like where this casino is, or those other places."

"This is a place between worlds, an in between place if you will." With that he dealt some more cards. Willow won this hand as well.

"You've been in all the places we've been too," Tara said, "You were the train conductor, the guide in the caves, the clerk at the haunted house and now here. What are you?"

"I'm one of the powers that be, or I used to be."

"Used to be?" Willow asked.

"Now I'm just a memory like everything else here." He dealt some more cards and this time he won. "Tara, !!!!

Willow won the next hand and asked, "Why did you bring us here?"

"In order to answer your questions."

"My questions? Oh you mean how to fight the Shakdra." Willow stopped as she saw he had dealt more cards. They lost the next couple of hands but then won the next one. "How do we fight it?"

"I can't tell you that."

When Willow next won a hand she asked, "Who can tell us?" The room began to dim and the people began to disappear. Just as the room went completely dark a voice said, "it can."

TBC

[justin]

The Cathedral And The Bazaar

- Author: Justin

- Email address: msparshatt@yahoo.co.uk

- Summary: This is an alternate version of S6 in which the scoobies don't resurrect Buffy and instead have Faith released from prison.

- Feedback: Any comments or constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.

- Distribution: Anyone can take it, just let me know.

- Spoilers: Up to and including 'The Gift'

- Rating: R

- Pairing: W/T, X/A, F/C

- Disclaimer: Willow And Tara and most of the other characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. Three cheers for creating two such wonderful characters. Three jeers for the way you treated them. Caitlin is from the comic Wanna Blessed Be by Amber Benson and Chris Golden


Chapter 39

Xander stepped forward with his axe ready but was stopped by Faith, "Xan man you really need to check who it is before you attack them." It was then Xander noticed that it was Willow and Tara who had appeared.

"Willow, Tara, you're okay!" Dawn shouted as she ran over to hug them.

"Well we're certainly glad to see you're both well," Giles said, "But where have you both been?"

"It's a long story, but we've found out what we came here for. Or at least we know how to find out, we need to go to the top floor."

"Aren't we already there?" Dawn asked.

"Not quite, come on." She led them to the lift, where she pressed a sequence of buttons. When she had finished a large round button appeared at the top of the controls, which Willow pressed. As the lift started upwards she asked, "Do you know where this is?"

"I wouldn't like to guess," Giles said.

"It's the headquarters for Wolfram and Hart. At least this world's version of it."

"The people who have been after Angel?" Dawn asked.

"Well that explains the extra floor," Giles said as the lift came to a halt, "I hate to think what is up here."

"The Shakdra," Tara said.

Faith had been looking rather bored by the discussion, but she perked up at this, "So this is where we fight it?"

"No, it's going to help us," Willow said.

"It's finally happened," Anya said, "Willow's snapped. Why is this thing going to help us beat it?"

"Think about it," Tara explained, "There are no people left."

Giles considered this a moment, "And without any people there can't be any hatred, I imagine this must a rather empty place for it."

“It won't want the same thing happening on our world,” Willow said, “Which is why it'll tell us how to stop things going this far.”

"Thereby ensuring that humanity survives and there remains a supply of hatred for it to feed on," Giles said as the doors opened.

"That is very clever of you Mr Giles," A voice greeted them.

They stepped out of the lift to find themselves in a white room which was cubicle and completely featureless. They couldn't see who had spoken.

"Where are you?" Giles asked.

Suddenly black liquid began seeping through the walls. At first it was just a trickle, but the amount of liquid steadily grew, until the walls, floor and ceiling were all coated in it. The only clear patch being round the group.

"So you want help beating my counterpart on your world. I sense the problems you are having, if it is not kept in check then your world will end up like this one."

"So you'll help us?"

"I will help you with it. Help you stop it making the same mistakes that we did."

***


Once the creature had explained what to do they got the lift back down to the ground floor. They were all relieved to leave the building, and the remains around it. "So now we know what to do." Faith said as they stopped to rest.

"How do we know it was telling the truth?" Xander asked.

"It was," Tara said, "It doesn't want this," She indicated the ruins of the city around them, "any more than we do."

"So is that it?" Dawn asked, "We go back and defeat it?"

"That's the plan," Willow nodded.

"Then shouldn't we get going then."

Tara turned to Dawn, "Do you feel up to it?"

Dawn nodded, "I just want to get away from this place." Everyone else readily agreed with this sentiment.



***

Leaving the college Caitlin paused to adjust her bag before heading home. She stopped as Amy stepped out in front of her. "Amy, or whatever you're calling ourself now."

"We were wondering if we could join your little Wicca group."

Caitlin shook her head as she tried to hurry past Amy, "Sorry, there are no openings."

Amy moved to block her, "It seems that all your friends have abandoned you."

"Yeah they felt this was a good time to visit Disney land."

"You're lying, they're up to something. Not that it matters, we'll know what as soon as you have joined us."

"I think not." Caitlin moved to walk round Amy, stopping as she saw there were people approaching, "Are these yours?"

"They are a part of us."

Looking round Caitlin saw that she was surrounded, "So it's a case of resistance is futile, You will be assimilated."

"This is your last chance to be on the winning side."

"Except I won't be, since I'll be dead."

"A technicality."

"Not to me."

"Yes but you don't have any say in the matter." The people moved to grab Caitlin. As they did she noticed that there were demons amongst them.


TBC, in the final part