FF : RW Season 7.4 : Alienation.

[tiredsoul]

Great update. I agree with *mollyig*, that line was the best. That's difficult considering that every line is incredible.

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

"That was just rude. Now I forget what I was saying."

[Loco2]

ooh, she made it and younger willow hearing that she couldn't learn the magic anymore, how sad.



glad you like the word - it's one of many in my personal dictionary of made up words



is tara going back to willow, soon?



thank you for a great update



steph

"I'm not gay - I'm just Trevor's bitch." - some drunken guy about his sexuality
"Oh, bugger off, you BROLLY!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[Centauri2002]

Thank the goddess that's over with... Tara's going to return to her honey now right? I wonder if it actually worked and what Tara's gonna do with that key.



It's unfortunate that Willow can't really do magic anymore but she has so many great qualities to fall back on and I'm sure you'll think up some ingenious way to make her feel super useful again.



Can't wait for the next scene.



Caz

Tara: I got so lost
Willow: I found you... I will always find you

[Grimaldi]

enjoyed the last couple of updates Clem being the one to communicate and calm the demon down was funny. glad that Tara and young Willow were able to get all of the books locked away.

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

Fucking Windows 98, get Bill Gates in here!

Little pussy gnome, don't call me a pussy. Pussy gnome.

[Puff]

Oh that was great and it isn't an instant cure but *crosses fingers* it's on the way to getting Willow better.Thank you, eagerly awaiting the next part.

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[Jennpurr]

WOW.... ladies. Awesome updates there. Sorry it took me so long to catch up.



First off, Buffy is so damned clueless, it's funny. I just love watching her as a ditz at times. I loved the whole thing with the Galgora Demon trying to get to them cause Mads smelled like roses. That was cute. And Clem agreeing to watch her till she could go back home. I've always liked Clem. He's cool.



That was scary... the scene at Racks. First Tara having to face Dark Willow, but then her having to see her Willow hanging from the ceiling. I can't imagine what that felt like. I'm glad she got the book though. And YAY! The books are finally all locked up and put away from temptation. Let's hope they stay that way. I'm really anxious to see how Willow is going to get her innocence back.



Can't wait for more.



Thanks, ladies,

Jen

* * * * * *
Quotes from Melissa Etheridge on 8/10/02, in The Woodlands, TX

"I've been to every, one of Melissa Etheridge's concerts! ... No, really, I have!"
"THAT, is a bat! ... Hey, does it have a ticket? ... It doesn't have a ticket!"

[KathleenWolf]

one in ten: mmm yummy cookies (and the plate rocks too!) ... Beth and I love to play on stuff like getting lost to get found and being found can make you get lost... but we're glad you liked the part... (ps: yes we're machines... who told our secrets? it's really the Kath-bot and the Beth-bot cause our other selves are otherwize disposed )



Urn of Osiris: thank you for being patient and loving it



Funkyasian: Tara is indeed the master crafter of re-integrated Willow's... and yes machines we are... and we're trying to work on our other dozen series



WiccansIllusion: sorry there wasn't more yesterday... I got my wires crossed at work and didn't get edited done till late and well I still have a tiny bit to do before I can give you guys a nice chunk to enjoy



LeatherQueen: definately time to give innocence back to Willow... mmm but how... hopefully the next update will offer some insight



MadeinNZ: we love her too... we wish we could bring her back but alas we're left with cute sexy post trama Willow



TheRose24: oh I'm sure we have a price... but it's much higher than Josh's after S6



MissQuirky: would we put badness in with the joining of the Willow's? the next update should help clear up badness or no badness



Kpmuse: oh yes the key... well we definately have something up our sleeves for that little precious object but you'll have to wait and see for a bit... thanks for reading



Imperfectly Me: why thank you... we do like to improve on ourselves whenever possible... and update should be this morning, mmm correct myself will be this morning



VampNo12: most definately this ep has been about Willow being helped to get to the place where she can manage and create her own healing... and as you pointed out it's alot more than just the magic, though it is the magic that has been dragging her down so low mentally/physically... she has alot of root problems that hopefully now she will feel strong enough with Tara to continue facing and conquering



Spazz07: mmm I'm sure Mr. Wheldon has a good reason for not signing us, probably saving himself the headaches the three of us would have fighting about plotlines and character motivations... now now this is us, would we ever make anything as easy as just locking a door? especially since real life doesn't work like that... though it is a big first step and she's taken it bravely



Mollyig: thank you... we've tried really hard to have the innocence of that Willow fundamentaly but with the peripheral knowledge of all that the older her has done... so glad it worked



tiredsoul: every line? oh come on we have a few ones that fall short but thank you, we are trying to instill a new defination of bravery as it's not just about fighting something physically



Loco2: to Younger Willow the magic was a beginning, something of wonder for her... but I think it will be easy for her to realize how learning magic again would possibly lead to the same place... and I love the word, made up words are great and work so much better than the real ones sometimes... and as for your question, she is... but where when and what happens you'll have to wait and see



Centauri2002: well Tara will be returning to a Willow but its not time to go home quite yet... and yes the key still has to be dealt with as she can't just leave it lying around... and don't worry we'll have plenty for Willow to do in the future eps



Grimaldi: whew it was an update of clearing up problems wasn't it... hopefully the next few will finish up all the questions as the wish ends (nice avatar )



Puff: I think that Willow is definately on the road to recovery... of course to what extent and how the ramifications of the wish will effect her you'll have to wait and see



Jenn: tardiness will be tolerated after all how can I chastize anyone when I was late with yesterday's update? ... yes Buffy does have that oblivious intensity sometimes and it is something I enjoy watching in her as well... as you said I think Tara having to face the ceiling high Willow was worse than DMW, as she doesn't understand the Willow on the ceiling and the sight of that brings her such pain... but as to how we get her innocence back... mmmm you'll have to wait and see....



thanks to everyone for reading... I'm hoping to finish up the scene I'm editing and give you all a nice chunky sized update... though it might be a bit cliffhangery...



oh and for all the Circle readers out there... Beth and I were working on the next chapter in that epic last night... so looks like my prediction of new story by month end is rolling along to come true...



mmmm okay so I need sugar this morning... what's left on the cookie cart?

k

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[KathleenWolf]

I'm doing better than I thought this morning... have scene edited for you... (one more after this... oh no wait two more... ) ...



CLIFFHANGER WARNING... well small one, cause you have to wait to the next scene to know what's really happened good bad or indifferent



yes we're evil! hope you enjoy!



******



With the sun dipping below the horizon earlier and earlier, Buffy had almost expected the vampire that crossed into their path after they had delivered the four dozen roses to Clem and his charge. Though with the days adrenaline running high in her veins it hadn’t taken her long to track the newly risen vamp down.



“I think we need to get back. Sorry for the slight diversion to stake that vamp.” Buffy looked Madalene as the dust settled.



“It’s okay, things have to be done. The rest of the world never seems to get the point that you need it to stop for awhile.” The Spellcaster shook off the worry.



“Are you getting the ‘I’m avoiding going back till the last minute’ vibe from me?” Buffy quizzed realising that her motives might be obvious.



“I am but I don’t think I’m totally against that.” Madalene smiled softly at her. “Standing around waiting isn’t something I think you enjoy.”



“I’m more of an action girl.” Buffy admitted as they began their walk back to the shop.



“Oh now don’t you try to fool me, that brain of yours spins just as fast as mine.” Madalene pointed out as they turned the corner of one building. She avoided looking at the Slayer as she commented as she didn’t need confirmation.



“Yeah though mine often ends up in the wrong place.” Buffy thought back to the start of their walk.



“Do you sometimes wonder if it would be easier to just keep thinking and not pull yourself back?” Madalene’s voice dropped a notch.



“What do you mean?” Buffy questioned immediately.



“Just crazy talk.” She shook her head as she reached into her bag she pulled out a wooden clip and tied her hair up into a light bun that bounced a little around her neck.



“Should we bring anything back with us?” She tried to gently guide them to a more neutral topic.



“Please.” Buffy stopped and hoped Madalene would do the same. “Explain what you said.”



“You...” Madalene shuffled to a stop and cleared her throat. “You get some worry or anxiety rolling around in your brain like a snowball and it grows then splits as you realized how it would effect other things and then you start getting lost as to what the first thought was, about where you fit in at all, about where you belong.”



“We’re talking about you aren’t we?” Buffy said softly as she made an attempt to catch the Spellcaster’s eyes.



“Yes.” Madalene smiled a little uncomfortable at her own words. “Really so coffee or donuts? The Scoobies have a love for donuts don’t they.” She put her arms around her body and walked slightly ahead of the Slayer.



“Mads?” Buffy called she’d kept standing still as the other woman moved away. The Spellcaster turned back slowly somehow knowing Buffy wasn’t going to let the words slip away. “The way I see it.” Buffy looked at the other woman’s face. “You’re needed here.” The Slayer summed up simply. “Tara is going to need you as she recovers more, Giles is loving having someone on his level to bounce ideas off and I...” Buffy stopped short of finishing.



Madalene waited silent as Buffy seemed to give up on what she was going to say and decided on something else.



“Everyone needs friends Madalene. We’re you’re friends.” Buffy added softly.



“Thank you.” The Spellcaster nodded with a small smile of acceptance.



“I think donuts would be a good choice!” The Slayer began walking.



“What is everyone’s favourite?” Madalene mused as she stepped quickly to catch up with the blonde and looped her arms into Buffy’s. “I’ve figured out Mr. Giles likes the lemon filled and Dawn likes the double chocolate sugar mountain ones.”



“I’m a jelly girl.” Buffy grinned.



“Let me guess...” Madalene grinned back. “Blueberry?”



“Anything sweet and sticky.” Buffy admitted.



******



Tara looked down at the small hand in her own and then up to the green eyes that blinked waiting for her to say something.



“Are you ready?” She asked carefully.



“I think so, as ready as I’m going to be. I mean ready in a I have no idea sorta way because I’ve never done this before.” Willow babbled even as she tried to hide her nervousness.



“That’s ok, me either.” Tara smiled reassuring her.



“Which other me do we have to find?” The young Willow questioned a little startled as the world shook around them.



“I’m hoping that ‘you’ are going to know the answer to that question.” Tara admitted as the scene spun away before it shuddered back to solid.



The walls and floor were once again covered in white tiles, though the upper portion was painted in a soothing contrasting clay colour giving the area an all around softer tone with the addition of dimmed lighting and a potted plant that peaked around the corner of the hall.



She was carefully tucked in the corner with the teenager still protectively beside her as first her Willow and the Slayer seemed suspended for a moment watching something retreat down the hallway behind them.



“Will, you just have to rest. Okay?” Buffy’s voice was soft and concerned. “Right now there’s nothing you can do.”



“Yes, there is.” Willow’s voice held a tone that Tara couldn’t recognise, it was hard and angry as well as deeply upset. Abruptly she turned to walk away.



“No. No way.” The Slayer said sternly as she chased after her best friend and pulled her to a stop. “You cannot even think about taking on Glory.”



“You saw what she did to Tara. I can’t let her get away with it.” Willow stared hard at the Slayer.



“No. You have to let her get away with it, even I’m no match for her you know that.” Buffy stressed though it was obvious she hated having to admit her weakness.



“But maybe I am.” Once again the pure hatred in Willow’s voice made it almost unrecognisable. The redhead moved to go but Buffy caught hold of her arm and forced her to stop.



“You’re not and I won’t let you go.” The Slayer underlined.



“This is not your choice. It’s mine.” Willow pointed out clearly.



“This is not the time.” Buffy tried another argument.



“When, Buffy? When is? When *you* feel like it? When it’s someone *you* love as much as I love Tara? When it’s Dawn, is that it?” Willow’s accusations seemed endless and Tara found the tirade from her lover hard to listen to.



“When we have a chance. We’ll fight her, when we have a chance. You wouldn’t last five minutes with her, Willow.” The Slayer pointed out clearly the fact she thought her best friend was missing. “She’s a God.”



“Fine. I’ll wait.” The redhead said shaking her head.



“It’s the only way.” Buffy rewarded her friend with a sad smile.



“Yeah.” Willow started to walk away again.



“Can I do anything?” Buffy called after her.



“Just let me be alone.” Willow’s words echoed as the scene shifted again without its usual twisting and turning to merge into the Magic Box.



Tara found herself over near the stacks of books when the door burst open. Willow, obviously fuelled by the same anguish she’d shown at the hospital, ran in and across to the iron stairs that led up to the dangerous books section.



The younger Willow had held tight to Tara’s hand just letting the scene and the world turn around them without them being a part of anything within it. She just let the blonde watch the events that she herself had been so removed from due to the condition Glory had inflicted upon her. Of course even if she did have her memories, Tara would not have known exactly what had been said and done during this time and it was only as the enraged Willow’s feet landed on the stairs that teenage Willow spoke to help her understand.



“This is when she puts me away, this is when she pushed me into the library and told me to stay there.” She whispered her voice shaking.



“This is when she made her choice so this is where we intervene.” Tara said feeling a sense of strength as she squeezed Willow’s hand and then stepped out from the bookcase that hid them from the other Willow’s view. “Willow.” She called to the angry redhead at the top of the shop.



“I know what you’re going to say but I don’t have time for this right now. I have to make her pay.” Willow turned around to the blonde though she still kneeled on the floor of the upper loft.



“How can you know what I’m going to say? I’m not supposed to be here am I.” Tara questioned as she walked across the shop to the lower step.



“Just because you’re always with me. I know you think I should wait but I can’t, she hurt you, she needs to pay.” Willow shook her head and reached back towards the books.



“How does darkening your soul and letting yourself be lost to me make her pay?” Tara contradicted with a soft strength.



“She caused you pain, she’s owed it back.” Willow seethed. “No one hurts you, no one hurts you while I still breath.”



“So you sacrifice yourself for me?” Tara frowned as she witnessed the very moment all of this had begun, seeing it with a hard clarity.



“You want me to sit back and let her do nothing?” Willow snapped. “Do nothing to make her know she can’t hurt you, can’t hurt my girl?”



“No, but when you save me, which I know you will, I want my Willow not some other Willow who has lost part of herself to anger and hatred.” Tara tried to reason with her girlfriend.



“You don’t understand.” Willow shook her head. “Baby I have to do this.”



“No, no you don’t.” Tara shook her head. “Buffy promised you, that she would make Glory pay.” She eased herself up the stairs.



“Buffy can’t do anything, every time she meets Glory she gets pounded.” Willow turned around and looked down the decreasing incline at the blonde.



“But together you will find a way to beat her.” Tara met Willow’s resistance. “You’re a team, you, Buffy, Xander, Anya, Giles…” She listed the Scoobies off. “Me and Dawnie. We’re a team.” She stressed the fact.



“But I hurt her, I hurt her and Buffy knows that she has to trust me. She knows she has to trust how much I love you and what I’m willing to fight for that love.” Willow seemed to slip out of the moment.



“There are more ways than one of fighting Willow.” Tara’s voice went even softer.



“How? How do I fight this? I don’t even know what I’m fighting anymore.” Willow shook her head sadly and swinging her legs around she sat on the top step.



“That’s because you’re fighting yourself.” Tara soothed as she stayed firmly standing on the third stair so that they were basically eye to eye. “But you can’t win when you’re fragmented.” She shook her head. “I’ve been around in your head for a while now Will, I’m getting an idea of where you are. You have been through so much. So much that has scarred you so badly in such short time.” She whispered only then moving closer, her route up the remaining stairs was painfully slow as she almost expected Willow to retreat from her.



“You’re angry, you’re bitter, you’re in pain but you’re also lost, scared and so needy. Above all that you believe you deserve it all.” Tara reached her hand softly towards Willow as she got to the top step and turned to sit down on it beside her. “You believe that everything bad that has happened and everything that you feel as a result of that is your fault.” She continued and put her hand down next to Willow’s not touching the redhead’s thin pale one but close enough to do so if either wanted it. “And the confusion you feel, the ‘lost’ feeling is because that there are so many ‘Willow’s here, all fragmented, all with their own pain and issues and that’s the problem.” She assessed trying to bring perspective. “Divided no army can stand against anything, united, it stands a chance.”



“Baby, I’m tired.” Willow leaned a bit sideways, her body seeming to go frail as she put her weight against Tara’s shoulder.



“I bet you are baby, I know I would be.” Gracefully Tara cradled her arm around to offer more support to the tired redhead. “You have battles to fight Willow, I can’t take them away or make them better but I can fight with you. Fight them with a whole you, one not affected by the fragmentation in your mind or the fragmentation caused by the magic but I need you to fight too.” She whispered placing a kiss on red hair.



“I don’t know if I can fight anymore.” Willow whispered leaning even heavier against Tara.



“When you’re not fighting yourself you might be surprised how stronger you feel.” Tara encouraged.



From the shadow of the bookcase the younger Willow tentatively stepped out. Looking up and studying them, appraising the easy comfort Tara could offer her older counterpart with just the smallest gesture. The small noise of the squeaky sneaker on the highly polished wood floor caught Tara’s ears.



“No, no she can’t be here.” Willow pushed back towards the bookcase when she realised just which one of her was there with them. She recoiled as if petrified of the younger her.



“Easy, easy.” Tara let Willow move away. “Why don’t you want her here baby?” She questioned softly.



“If I’m her then I’m helpless, I’m a loser and I can’t do anything.” Willow shook her head putting her arms up around her face to hide herself.



“Is that really what you think?” Tara asked as she shifted a little and reached out an arm beckoning slightly to the younger Willow. Bright red sneakers slowly shuffled forward to cross the rest of the shop and stand at the bottom of the stairs.



“She’s not a part of any of this, she’s the past... she hasn’t done anything wrong.” Willow pushed her legs up tight to her body.



“She’s you Willow, she’s a part of you.” Tara stressed in a calm gentle voice.



“She’s just a girl, she has no power.” Willow shook her head over and over.



“She’s here, doesn’t that suggest she has more power, more inner strength, more bravery than you think?” Tara reached out for the teenager wiggling her fingers for the teenager’s hand. The younger Willow slowly climbed the stairs to put her hand in Tara’s.



“She needs to be safe, she can’t be touched by this.” Willow whispered the secret she’d been hiding.



“Why is that Willow?” Tara pushed slightly knowing that admittance from Willow would help in the long run.



“She doesn’t know what it’s like to loose her heart.” Willow’s body started to shake. “She doesn’t know what it’s like to loose you.”



“You pushed her out didn’t you?” Tara spoke the question with obvious confidence that she knew the answer. “When you came to do this, you knew that this was wrong and you wanted to protect her.”



“I had too.” Willow’s voice was barely audible.



“But you need her Willow.” Tara stressed. “And she needs you.”



“All of this stuff scares me.” The younger Willow whispered moving closer to them.



“You’re allowed to be scared.” Tara whispered squeezing the hand in her own. She was about to say more when she felt an odd tugging inside as if she was being pulled and realising what the feeling meant her blue eyes widened in alarm.



“That’s why we have to keep you safe.” Willow’s body uncurled a bit tears silently rolling down her cheeks as for the first time she directly addressed her other self.



“Right.” Tara agreed pulling the teenager closer and the young woman eased down to sit on the step with her. “She needs you Willow.” She looked at the curled up read head as she threaded her fingers through the younger Willow’s long red hair. “You need her.”



“If she’s with me she’s not safe.” Willow objected shaking her head adamantly.



“She is.” Tara whispered the fact she believed in. “I trust you.”



“I’m not safe without you, I can’t fight these things.” The younger Willow admitted in a tiny voice as green eyes fixed on one another.



Tara gave the teenager a smile impressed at her bravery even though her insides lurched again and she felt a tingling beginning in her arms and legs.



“I’m sorry.” Willow suddenly moved out of her position and grabbed at herself hugging the young girl to her. “I never meant to cause so much pain.”



Tara barely had a moment to take in the change as a bright blinding light consumed the world within the shop, though in another instant she was stood in the library before the book filled cage.



She stood there helpless to move as a fast tight wind passed around her in forced torrents bring with it lines of what she guessed were the white and black magic that was seeping out of Willow. The lines began to weave in with one another in the air, turning and whirling in patterns all around her before bolts of the mixture broke off and slipped between the bars of the cage.



One by one the books they had placed their levitated up to meet the magic and before Tara’s stunned eyes the writing spilled back onto the blank pages as by magic the sheaths of paper turned to be filled with the lines they had held since there creation.



Even as the tingling in Tara’s body rose to become a firm numbness, she remained there to watch as the last book rose to be filled before it dropped back to its place among the others out of reach.



As soon as the tome settled the wind around her died down and a void of heaviness began to press in at the blonde’s body from all sides.



“Time’s done, she should come back now.” Anya’s voice whispered though the void reaching her nearly deaf ears as her numb body began to tumble again through the dark.



To Tara it felt as if she were falling from some lofty position in the heavens like a dying star, falling down to the earth faster than even she believed possible as her skin began to warm with the friction.



When she finally came back to hit the ground her landing was a hard sudden jolt that caused her blue eyes to flash open as she hurriedly drew a lung full of air. Her body expected pain from the landing but as the waves of agony didn’t arrive she was able to slowly let the breath out again.



“Tara.” Dawn was instantly there at the blonde’s side checking on her.



“Dawnie?” Tara said the girl’s name out of impulse without really registering that this meant that she was back that her wish was over. The parts of her mind and body were trying to catch up and reconnect with one another after the long journey back.



“Sshhh, try to stay calm.” Dawn moved to help her sit up, worried by the fast hard way that Tara was breathing.



“Willow? Is Willow....” The blonde demanded but her voice was taken away by her erratic breathing as her head began swimming a little.



“Willow’s fine.” Buffy’s voice came in immediately to soothe her somewhere off to the other side. The Slayer was down beside the redhead who was waking up much more slowly.



“Buffy?” Tara immediately recognised the Slayer’s voice.



“Yeah.” Buffy reached around and squeezed the Wiccan’s hand. “Just take it slow.”



“I’m sorry.” Tara felt hot tears stinging in her eyes as she squeezed the Slayer’s strong hand tightly. “I should have told you a-a-about the dream.”



“I shouldn’t have been a bitch about it.” Buffy shook her head but she knew that cloudy blue eyes barely registered the move.



“She’s you’re best friend Buffy, I understand.” Tara felt her breathing even a little.



“Did it work?” Xander bounced a few feet away anxious and unable to take the suspense anymore.



“I don’t know.” Tara admitted she turned to look still disoriented at the young man. “I’m sorry Xander I wish I could say yes, but I don’t know.”



******

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[mollyig]

Buffy and Mads growing ever more at ease with each other, feeling able to confide in the other. Interesting. Dawn's earlier observation that they were alike is proving more and more astute.



I think the younger Willow picked the perfect place for the fusion to occur. That was such a pivotal moment. Wonderful how Tara knows what to say to calm Willow. Then Willow's objection to the presence of her younger self. She wanted to protect her, so locked her away - she probably also knew that she wouldn't be able to utilise the dark magics with that wholesome innocence.



The scene Tara witnessed in the library, where the previously blank books started filling again with spells. I'm taking that as a good sign!



Yet another execllent chapter - thanks!

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[spazz07]

oh so excellent Very touching scene played out between younger Willow and a Willow about to take vengence on Glory. At least now Willow has her spark back, lets just hope it doesn't become a wildfire.



Cheers

Nath

Isn't it funny how you feel your most tired five minutes before you have to get up.

[Centauri2002]

Okay, that's just plain mean! You can't leave it there... come on... update... now? *slumps shoulders* Fine, I'll wait.



I loved the interaction between Tara, Willow, and younger Willow... the vulnerablity was tangeable and I loved this line from Willow:



“No one hurts you, no one hurts you while I still breath.”



Caz

Tara: I got so lost
Willow: I found you... I will always find you

[Urn of Osiris]

That was brilliant. So much so that I don't even mind the cliffhanger.



This is the most amazing adventure through the sorrow that has been Willow's past. Thanks for the ride. I am loving every minute of it. It is such a pleasure to read every update.



I have a Fork, knife and spoon. Dish it out cause I'm hungry for more.





__________________________**

WILLOW: That's a work ethic! Buffy, you're developing a work ethic.

BUFFY: Oh, no. Do they make an ointment for that?

[Loco2]

excellent - she connected the two willows again, and returned the black magic to the books... that's got to be a good thing, right? ah, well....



oooh - a circle update? ... if only i could remember what has already happened....



and, if i'm not mistaken, there was more lesbianicness between buffy and mads, was there not?



thanks



steph

"I'm not gay - I'm just Trevor's bitch." - some drunken guy about his sexuality
"Oh, bugger off, you BROLLY!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[WiccansIllusion]

ack big cliffhanger...

Tara nodded in agreement "She has magic fingers." Then, as though the words had just echoed back to her and sounded not at all right, she perked up and glanced around at the others. "On the keyboard."

TheWisdom of War, Chris Golden

'My heart is cleverer then I and it knows what to do.'-MC Legends of the Kiss

[WebWarlock]

Excellent update.



Simply excelent. Yes that was the place where Willow lost her innocence. Also the first time we ever saw her with the black eyes.



You have Willow to a T really. All of her.



I hope everything is going to be fine. Or at least better.



Now we just need to figure out how to get Tara her memory back.



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side, home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

"Na dean fochmoid fainn!"

[Grimaldi]

great update i liked the conversation between Buffy/Mads. glad that Buffy told Mads that she was needed and has friends. the converation between Tara, younger and older Willow was very moving and good.

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

Fucking Windows 98, get Bill Gates in here!

Little pussy gnome, don't call me a pussy. Pussy gnome.

[Sassette]

Haven't posted in this thread in awhile (actually, never in THIS thread, but you know what I mean), but I've been reading.



This story is absolutely wonderful - I love what you've done with the Scooby Interrelations, I'm liking the introduction of Mads more and more (and, frankly, I liked it to begin with, so that's saying something ), and I adore the Buffy/Tara stuff.



The tension caused by their differing ideas about what's best for Willow and their opposing "claims" on her (Buffy has best friend rights and has taken care of her all summer, and Tara, of course, has "love of my life" rights, but hasn't been around) was so wonderful and so true to these characters.



Glad to see it resolved, though *G*



I'm looking forward to all future installments - this is SO my Season 7.



-Sass

______________________________________

I Think The Hellmouth Tastes Like Chicken -- Autumn

[little wicca dude]

hey guys



very cool updates, i love how u have linked in all the past events to explain stuff now in willows head,



update soon please, need to know what happens when willow wakes up



luv jill xx

"did i just say that? did i just say that too?"

My Scooby Page

[Loco2]

so...um... i don't suppose there's a... er... update, yet?





no?





bollocks.

"I'm not gay - I'm just Trevor's bitch." - some drunken guy about his sexuality
"Oh, bugger off, you BROLLY!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[MissQuirky]

U were right, Big Cliffhanger!! Taras out now, Willow's ok, RIGHT!?! Hope theres more soon!!

"Don't warn the tadpoles!...
I-I have frog fear."

[funkyasian]

hello cliffhanger...but can't wait for the next update...



steph

Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul. ~ Oscar Wilde

[LeatherQueen]

Oh wow... Lovely parts! Poor Tara... she has to wait to see what has become of her wish.

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


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[MadeinNZ]

Fantastic as usual. I loved how you pinpointed Tough Love as the pivitol moment. This line made me go "Ah ha"

Quote:

---

This is when she puts me away, this is when she pushed me into the library and told me to stay there.

---

Hope you develop the Buffy/Mads interation in the next story. It just keeps getting better.

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


Buffy: I'd like to find Willow and Xander
Joyce: Will you be slaying?
Buffy: Only if they give me lip

[The Rose24]

Brilliant taking Willow back to the moment where she first uses black magick for vengeance. I can't wait until the next update.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

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

[Jennpurr]

Awwww... excellent update, ladies. Thank you.



I so hope it worked. We need our Willow back. I loved how Tara was able to just talk calmly to Willow to make her see that she needed the other half of herself. How can she resist Tara anything?? I know I couldn't.



I'm really looking forward to the next update. I would still love to see Buffy and Tara have a longer talk about what happened and I just loved the Buffy/Mads interaction in the last update. They are so sweet together.



Thanks ladies,

Jen

* * * * * *
Quotes from Melissa Etheridge on 8/10/02, in The Woodlands, TX

"I've been to every, one of Melissa Etheridge's concerts! ... No, really, I have!"
"THAT, is a bat! ... Hey, does it have a ticket? ... It doesn't have a ticket!"

[Forbidden Magician]

My mind is screaming: It has to work!!!! It just has to!!!

But why do I have this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach?

Well, what can I say....Awesome update..I've especially luved all the parts dealing with Tara in Willow's mind..Genius I tell ya!

Never play leapfrog with a unicorn!

[VampNo12]

Wonderful updates guys! Again I am enjoying the Mads/Buffy interaction, and they do seem to be leaning on each for support. Really they seem to be opening up to each other (sharing feelings that they keep bottled-up with other members of the gang), and Buffy saying ("Everyone needs friends Madalene. We're your friends.") sums up nicely how far they have come (ie Mads has found a place in the Scooby gang/"family").



I loved the scene with YW, Willow, and Tara. The interaction between the three was quite poignant, and I thought it was very important for Willow to admit ("She needs to be safe, she can't be touched by this.", in reference to pushing YW into the library). Really loved how even though there was some trepidation of YW's part she was "brave" enough to come out of hiding, and it was a beautiful/poignant moment when Willow embraced her younger self saying "I never meant to cause so much pain". Now with Willow embracing that "innocence" rather seeing that part as "weak", I can't wait to see the effects the wish has on Willow (and how this new knowledge about herself helps her cope/deal with her "issues" in order to truly heal).

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 8/17/02 2:09:33 am

[Scout]

“This is when she puts me away, this is when she pushed me into the library and told me to stay there.” and then “She needs to be safe, she can’t be touched by this.”



At first I thought the older Willow locked her in the library because the younger Willow would hold her back, but it’s great to also think that she did it because she wanted to protect the younger Willow. Willow has so much hatred at times for her younger self that the idea that she wanted to keep her safe, and untouched, was a nice revelation.



And I agree with Sass, this is my S7. You guys rock!

[KathleenWolf]

mollyig: oh yes however they play out Mads and Buffy have alot of similar insights and emotions to share and help each other deal with... and yes it would be hard to do the things Willow had done with her magicks if she was still actively holding onto that awe and innocence... as for the books it's a sign... as for what have to wait and see



Spazz07: would we make a spark turn into a wildfire? no really you'll find out very soon



Centauri2002: sorry for making you wait... update very soon sometime this morning... it was a very powerful line from a character we feel usually lets everyone else take the role of 'avenger/fighter' but it was a distinct change that had occured in Willow that we think needed addressing



Urn of Osiris: thank you (especially for the leeway on the cliffhanger)... tuck in your napkin cause the ending scenes are coming up soon



Loco2: well you'll have to see for sure but I think things are looking good... ... oh yeah we had to figure out what was going on too in Circle, so much history... and oh yes much more with the lesbianiacness ... soon update soon... have a cookie to take your mind off it



WiccansIllusion: yes... but the drop will be over soon



WebWarlock: it was indeed the black eyed moment... and we wanted to capture just the right time for when she would have mentally put herself on the path she was on... oh Tara's memory that will be a much harder endeavor



Grimaldi: Yes, Mads very much needs reassurance despite being a self-sufficent strong person... glad you enjoyed the multi Willow and Tara scene, we wanted to make sure it wasn't confusing



Sassette: no worries we don't take attendance ... so glad you're growing to like Mads even more, it is so hard when introducing a new character as to whether they will fit and find a place or be a sore addition... we were so glad to see the rifts resolved too though as you said they seemed so in character to us, everyone running around the same circle but at different speeds... why thank you, we're glad we could make a s7 that so many are enjoying



Litta Wicca Dude: hopefully all the past floating around in her head wasn't too confusing, but it was incredibly necessary... oh and no worries Willow will be waking up soon



MissQuirky: yes chiffhanger but it will all be answered soon



Funkyasian: make sure you're gear is tight... we'll all reach the bottom soon though



LeatherQueen: mmm yes as for the what the wish has actually done... we'll see very soon



MadeinNZ: that was one of our big brainstorms we were very proud of... after all when you go up to face a God can you really have doubt naggin in your head that your not good enough? or be worried about keeping yourself safe? glad you enjoyed... and yes there will be more Mads and Buffy next ep



TheRose24: so glad you liked... the update will be soon



Jen: thank you ... we can't resist Tara anything either which is why we're getting Willow back on the road to recovery before she shows up and kicks our butt there will definately be a Buffy/Tara talk in the future (maybe not this ep)... and more Buffy and Mads to come



Forbidden Magician: that strange feeling is RainbowWriteritis... the sinking feeling as you know that the RW's could at any time throw you a curve... but the answer will be in the next update... so glad you enjoyed the wish world... we had great fun writing it



VampNo12: We're quite enjoying the dynamic of communication that Buffy and Mads enjoy as well, as you said they can say things to each other without worrying the rest of the gang... something I think Buffy especially needs... as for how the wish effects Willow's mindset that will come out slowly over the next few eps especially how she deals with moments of crisis etc... we thought it was incredibly important to show that though Willow does see her younger self as a liability she has never thought she deserved to be punished for it... hopefully you'll enjoy the ending



Scout: first off thank you, we are so amazed that our little series that has gotten such an amazing reception... and though I think Willow's mind at the time was muddled, I think mostly she wanted to protect herself from what she was doing, she had been given enough serious warnings about the dark magicks to know what she was doing was dangerous primarily to herself



okay well just to finish the editing on the final scenes and then to post the end of Alienation... thanks to everyone for contining along with us...



kath

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[Jennpurr]

Quote:

---

Jen: thank you ... we can't resist Tara anything either which is why we're getting Willow back on the road to recovery before she shows up and kicks our butt there will definately be a Buffy/Tara talk in the future (maybe not this ep)... and more Buffy and Mads to come

---

You are very welcome, Kath.



Ooooh, was that a hint in there?? Please let me have read that right?? I really hope so.



Good. Much goodness to the talking. Can't wait to see how the conversation goes. I was glad that Buffy at least owned up to the fact that she was being rude, for a nicer word. I'll be nice.



Hee... and YAY to more Mads and Buffy interaction. Thank you, much, ladies.



Jen

* * * * * *
Quotes from Melissa Etheridge on 8/10/02, in The Woodlands, TX

"I've been to every, one of Melissa Etheridge's concerts! ... No, really, I have!"
"THAT, is a bat! ... Hey, does it have a ticket? ... It doesn't have a ticket!"