Fic: Destiny

[Willowfan]

Destiny



by Willowfan

DisclaimersThe characters portrayed in this story are from the hit T.V. show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They are not mine, and I am making no money from this story. I am simply using them to tell a story. They belong to Joss Whedon, UPN and the good folks at Mutant Enemy. Please don’t sue me. All other characters are mine.



Feedback Yes please...kindred69153@hotmail.com. And right here, too



Story Tara has to deal with a destiny she doesn't know about and doesn't want.





Prologue



Michael Moorlon sat cross-legged, staring at the fire. ‘She will be here soon’ he thought to himself. He could always feel her approaching. They had been joined since birth, he knew everything about her, and she knew everything about him.

       

He tried to steady himself, but the beast in him demanded attention. He forced the creature down further, using finely honed techniques he had developed over the years.

       

Michael had been waging this war for over forty years. He was going to eventually lose. He knew that. The dark magic he contained and controlled ate away at his soul, every day another little piece was consumed. It was a race with time he knew he would lose.



Michael opened his eyes and stared at the young boy sitting across the fire from him. The boy had runes drawn onto his head and over his heart. He was prepared to accept the burden his father bore. It was his destiny and he calmly awaited his fathers passing to accept it.

       

Feeling the weight of his fathers gaze, the boy opened his eyes. He smiled lightly at his father and glanced over the older mans shoulder. His smile grew broader.

       

“Good evening, Ray-na.” Michael spoke softly, not turning. He used the woman’s sacred name, the name given to her when she accepted the mantle of his Guardian.

       

The woman breezed past him and waved her hand. The circle opened to admit her and sealed behind her. She glanced sideways and gave the boy a smile, which brightened him to no end. “Good evening to you, Cor.” She replied, also using his sacred name.

       

“Where is your charge?” he asked, noticing the young girl was missing.

       

“She is my daughter, and she is home in bed asleep.” Ray-na replied sitting down, folding her legs in a lotus position.



“She should be here!” Michael snapped, his words a lot harsher than he intended.

       

Ray-na just looked at Michael, letting her energy flow outwards to envelop him.

       

Michael inhaled sharply as a deep sense of calm washed over him. He sat in comfort and let the love Ray-na sent out wash away the darkness rising in his soul. Tears started to well in his eyes and he felt the calm carry him off.

       

“I am sorry, Ray-na.” He whispered. “I was nearly overcome.” He spoke softly.

       

“All is well, Michael.” She replied letting the power she wielded draw back from the ether. “It was another attack?” she asked.

       

Michael nodded. “And they are getting worse.” He added.

“Last night I went out and killed several vampires…and even a couple of demons.” He spoke, his voice shuddering as the darkness began to rise again in him.

       

“I came home and…I was still seething with energy.” He looked up at Ray-na, his voice cracking. “I could not contain it as easily as I was once able to.” His voice was raw with emotion. And that emotion was fear.



Ray-na simply nodded her head. “I could feel that.” She replied warily. “I tried to help…but…” she trailed off.

       

Michael looked up and for the first time noticed the bruise swelling under her left eye. The beast in him roared at the outrage. That primate defiled her nightly, and he had the audacity to strike her?

       

He felt no sexual urgings towards her, but loved her no less than a sister. They were connected by a bond stronger than most people shared over the course of their entire lives. He should have felt her distress, but instead he sent wave after wave of his power shooting into the ether at her.

       

She had her own pain to deal with, and he had assaulted her with his. He felt now the guilt over his actions. She deserved better than this.

       

She was a being of light, of love. She could not know darkness. And that was her curse. She was chosen to balance him. To keep him in check so he could perform his duty.

       

When he died, she would die as well. That is why she trained her daughter. Her daughter would take her place as a keeper, and she would watch his son. It had been this way for almost three thousand years. The cycle was endless.



There were prophecies that foretold of it breaking, but they had never come to pass. No, he would die and so would Ray-na. That was the way the Concorde had decided it.

       

The War of the Warlocks had been very decisive, and the warlocks had lost. This was their punishment. One of the lineages was chosen, and his ancestors would carry the power that all of the warlocks had abused over the time of the war.

       

This would prevent the power from being accessed by other warlocks and condemn the holder to a torturous demise.



The Wicca coven that designed this punishment was thought of as to severe by other covens. They all met at a sacred gathering and appointed a volunteer. This woman would be charged to ease the burden of the condemned soul. Her progeny would also carry this burden, so the oath would not be taken lightly.



Ray-na’s ancestor had stepped up immediately and taken the mantle.



‘She had been the one to condemn Ray-na to this fate. Ray-na’s blood was on her soul.’ Michael thought bitterly.



He felt another flash of pure, white energy wash through him.



Ray-na let the power flow freely and allowed Michael to drink it in deeply. His anger was burning her soul. She knew it was not his fault, but it did not ease her pain any less. The time was defiantly closer, now. Any day now she would have to release the spell that would transfer all the power he wielded into his son. She would have to channel such energy that she would sacrifice herself in the process.

       

She did not mind dying, she had lived her life. She had given birth to two beautiful children and loved each of them dearly.



Her thoughts drifted to her daughter. She would have to carry on the mantle of Guardian. She would have to be the one to, one day, take the life of a person she would grow to love as a brother. She would be the one to one day have to die.

       

Her daughter was much to gentle to do such a thing. But destiny did not care. Destiny demanded it, and so Tara was trained to one day contain the vessel that housed the purest concentrated form of Dark Magick the world had ever known.



She would grow to love this person and she would one day have to kill him.



She hoped her daughter could forgive her.



Three days later



Tara walked home with her father. Her mother had died suddenly and she missed her terribly. She was in such a state of shock that she did not even notice Donny beating a boy after the burial.

       

The boy had come to talk with Tara about whom she was and what she had to do. After one spell, they would be joined and she would know her full destiny.



Donny would not have anything to do with it. He beat the boy, and the boy just took it. His power would manifest quickly and he would be back.

       

That time never came. The state took the boy and he never saw Tara again. She moved to Sunnydale, Ca. and lived a normal life…for as normal as it could be in Sunnydale.





More to come...what do ya think?

Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

Edited by: Willowfan at: 10/12/02 5:44:39 pm

[fidds]

great start!

interesting

i'm curious as to why Tara's destiny is to do dark magic

i loved the last line

can't wait for the next update



*Hannah*

********************************************
I just needed someone to talk to, you were just too busy with yourself, you were never there for me to express how i felt ,i just stuffed it down- *STAIND -FADE*

[Willowfan]

Tara's destiny ins't to do dark magic...she has the role of the guardian...based in the light....the boy's is the dark magic

Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

[jdcioffi]

Dude, This is a great idea. I love the dichotomy you've set up -- the dark and the light, with Tara and her ancestors signifying the love and light.





I'm truly intrigued by this ... by the idea that her ancestor had such love that she would volunteer not only her own life, but the lives of the coming generations. And I'm interested to see this calling will change the Tara we are familiar with into the Tara you have created.



Bro, this is gonna be a good one. It's like a tingle .. you know a good fic when you start one.



JD

(Hey, do you mind that I call you Faith? )

"I smell the smelly smell of something that smells smelly!" (SpongeBob Squarepants)

[Willowfan]

LOL.....you know you can call me anything you want

Thanks for the trust with Tara...means a lot coming from you

I hope I do our girls justice

Willowfan

(or Faith to JD )

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

[fidds]

oops sorry - silly me *sheepish look*



*Hannah*

********************************************
I just needed someone to talk to, you were just too busy with yourself, you were never there for me to express how i felt ,i just stuffed it down- *STAIND -FADE*

[Willowfan]

Destiny

by Willowfan



Chapter 1



Tara walked to the cash register and paid for her meal. She walked hurriedly to a table and sat to eat. She picked at her food and reached for desert. She stopped suddenly and a questioning look crossed her face.



‘Jell-O?’ she thought to herself. She didn’t like Jell-O. Why had she… she trailed off. Willow. For some reason, Willow loved Jell-O. Picking it up had been habit. She fought back tears as she pushed the small plate away.



“Well, well, well…” a strong voice sounded above her. Tara looked up and sighed inwardly. She did not need this right now.



“I-I’ll move.” She started to stand and leave. A rough hand reached out and grabbed her shoulder.



“Oh no, no…” the voice taunted. “We wouldn’t dream of you moving, would we guys?” the large muscled man growled. Four men flanked him, all laughing.



“Look, girlie….we sit here every day at this time, you belong elsewhere freak.” One of the boys sneered. His friends just chucked.



Tara just rolled her eyes. She grew up living with beatings and abuse, then moved to live on the Hellmouth. She thought she had left the bullies back in high school.



Grabbing her tray, she scooted her chair back and moved to stand.



A new voice came from behind the boys. A strong one, one that Tara knew well.



“Why don’t you big, strong men pick on someone your own size.” The girls voice lifted. Tara smiled.



Buffy Summers stood there, her hands resting on her hips as she sized the boys up. She could think of at least seventeen different combinations to use in taking the boys down. All of them involved immense pain of their part.



Tara picked up her tray and smiled, walking over to Buffy. “It’s ok, Buffy.” She looked over her shoulder at the boys. “They aren’t worth it.” She turned and headed to a new table.



Buffy scowled at the boys and turned, walking to Tara’s table to sit down. “Well it could have been fun.” She pouted, reaching into her brown paper bag pulling out a smashed sandwich.



Tara looked up at Buffy and smirked. “I’m sure it would have. But you are the slayer.” She added quietly, looking at Buffy’s pitiful lunch and frowning. “You could have easily killed them all. You have to be careful.” She finished.



“Please Tara. I wouldn’t have killed them.” Buffy bit into her sandwich and froze. She quickly grabbed her napkin and spit the piece in her mouth out.



Tara watched Buffy with a concerned look on her face. “Everything ok?” she asked.



Buffy shook her head and threw her sandwich into the bag and tossed the bag into the trash. “Tuna salad cannot be stored on the dashboard of a car in direct sunlight.” She said, flopping back down in her chair. “You might need to know that for the future.”



Tara laughed. “You want half of mine?” she offered Buffy half of her sandwich.



Buffy quickly perked up and took the offered food. She was ravenous. She and Tara spent the better part of an hour talking about things at home, school and in Sunnydale. Buffy related that patrols had been relatively quiet. There was hardly anything to fight.



Tara’s Scooby-sense went off at that. When things got quiet, it usually meant a big evil was brewing. But so far, nothing was out of the ordinary.



Buffy kept talking, and Tara kept listening and added little comments here and there. Buffy was trying her best to make Tara feel like she was more than just willow’s ex. She was a valuable commodity in the slayers life. She was a friend. All of the scoobies felt he absence, especially Dawn. She had become a surrogate mom to the teen when Joyce died. The girl clung to Tara like she was a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean.



Tara felt a pang of guilt for leaving. But Willow had been so immersed in the dark magick…she didn’t have a choice. Tara was listening intently to Buffy talking about her latest encounter when Buffy stopped and almost growled. Her eyes narrowed as she got up from her seat. She was glaring over Tara’s shoulder.



Tara turned to see what Buffy was so upset about and felt the color drain from her face.



Willow had seen Buffy sitting with Tara and was heading over to see if she could join them. She had not counted on being the object of a group of bullies. She thought she had left that all behind her in high school.



The boys had grabbed Willow’s backpack from her and were rummaging through it. Willow tried desperately to get it back, but one of the boys had grabbed her from behind.



“Easy there, Rosenberg.” The boy who was rummaging through her bag said. “We just want your Psych notes.” He laughed. “And your paper.” He added, pulling out her binder.



Willow stomped her foot down on the boy who was holding her and lunged for the backpack. The boy holding her howled in pain and shoved her away. She flew foreword into the table, slamming her solar plexus into the edge. All of the air was expunged from her immediately. She slumped to the floor and tried to breath.



Tara jumped up. “Willow!” she cried out.



Buffy jumped onto and across the table in a flash. Jumping down, she ran to where the boys stood, laughing at Willow. Snapping her foot out, she caught the closest boy in the chest. He shot backwards and landed on a table. Buffy quickly punched on boy in the face and spun around, sweeping his feet out from under him. She vaulted to the top of the table and kicked a third boy in the chin, sending him flying through the air to land on a table ten feet away. The table buckled and broke under his impact. The last boy, the one with Willow’s backpack, just dropped the pack and ran. Buffy quickly scooped up a tray and flung it at the running figure. It caught him in the back of the head, sending him flipping head over heels. She surveyed the scene and saw all four boys unconscious. Jumping down, she was surprised when the whole dining quad erupted into whistles and applause. She ran over to Tara who was cradling Willow in her arms.



“Is she ok?” Buffy asked, hurriedly checking Willow for any signs of damage. Willow lie in Tara’s lap, her eyes were closed and her breathing was shallow.



Tara looked up and nodded slightly. She was gently stroking Willows hair. “I think she’ll be ok.” She said softly. Willow began to stir. She started to sit up, but her spinning head stopped her.



“Oh boy…stop the room, I wanna get off.” She said shaking. Tara smoothed Willows hair and leaned down to kiss her forehead. She stopped inches from Willow, remembering that they were no longer together. She had no right to kiss her.



Willow opened her eyes to see Tara’s face inches from hers. She took in a deep breath, trying to get as much of Tara’s scent as she could. “Now this is how to wake up.” She whispered.



Tara blushed but allowed a smile to creep across her face. She leaned back from Willow, giving the dizzy redhead some air.



Willow would have turned blue before admitting that she wanted Tara to move away. But she sat up nonetheless. She moved to stand and wobbled a bit, but Buffy was there to catch her. She smiled weakly and steadied herself. “Well. That was an adventure.” She sounded very chipper.



Buffy just scowled. “ What was that all about?” she asked, surveying the area. She was in full combat mode. No one was going to get the drop on the three of them anytime soon.



Tara reached down and picked up Willow’s dropped backpack and notebook. She started to put the binder back into Willows pack when she saw the cover. There, written in blue ink on the cover were three letters in a big, oversized heart. “W ‘N’ T” A smile spread across here face. She ran her fingers across the cover and sighed. ‘Forever.’ She thought to herself. Willow would always be hers. She couldn’t eat, sleep or concentrate without the little redhead around.



Willow completed her. She was the missing piece in everything Tara did. She was the air Tara breathed, the water that sustained her. Everything Willow did was so enduring to Tara. Well, everything except wiping memories from her mind. And the rampant abuse of Dark Magick. Tara sighed. There’s always something.



Tara slipped the notebook inside Willow’s backpack and zipped it up. She hefted the bag onto her shoulder and followed Buffy out of the cafeteria. Buffy was steadying Willow while she walked, still glaring at the surrounding students. She wasn’t about to let anything else happen to her best friend.





TBC

Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

[slayer747]

uhm... update? please???

------------
"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong, and those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie "Once and Again"

[fidds]

omg- i can't believe i missed this update - shame on me

aww - Willow writing W 'N' T - cute

stupid boys

great update!

can't wait for the next



*Hannah*

********************************************
I just needed someone to talk to, you were just too busy with yourself, you were never there for me to express how i felt ,i just stuffed it down- *STAIND -FADE*

[jdcioffi]

Hear that? "Stupid boys ..."



Dude, I loved this update. I don't know it got buried on the second page (or wherever it was before popping back up on the first page -- where it belongs).



Of course, the best way to keep it here is to update -- and often.



Please more JD



(I know you're having computer issues, so I won't resort to begging -- yet). *HUGS*

"I smell the smelly smell of something that smells smelly!" (SpongeBob Squarepants)

[TheWhiz]

Great beginning to this fic!

I liked the prologue setting the scene & giving background info.

Look forward to next update!!

"I am a whiz...If ever a whiz there was"

[xita]

Oh, lovely, i am not sure what was going on in that first chapter but I am sure it will become clearer. Tara and the notebook, sigh.. so cute.

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

"Oooh Xita!" - Amber Benson

[Willowfan]

Wow...Thank all of you for your feedback I'm glad you like...so, on with the show...but first, a word of thanks:



slayer747-Update? Ok...here you go



fidds-No problem...glad you caught it. And yes...demons, vampires and skanky hellbitches are the stock and trade for the scoobies...who knew to look out for school bullies



JDCoiffi-Computer problems fixed...*eg*...updates ensue



TheWhiz-Glad you liked the setup. I hope to pull it all together into some sembalance of order.



Xita-Thank you, madame Moderator Set up for future events was the first part...I hope it all makes sense soon



Ok...on with the show





Chapter 2



Jason watched the whole affair from a secluded table. He was

finishing his meal when the commotion broke out. The same

group of people that had been bullying everyone over the last

few months was bullying the small red-haired girl. She was

knocked down and that’s when the small, blond tornado

swept through the small group. She was fast, decisive and

powerful.

       

But that’s not the one that caught his eye. It was the other

blonde. She had rushed up and scooped the redhead into her

arms. He knew her name. Tara Maclay. She was beautiful,

put quite simply.



He knew she was into magic, he had seen her at that shop in

town. The Magic Box. He could even sense her power. He

tried not to release the power he had anywhere around

people. But he could sense her power right away. It was

almost like it called to him.



He had moved to Sunnydale due to its unique nature. It was

on a Hellmouth. It was a convergence of mystical energy that

drew evil to the town like moths to a flame. He had his hands

full here. He had to kill demons, vampires and then drain the

Hellmouth dry. He would start tonight.



Tara held Willow closely as the normally bubbly redhead

slept. It was not a big deal. Willow had the breath knocked

out of her and passed out. She had regained consciousness

and Tara insisted that Willow rest in her dorm room. ‘Just

until she gets better.’ Tara told herself. She was stroking

Willows beautiful red locks.



She had missed this. Just her and Willow. In the middle of

the day, a break between classes or even passing in the hall.

Just touching the redhead sent a tingle up her spine. It was

always the same. It was like it had never happened…Tara

closed her eyes as memories flooded back.

************************************************************************



They had been fighting about magic all day. Tara had a big

headache and was tired. She wanted nothing more then to

just hold Willow and forget the day. They had been looking for

Dawn and Willow suggested sending everyone into another

dimension for a second. She was casually tossing magic

around more and more all the time.

       

She loved Willow with all of her heart…all of her soul. Nothing

Willow could do would change that. But all Tara wanted was

to lie down, hold Willow and not hear anything about magic.



For the first time in her life Tara was almost sorry she had

anything to do with magic.



Willow wanted to talk. She wanted to discuss. She wanted to

push the issue…”Can we just…not do this right now?” Tara

snapped. “I’m tired.”       



Willow sighed. “Fine…let’s just forget it ever happened.”

       

Tara regretted the words the moment they escaped her lips.



Her head was killing her. She just needed sleep. That would

make everything better. Sleep and Willow. She crawled into

bed and sighed. Willow.

       

Willow crawled into bed with Tara and Tara smiled instantly.



Her Willow. She reached over to her lover and enveloped her.



She remembered.



“Your feet are cold.” She said, snuggling up to Willow.



“Then you’d better warm me up.” Willow sighed, scooting into

Tara.



“Mmmm…. This is how every day should always end…and

start…and all the stuff in the middle.” Tara laid her head on

Willows shoulder, reveling in the closeness of her hearts

reason for beating.



“So…you’re not mad then?” Willow asked, tentatively.



“For what?” Tara asked……

************************************************************************



Tara cringed as the thoughts came back to her. Willow had

cast a spell on her. She had invaded her mind, picked out the

parts she felt Tara didn’t need and discarded them. She had

violated her in the worst possible way.

       

She looked over at Willows sleeping form and brushed the

hair out of Willows face. It had been the beginning of the end

of their relationship. Tara wanted so much to just forgive and

forget. But she couldn’t. Too much had happened. Willow had

taken teachings Tara held sacred and tossed them aside.



She had manipulated the very fabric of reality like it was her

own personal playground. And she had done so knowing it

was wrong. Willow had made a conscious choice to violate

the laws of nature and even reality.



Could she forgive that? Did she even have a right to?



Lying here, her arms encircling Willow and feeling her body

pressed against her former loves back she felt she could

forgive Willow anything. Any offense. All she wanted was to

get those touches back. To get back to what they had before.



The love they shared, the trust they built. She wanted the

Willow that stood up to Tara’s family; The Willow that took on

a hellgod for her mind….the same mind that was violated by

Willow.

       

Tears stung Tara’s eyes as she softly stroked Willows

hair. “Oh goddess baby…what can I do to bring you back to

me love…what can I do?” she whispered silently, sending

wave after wave of pure love pouring into Willow. She did not

know Willow had awakened a few seconds earlier. She did

not know Willow had heard the question. She did not know

about the hot tears running down Willows face, the tears

brought on by guilt and shame.



‘How could she still want me…still love me after everything I

did?’ Willow asked herself silently. Who was this angel

that loved so much and only asked to be loved in return?



‘How could I do so much to hurt her?’ she wondered.



Willow stirred slightly and Tara shifted with her. Their bodies

knew exactly how to react with each other. They had not

forgotten how to lie, how to move and how to react. They

would remember forever the feel of the other. It was a perfect

fit.









TBC Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

Edited by: Willowfan at: 7/16/02 9:41:41 pm

[tommo]

"It was a perfect fit."



Oh hell yeah! This is lovely, so adorable to see them both loving one another so much.

----------
It's dirty. It's all dirty. And all
over me. Dirty, dirty, bad. Bad!

[snuggle79]

How could i miss this new great story??

I love it! Especially the last part was heartbreaking!

Can't wait for more!

Oh baby, want me to rub your tummy? She likes it when I ... stop explaining things.

Hi, um Tara..how are you? well...I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time...for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[jdcioffi]

Dude bro, You got me on this update. You really have a way of getting in there, you know? Like, this is what it is all about.



Great last line ...



Talk to you soon, man,

JD

"I smell the smelly smell of something that smells smelly!" (SpongeBob Squarepants)

[fidds]

great update!

and the last bit was really sweet



*Hannah*

********************************************
I just needed someone to talk to, you were just too busy with yourself, you were never there for me to express how i felt ,i just stuffed it down- *STAIND -FADE*

[xita]

Oh that's a great update. Tara loves Willow so much and vice versa but there is so much between them. SO much pain, but the only thing that can fight that is love and they have it. That was very beautiful. I look forward to more especially with the background characters (jason-prologue) you are setting up. Should be an interesting ride.

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

"Oooh Xita!" - Amber Benson

[TheWhiz]

Great update

Very sweet, they have alot to work through but as they say 'love conquers all'.

"I am a whiz...If ever a whiz there was"

[Willowfan]

Hey there all...wow. I love feedback It makes me think I am doing a good job, and gives me a peek into what you all want to see. So...thanks to:



Tommo-hehehe...oh wow...stoked to be getting praise from a board legend I'm glad you like it, and there is more to come. They will soon find how much they were meant to be together. I can never keep our girls apart for very long...it's just not natural:



snuggle79-It's a small story...very easy to overlook, but thank you for finding it. As for the heartbreak, I am afraid there is more to come.



jdcioffi-After reading PA...again ...praise from a W/T expert means a lot. thank you SO much. i try to do their love for each other justice, I hope I continue to get it right.



fidds-Thank you for reading. Doing a sweet moment between Willow and Tara is easy...the next part was a lot harder.



Xita-It IS a hard road they travel, espically when made alone. But hopefully, all will be righted....



TheWhiz- A lot of work, but the benefits at the end will be worth the trip



Willowfan



So...on with the story.....



This next part was hard to do...I wasn't exactly sure how to get the ball rolling. I hope I did Tara justice, but when I was writing it, in my head, she seemed so broken without her Willow...so this came out...hope it works...



Chapter 3



Willow opened her reddened eyes and gazed with wonderment at Tara. ‘How could this be?’ she asked. Tara was the most beautiful thing Willow could ever remember seeing in her life. Not just physically, but her soul as well. Tara gave and gave without asking. She was always looking out for the needs and comforts of others before her own. Even now, after hurting Tara on a deeper level than anyone else ever had, Tara still loved her. Still loved her Willow. ‘Was such love even possible? Could it exist in this place…and be directed towards me?’ her eyes were wet with tears and wide with awe.



Tara gazed at Willow and smiled. ‘Goddess…she is still so beautiful.’ She took in every facet of Willows face. Every gentle curve, every hue in her cheeks and face. Tara’s gaze took in every detail, no matter how minute.

‘Could she take me back after abandoning her just when she needed me the most?’ she wondered.

‘Do I even have the right to ask?’



Tara was about to speak when there was a frantic knocking at the door. Tara jumped a little and called out. “Come in.”



Buffy entered the room with two big bags and a carrier with three Styrofoam cups. “I brought lunch.” She smiled brightly. “Oh god…Willow you’re awake!” she was excited.



Willow rubbed her eyes and sat up. Her body made it very clear that it protested leaving Tara. “Yeah…Tara was just waking me.” She looked back at Tara and longed for just one more second in her arms. To feel safe again. To feel like she was home again. She had lost that right…that privilege now. She knew it. But she would spend the rest of her life trying to get that privilege back.



Tara smiled at Willow. She had most defiantly not been trying to wake Willow up. She wanted nothing more than to have Willow sleep for days in her arms. Willow was her heart and right now her heart hurt. It missed Willows presence. Tara missed Willows presence.



Buffy passed out the mochas and food and made herself comfortable on the foot of the bed. She looked at Willow with a mixture of relief and a little bit of anger. Willow was sitting so far away from Tara that she might as well not even be on the bed. She was perched on the edge that even the slightest little…jump…would…



Buffy jumped up so fast she bounced the bed. Willow’s arms pinwheeled and she felt herself falling. “Buffy!” she squealed as she started to fall. She didn’t go six inches before two hands grabbed her and pulled her back. Willow turned to stare into Tara’s eyes.



“I’ve got you.” Was all Tara could stammer.



Willow smiled and let herself be drawn in by Tara. She held her breath and shivered slightly as Tara scooted her closer to the center of the bed. She was sure this was heaven.



Buffy smiled to herself. ‘That’s better.’ She said, nodding in approval. Willow and Tara together with the snuggles. That was right…it was natural. They belonged together and she was happy to play her little part in making it come to pass. “Sorry Wills…you ok?” she asked innocently.



Willow was staring into Tara’s eyes when she heard Buffy’s words. “Um..huh?” she stammered, her eyes never left Tara’s.



Buffy smiled and nodded her head. For one night, the world was going to seem normal for these two. It was going to seem right and safe. No monsters, no magic and no missing the other half of their souls. “I’m gonna go now. Patrol and all.” She said, picking up her coat. Buffy opened the door and left, closing the door softly for fear of breaking the spell. She shuddered at the very poor choice of her thoughts. This spell was a good one...right and natural in every way.



Buffy was gone for an entire minute before Tara answered. “uh huh…bye Buffy.” She said softly, her eyes lost in the deep emerald of Willows eyes. She was shaking. Willows eyes were focused on her. She looked over her lovers face and noticed how close they were. She could feel Willows breath on her face. She noticed Willows ruby lips. They were so soft and she remembered how they felt pressed to hers.



Willow was so close, inches away. She was breathing hard and her pulse was racing. She told herself it was from the near fall. But she knew the sensation. She had felt it a million times before. It was Tara. She always felt like this around Tara. She remembered the old sensations, she remembered the old times….then she remembered the way she messed everything up. She pulled away.



Tara decided that enough was enough. It was silly. This was Willow, her Willow. It was her hearts love and the light of her life. She was everything, the only thing in the world that Tara wanted. Willow had gone for almost three months without using magic. How much did Willow have to prove to her? Tara decided that she would, if Willow wanted her to, go back to her Willow. Willow pulled away. Tara’s heart broke. She had her answer and her eyes betrayed her pain.



Willow didn’t want to push Tara. She had to earn the right to be this close to Tara. She couldn’t just jump ahead like this. She looked into Tara’s eyes and wanted to beg forgiveness for being so intrusive. She looked and saw pain. Tara was in pain because of her. Tears started to well in her eyes and she moved back. She had put Tara thru so much in the last few months; Tara didn’t deserve any more pain. “I’d better go.” Willow spoke quietly and started to stand.



Tara just sat on the bed her mouth opening and closing. No sound would come out and she felt her world slipping away. Her Willow was leaving her. Was this how it felt for Willow? The fear, the horror of hearing the one you love more than life itself say they couldn’t be around you anymore. Tara felt the fear well in her and it started bubbling it’s way to the surface. Her heart was racing and she started to shake all over.



Panic filled every fiber in her as her entire existence moved towards the door. She released all of her fears and terror in on scream. “WILLOW!!” she screamed.



Willow spun and faced the bed. Tara was frantically scrambling across the bed while tears poured down her face. She was openly blubbering.



Tara didn’t care about her appearance. She didn’t care about how strong she needed to be. She didn’t care about anything except getting her Willow back. That was all that was important to her now. It was her over riding goal. Willow could not leave the room without knowing how much Tara cared for her…needed her. She would run to her. Beg her to stay, to come back. Willow had to know her life was a living nightmare without her.



Willow ran to Tara and dropped to the floor in front of the terrified form of her former love. “Tara?!” she cried watching her soulmate cry hurt her more than anything else in this world. Worse than anything she had ever faced.



“Willow…please..” Tara started to frantically plead with Willow. Her hands grasping desperately to Willow. “Please…don’t leave. I’m sorry...I was wrong. Please. I need you...please don’t go. Stay with me.” She clung to Willow like she was drowning. She pulled Willow to her with a strength born from fear and desperation.



Willow broke down and squeezed Tara to her. She ran her hands over Tara’s hair and face, covering her with kisses. Each kiss a promise that she would never leave. She would stay forever and beyond. Willow broke down and tears that had built for three months poured down her face. “Tara…I’m here. Oh goddess…I am yours. Always…I’m yours forever.” She leaned down and kissed Tara deeply. The kiss was full of fire and passion. Willow felt her every wish...her only wish the last few months, come true. Tara wanted her back. She wanted to be with her again. Willow cried happily as Tara kissed her back.



Tara returned the searing kiss and grasped Willow tighter to her. Her Willow was back and she was never going to let her go.



************************************************************************



Buffy walked thru the graveyard looking for trouble. Normally, she would be almost overjoyed to have a slow night. But over the last few weeks, Sunnydale hadn’t seemed like…well…Sunnydale. She had only four kills in the last two weeks. It was almost spooky. She walked through this cemetery once tonight already, but she was being sure. And she was glad for it. She caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She jumped back and narrowly avoided being jumped. The vamp came out of nowhere. It was fast, deadly and wanted to eat the slayer. Buffy almost cheered.



“Alright. Some action.” She smiled as she pulled her stake. She moved forward and spun on her right foot and shot her left leg out. It connected with the vampires jaw and sent him sprawling. She continued her attack with a flurry of blows. They rained down on the demons head like concrete blocks. He sprawled out on his back and Buffy pounced on him, driving her stake home. He evaporated in seconds. Buffy sat up and smiled to herself. She hadn’t lost it. Her victory was cut short when she felt a sharp blow to the back of her head. She crumpled and her vision blurred as she saw a vampire standing above her with a shattered 2x4. She cursed herself as her vision went black.



Jason had seen enough. The girl was defiantly powerful. She fought vampires, and from the looks of it she usually won. He put two and two together and came up with The Slayer. She was whispered about by vampires. She was supposedly a bane to their undead existence. But this one was about to die.



Jason stood and opened himself to the power within him. “Comburo!” he held out him hand and flame engulfed the nearest vampire. The darkness inside of him roared its pleasure. He had gone almost two days without lashing out. Tonight, the darkness would reap destruction on these demons.



Turning to the other four, Jason held his hand forth again and spoke in Latin. “Accendo.” Fire flared in the palm of his hand and he locked his gaze on the remaining vamps. His lips twisted into a smirk as the beast inside of him reared its head. The power was unlocked; the darkness was writhing in his hands. “Advolo.” he cried.



The flame flew from his hands. Splitting into the four separate balls of flame, they each found their marks unerringly. The remaining vampires evaporated into dust upon contact.



Smiling, Jason brushed his black hair back and stepped up to the prone form of the slayer. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled forth a small leather pouch. He opened the pouch and took a small pinch of the foul smelling powder. Dusting over her form, he chanted a small verse. The beast in him howled in rage as the white light flared around the girl. ‘Kill her!!’ it screamed. Jason fought the urge to do just that. His fists clenched and the pouch shook violently in his hands. The dust flew everywhere and the light grew brighter. Jason cursed himself. The blackness in him laughed. The spell would have kept her from harms way for several hours. If undisturbed,she would have awakened at sunrise.



Now there was enough of the special mixture to keep her out for several days. Jason did not see or hear the vampire sneaking up behind him. The black force inside of him, however, did. It lashed out an inky black tendril and pierced the vampires’ stomach, lifting it off of the ground. Jason slowly turned and stared the creature in the eyes. “Where do you live?” he slowly asked. The vampire spit in his face. Jason cocked his head and the base of the tendril broadened. The vampire screamed in pain. Soon, Jason had the address and was on his way to wipe out the entire nest. He forgot all about Buffy.

************************************************************************



TBC-Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

[ally02]

Just caught up with this fic and very very glad i did because it is sooooooo good!! Awww it was so sweet when Tara started crying to Willow and then Willow was crying to Tara and then they were kissing and awww. Okay im stopping now, anyway, more soon please I wanna know whats going on with that Jason guy!



love Aly xxxx

"This whole us things is...bleh!" Willow to Xander in Lover's Walk

[snuggle79]

It was damn sweet, how they finally got together again!

Very well done! But yeah, what's up with Jason??

Oh baby, want me to rub your tummy? She likes it when I ... stop explaining things.

Hi, um Tara..how are you? well...I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time...for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[Willowfan]

Ally02-I'm glad you like it I was VERY worried that people would think I was demeaning Tara, by having her break down as Willow was leaving...but my beta assured me that it was all good...so I went that way. And as for jason...he will slowly be unravled



snuggle79- I'm glad you liked it Jason, Jason,Jason...tsk,tsk,tsk...all will be revealed soon enough...and anything before would be telling





Update soon, I promise



Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

[funkyasian]

so wait...someone is trying to take over buffy's job? that's not cool...if that happened...then what happens with the whole willow/tara/rest of scoobie thing? ahhhhh *panick!!!!!!!*



steph

[Willowfan]

Here's a new part





Chapter 4



Willow was content. She was happy, in heaven. She squeezed her arm around the steadily breathing form of Tara. Tara shifted slightly and coughed. Her breathing was coming in gasps and she was drenched in sweat. Willow sat up and looked into her loves face. It was contorted in worry and panic. She was having a nightmare. Willow smoothed Tara’s sweat soaked hair back and placed a gentle kiss on Tara’s forehead. Tara jerked back and cried out in pain. Willow heard a searing, like meat charring on a grill. Her lips were burned. She jumped back and scrambled for the lamp at the side of the bed. Turning it on, she spun and looked at Tara.



Tara was soaking in her clothes. It was freezing in the room, but Tara was burning up. Willow started to take off Tara’s clothes, shoving the heavy homespun quilt down. Tara whimpered as if in pain. And then Willow felt it. Black Magic. It was thick in the air. She frantically looked around the room and jumped off of the bed. She had not felt power like this before. Even Rack’s power paled in comparison. She heard a brushing next to the door and went to see what the noise was. A note lay on the floor, someone had pushed it under the door. The Dark Magic subsided and Willow picked up the note. The only thing on it was the name of a local cemetery.



Tara shifted in bed and sat up. “Willow?” she spoke softly. Willow turned and sighed in relief. She went to Tara and sat in the bed. Tara was shivering. Willow pressed her hand to Tara’s forehead and checked her temperature. “How are you feeling, baby?” she asked worriedly.



Tara arched her eyebrows and glanced up at Willows hand. “Um…fine.” She said quietly. “Why?” she asked.



Willow dropped her hand and smiled. There was no sign of the fever that Tara was suffering from just moments before. Tara waited patiently for an explanation from Willow. She inwardly enjoyed all the fussing. Willow quickly related everything, including the presence of Dark Magic.



Tara frowned at this. She had felt something while she was asleep, something dark and evil. She thought it was just a nightmare. Tara took the note and read it again. All there was on the paper was a name of a cemetery. “We’d better call Buffy and see if she’s back from patrol yet.” Willow nodded and reached for the phone.



Dawn picked up the phone after the twelfth ring. She was tired and cranky. Buffy had probably not even heard the phone. “‘Lo” she said groggily.



“Dawn?” it was Willow.



“Hey Willow.” Dawn yawned and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “Where are you?” she asked.



“I’m with Tara.” She answered. She just couldn’t keep the happiness from her voice.



Dawn perked up immediately. “Oh my god!!” she cried out. “Are you guys getting back together?” she was almost as excited as Willow.



Willow laughed. Dawn hadn’t heard her laugh like that for a long time. “Yep…it’s looking very promising.” She said. “Is Buffy there?” she asked, changing the subject.



Dawn paused and walked up the stairs to Buffy’s room, a sense dread filling her. As she opened the door, she called for her sister. “Buffy…you up…it’s Willow.” All of the anger from earlier was gone. Cold, unreasoning fear was slowly gripping her. Dawn saw the bed was not used. “Willow…she’s not here.” She said into the phone.



Willow sighed. ”Ok Dawnie…Tara and I are on our way over. Get dressed and we’ll take you to school.” Willow looked over at Tara, who nodded and got up.



Dawn was on the verge of crying. “Willow, what’s going on?” she asked, her voice filled with fear for her sister. She may have feigned a dislike for Buffy, but in truth, she was her sister. She loved Buffy with all of her heart.



Willow just sighed. “Oh…It’s nothing Dawn…just wondering if Buffy was there. Get ready for school.” Willow said, not even believing it herself. She hung up and turned to Tara. She was worried.



Tara crossed the room and opened her arms to Willow. Willow wrapped herself around Tara. Willow sighed and laid her head on Tara’s shoulder. She could hardly believe everything that had happened in the last few hours. It was like a dream come true. She vowed to herself that now that she had Tara back, she was done with Dark Magic for good. Done with all magic. Nothing would ever take her from Tara again. Nothing.



Willow took a step back, but never let Tara go. She held onto Tara’s waist and looked deeply into her loves eyes. “Tara…I just wanted to say...um...I wanted to let you know...” she paused biting her bottom lip. Why was it so hard to say three little words? She had said them thousands of times before.



The corner of Tara’s mouth lifted and she tilted her head. “I know Willow…I know.” She said as she leaned into Willow and kissed her lips softly.



Willow melted. She was in heaven. She was sure of it. The lips she had kissed so many times before were never this soft. They were never this tender. Perhaps it was due to the fact that she had been away from them for so long. She didn’t care. She was kissing them now, and she reveled in the moment. She clung to it and swore that she would make it last. If she never saw another herb or alter, it would be to soon. Nothing would ever tempt her away from her hearts desire again. Nothing.



Pulling away from Tara’s searching lips was hard, but Willow had to. She had to say it. “Tara…I love you.” She said. Her eyes were wet as the words came from her mouth. “I mean…I know I screwed things up, and I want to make things better.” She smiled, and then quickly amended her statement. “I mean, I want to naturally make things better. No magic. Nope. Magic and me are so done. It’s deader then disco. I mean I am SO over magic…” she was cut off by Tara’s finger over her lips.



“Baby.” Tara said, her smile creeping up on her mouth. “I know. I love you too, and I always will.” She leaned in and pressed her forehead to Willows. “Now stop babbling and kiss me. I’ve missed Willowbabble but I’ve missed Willowkisses mo…” she was cut off by Willowkisses.







TBC-Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

[MadeinNZ]

Wait .... disco is dead??? Damn, I must have missed the memo. Note to self - pack away the white flares and boogie shoes.



Great update. Very 'scene setting'.

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


"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[funkyasian]

disco's dead...okay...*checking off a list* - this evil thing...i'm not sure i like...especially since it might kill tara later on...and that's just not a good thing...



can't wait for more...



steph

[jdcioffi]

How much do you hate me for not feddbacking the last few updates? Bad me!



Ilove how you got them back together. Crying, it seems, always gets them to the kissing part.



I love it ... you really do write them well (you better not be thinking of a W/T coup on the RPG, dude ... I won't be overthrown! )



I really like the whole fever and then no fever thing -- it's very cool and indicative to Willow, but not to Tara, that something is amiss. Well played -- as we say.



Muchos kudos man,

JD

"I smell the smelly smell of something that smells smelly!" (SpongeBob Squarepants)

[snuggle79]

Great Update! Loved the smoochies and "Now stop babbling and kiss me. I’ve missed Willowbabble but I’ve missed Willowkisses mo…” she was cut off by Willowkisses."

Oh baby, want me to rub your tummy? She likes it when I ... stop explaining things.

Hi, um Tara..how are you? well...I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time...for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

Edited by: snuggle79 at: 7/21/02 5:03:02 pm

[Willowfan]

MadeinNZ-Yep...disco is dead...long dead...and they say miricles don't happen



funkyasian-Kill Tara?!?! No...Joss did that. I am not Joss as I stated in the Disclaimer. The road will be bumpy and the trail twisted...but look carefully...there, at the treeline...as the sunsets...see...a small blonde and a small redhead...holding each other as a new day dawns...



jdcioffi-Ok...you're forgiven And don't worry...I am happy with Faith and Cordy...you have the gals



snuggle79-Tara liked the smoochies too







Why not...here's an update



************************************************************************

When they finally separated, Willow felt her knees weaken. Tara had taken her heart and Willow knew she would keep it safe and keep it forever. “Um…we should check out that cemetery.” She stammered. ‘Wow oh wow.’ She thought to herself. Tara still had an effect on her. She never doubted it; she just took for granted how much she loved Tara until she was gone. But now that she was back…



Tara nodded and watched the many expressions cross Willows face. She was so in love with the redhead. Willow was he world, he everything. She would spend the rest of her life proving that. “Yeah…let me get my coat.” She said.



The two girls left the dorm room and headed down the stairs. They did not notice Jason sitting in the corner of the hall, huddled against the wall. He was confused. He sensed darkness in one. Nowhere near the level he possessed, but still, it was there. He would have to investigate this. There was something there he could not sense. Something about the blonde he recognized, but could not place. He walked from the corner and went to his room, sighing as he entered.



He was usually more charged after a fight, with the magic so close to the surface. But right now, he felt sated. His nerves were calm, his mind focused. He took out a heavy text from his sparse bookshelf and began flipping through it. He came to the small section on the Slayer and read.



“Into every generation…chosen one…vampires and forces of darkness…” he read aloud. “Sounds like she could be a valuable ally.” He mused.



‘NO’ the voice exploded in his head. Closing his eyes he sat on the floor, crossing his legs.



Reaching down, he gathered the magic around him and sank. Opening his eyes, all he saw was blackness. He could feel his mentor’s spirit, even if he could not see him. “Father…she could help.” He pleaded to the darkness.



‘You know there is only One that can help our cause. Only One that is chosen to help.’ The voice boomed from everywhere and nowhere. ‘The Slayer has a destiny of her own and while we do fight the same war, it is on different fronts. We do not endanger others. Ours is a lonely existence, my son.’ The reply was softer, showing a hint of real emotion.



“I understand father, but I have no Guardian. There is no release for me here. The magic grows and festers withing me...and soon will consume me” Jason stated quietly, a hint of sadness in his voice.



‘ It is unfair, but the punishment was our lines penance for our arrogance. We abused the power given us, and the price is ours to repay.’ A form shimmered into existence in front of the boy. ‘I am truly sorry for you having to endure this burden without a guardian I am here…I will do what I can to try to ease the pain.’ The form reached for his son, but his hand passed through his son’s form.



Jason looked down and sighed a shuddering breath. “How can you ease my pain when you cannot even touch me?” he asked, his eyes moistening from the tears welling in them.



‘I…I do not know, my son. Let me take some of the pain.’ He spoke as a thin black tendril snaked from Jason into his father. The connection lasted only a few seconds and then faded. The form looked up at Jason with a puzzled look on his face. ‘Did you not hunt last night?’ he asked.



Jason nodded and wiped tears from his eyes. “Yes. I killed several vampires and four demons, but when I met the Slayer, she was injured. I cast a protection sphere over her and went to her friends to tell them of her plight. I felt the blackness melt away.” He recalled.



Jason’s father looked at his son and pursed his lips in thought. ‘Who are these friends of hers?’ he asked.



Jason shrugged and answered. “Just a couple of girls from her classes.”



‘And you say that your darkness dissolved when you went to deliver this message?’ the voice seemed interested in this fact.



“Yes father. It was like it was being drawn from me. I do not know how.” Jason paced back and forth, his brow creased in thought.



‘This is very interesting. Perhaps they hold the key to your dilemma. Seek them out, my son.’



The voice faded and Jason felt himself return to his body. His eyes fluttered and he stood, stretching his six foot frame. He tussled his black hair and went to the window. Drawing the curtains open he peered into the night. He used the magic within him to sense the surroundings. There were twenty-four vampires on campus and four were feeding. With a flick of his wrist, he sent dark magic spearing into the night. He felt four of the demons disintegrate. Grabbing his coat, he walked to the door and moved into the shadows. He had a job to do.





TBC-Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette