I'm so behind on replies... I promise I'll do it next time. I'm a bit slow on my updates as well... my life always seems to get in the way of my writing.
I'm not too sure about this part... I'm trying to tread carefully between going into the darker side of emotion and making the characters react to lightly.
Well, without further ado, on with the next part.
Part 8b
The following night, Buffy and Tara patrolled together; the Slayer having figured out having a witch around would be advantageous to her. They walked silently between the gravestones, wary of their surroundings. Buffy glanced sideways at the blonde Wiccan, seeing the forlorn expression on her face as she gazed down at her feet. The Slayer wanted to ask Tara what she was thinking and perhaps comfort her but she didn’t want to intrude on her thoughts. The blonde witch had been non conversational since her confrontation with Willow the previous night and hadn’t wanted to talk about it. She had merely thanked Buffy’s mother in the morning and left to meet Giles for breakfast. It hand been a task to persuade her mother that Tara should stay for the night and she’d only given in when Buffy mentioned Tara being Giles’ niece. Buffy hoped her mother didn’t call the Englishman, as he wasn’t yet aware he had a niece in Sunnydale.
“Are you okay?” Buffy asked, not being able to take seeing the blonde witch’s expression anymore.
Tara’s head snapped up at the question. “Y-Yes, I’m f-fine.”
The Slayer gave her a doubtful look. “Why is it I don’t believe you?”
A flicker of a smile passed over Tara’s lips but the frown soon took hold again. “It’s… It’s j-just a lot to deal with.” She finally said, being purposely vague.
“Do you wanna talk about it?” Buffy tentatively asked.
Tara shook her head. “I think maybe I should but I… I don’t think I c-can hear myself say the w-words.”
The Slayer nodded her head understandingly. A rustling of bushes caught her attention and she spun around to see Cerberus towering above them. It disturbed her how close he could get without her noticing. Tara turned at the same time, a small gasp escaping her throat as she did so. The three-headed hellhound merely stared down at them, not saying a thing.
“I thought you had backed out of the deal.” Buffy stated, eyeing the demon suspiciously.
He ignored her statement and focused three sets of eyes on the blonde Wiccan. “There is a problem.”
“W-What is it?” A feeling of dread crept up her spine.
“For your plan to work I will require more energy than we have. If I were to travel alone then there would be no problem.” He explained.
“So… I’ll volunteer to lend you some of mine. A Slayer’s energy has got to be worth something right?” Buffy placed one hand on her hip, not seeing the problem.
Cerberus shook his three heads. “Not good enough. I would require the energy of the redhead to complete the spell but she is no longer on this plane of existence so the deal cannot be followed through.”
“N-No, wait. There m-may still be a way.” A dull ache appeared in Tara’s chest at the mention of her turned lover.
“Continue.” Cerberus said.
Tara took a deep breath. “Willow isn’t gone, she’s a vampire now.” She cringed at her own words.
The demon seemed to be amused by this latest bit of information and it made Tara’s skin crawl. “A vampire. Interesting. I can still use her mystical energies.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “Make sure she is in this cemetery at midnight tomorrow.” He ordered before bounding away.
Buffy and Tara stared after him. “Oh well that’s simple enough.” Buffy muttered.
“We have to find her.” Tara’s voice was almost panicked.
Buffy turned to her and laid a hand on the witch’s shoulder. “We will.” Just don’t know how yet, she added internally.
Tara looked down at her feet, deep in thought. She had no idea where the vampire would be and even if she did, she didn’t know how she was going to get her to cooperate.
“We’ll search the usual haunts. We’ll look during the day too. It may be easier to track her down when she can’t roam around Sunnydale.” Buffy offered, knowing the Wiccan needed reassuring. “Might be harder to keep her where we want her though.” The Slayer sighed.
“I may have an idea for that part.” Tara looked up into hazel eyes.
“Oh? What?” Asked the Slayer.
“She seems drawn to me. I’ll just give her what she wants, keep her distracted.”
Buffy shook her head adamantly. “No way. That’s far too dangerous.”
“I don’t think she’ll hurt me.” Tara assured her.
Buffy turned away and paced over to a grave before facing the blonde witch again. “Yeah right, coz vampires never hurt people.”
Tara’s eyes pleaded with Buffy’s. “Please, it’s the only way I can think of. It’s the best anyway and I know you’ll be there to help me if I need it.”
Buffy shook her head, not wanting to argue. “We’ll talk it over with Giles.”
*
The next day, Tara sat uncomfortably on the sofa in the Rosenburg house, keeping her gaze in her lap. Though she had never been inside it in her time, this place still reminded her of Willow. The evening was drawing in and darkness was falling on Sunnydale. She had described her plan to Giles who had argued at first but seeing her determination knew there was nothing he could do to dissuade her. The Scooby Gang had spent all of their Saturday searching the dank sewers and usual hang outs for vampires but had come up empty handed. They had reduced the town’s population of demons though. Tara sighed. How was she supposed to make her plan work if they couldn’t even find Willow? She was beginning to think fate was stacking the odds up against her.
“We didn’t find her.” The familiar voice made her flinch and Tara looked up to see the younger form of her lover standing in the doorway, an awkward smile on her face.
Tara just frowned and dropped her gaze again, not having the energy to face the teenager now. She heard the redhead move and slip onto the sofa beside her. They sat in silence for a while, neither of them knowing what to say.
Eventually, Willow spoke up. “H-How are you feeling?”
Tara felt her shift uncomfortably beside her and she looked up into green eyes. “I’m trying n-not to think about it.” She offered Willow a weak smile.
“I’m sorry.” The redhead blurted out. “For w-what happened to her.”
“So am I.” Tara could see the genuine sympathy in those emerald eyes and knew she must be going through a lot as well, seeing her older self die. “Are you okay?”
Willow seemed surprised at being asked by the blonde. “I guess… though, it’s all so weird, what with the other me and finding out I’m a bad ass witch and that I’m not with Oz anymore and that I’m gay. Not that there’s anything wrong with that or… or you because you’re really nice and if I am gay then, hey, I would pick you as my girlfriend but…” She lowered her gaze as she blushed furiously.
Tara smiled fondly at the redhead’s babble. “Some things never change.” She muttered softly.
Willow looked up curiously despite her embarrassment. “H-How did you meet? If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”
Tara shook her head. “Willow, uh, you came to my rescue after some psycho killer came after me. My knight in shining armour.” A tear slid down Tara’s cheek at the memory.
Willow seemed disturbed at seeing the blonde in distress. She reached up to wipe the tear away, the action seeming the most natural in the world. She withdrew her hand before she could make contact though, and folded it into her lap. “I… I saved you?”
“Yes, you scared the killer away.” She explained, trying to concentrate on something other than the similarities between this Willow and her Willow.
The petite redhead sat silently, deep in thought. It was all so strange for her, knowing she would date girls and that she would become a powerful witch. At first, it had freaked her out but now it seemed natural, like a big adventure she couldn’t wait to experience. However, it was still frightening for her. She looked deep into sad blue eyes.
“You care a lot about her?” She asked.
Tara nodded, trying to hold back the tears but not quite succeeding. “I love her.”
“I’m sorry, I should just shut up, this has got to be awful for you.” Willow watched as Tara bowed her head and covered her face with her hands as she wept. Guilt washed over her and she instinctively leant forward to embrace the blonde. Tara stiffened at the contact but didn’t shy away. She seemed grateful for the support.
Willow was surprised at how right this felt, how the softness of the blonde’s hair against her cheek felt, and the curves under her arms. A strange sensation of peace washed over her and she wondered what it would be like to be with a woman. She immediately shook the thought from her mind. She was with Oz and she loved him, she knew that.
Tara pulled back, not wanting to give herself over to the comfort. That would be a huge mistake on her part. “Th-Thank you.” She muttered. She stood and walked to the doorway. “I n-need some air.” She explained as she made her way to the front door and stepped outside.
The evening air was chilly and the sun had already sunk below the horizon, casting shadows across Sunnydale. She knew Buffy and the others were just inside the house but she couldn’t help feeling a little scared and vulnerable out here. She walked slowly down the path, gazing both ways down the street. She wondered where vampire Willow was right now and what she was doing.
As if in answer to her thoughts, she heard a familiar voice from behind her. “Well, look who’s come out to play.” Tara turned to see the object of her thoughts propped up against a tree, a seductive smile tugging at her lips. “You should be careful, all sort of creeps roam the streets at night.”
Tara had to stop herself from backing away in fear. She clenched her teeth in determination. “R-Really?”
Willow nodded, pushing herself away from the trunk. “Yeah, an attractive woman such as yourself makes a popular target.” She continued, stepping towards the blonde.
The Wiccan’s pulse quickened and she felt the adrenaline course through her body. “And w-why do you care?” She challenged.
Willow let out a small chuckle, finally coming to a stop a few inches from Tara. If she had breath, the blonde would have felt it on her cheek. “Because, my dear, I wouldn’t get the chance to play with you if everyone used you as a chew toy.” Her eyes narrowed and the green orbs hardened. “Besides, if anyone is going to kill you, the pleasure will be all mine.”
Tara swallowed hard. She was starting to doubt her own statement about Willow not harming her. She glanced at the Rosenburg house and saw the younger form of Willow staring in horror at them. She felt slightly relieved in the knowledge that the Slayer would know of the turn of events. The redheaded vampire in front of her began to circle her, sizing her up. Emerald eyes travelled the length of Tara’s body and she leaned in to sniff at the blonde’s neck. The vampire now stood behind the Wiccan, relishing in the waves of fear that rolled off Tara. She placed a hand in the middle of Tara’s back, feeling the blonde stiffen at her touch. Her hand slid around to the woman’s soft stomach and she knew Tara’s body was reacting to the familiar contact.
“You know what would be fun?” She whispered into the blonde’s ear, her voice dropping low.
Tara’s breath hitched. “N-No.”
Willow let out a chuckle. “I’ll show you.” The desire was evident in her voice.
She pulled roughly at Tara’s waist and their bodies met. Tara could feel Willow’s breasts crushed up against her back and the coolness of her hand on her stomach. She shivered under the contact, her throat tight. Willow let out another laugh and pushed her away again. She grabbed Tara’s wrist tightly and began to pull her from the street. Tara had no idea where they were going but she had to figure out some way to get them to the cemetery.
*
Willow’s senses hummed at being so close to Tara and she was beginning to think this was a bad idea. The blonde woman affected her in so many different ways and it annoyed the hell out of her. She tugged at the witch’s arm and was surprised at how little she struggled. Perhaps she does want me after all, she thought. She felt oddly pleased at that thought, another thing to add to the growing list of disturbing facts.
She considered taking Tara to a deserted alley and ravishing her right there before sucking her dry but somehow that felt tacky. She wanted to make this memorable so she decided on taking her to the Bronze first and parading her around on the dance floor. Yes, this would be fun indeed. As they moved quickly through the streets, Willow listened to the quickened tempo of Tara’s breathing and it aroused her even more. She frowned; this was something she needed to get over very quickly.
As they turned a corner, Willow felt a sharp tug on her hand and she spun around as Tara pulled free. Before the vampire could react, the blonde fled. Her long tresses swayed behind her and her feet thudded heavily on the ground.
“Shit.” Willow cursed, before running after her.
It didn’t take long for Willow to gain on Tara but by the time she was only a few feet away, the blonde had led them into the graveyard. In one swift motion, Willow launched herself into the air and piled into Tara, taking them both to the ground. They landed heavily and rolled together until Willow had the blonde pinned to the grass. She shifted her weight on top of the witch so she couldn’t move.
“That was fun.” She laughed.
Tara’s breath came out in short gasps, the heated air meeting Willow’s cold cheek. The fear was evident in her eyes and she tried to struggle beneath the redhead’s body. “Get off.” She managed to say.
“Why should I? I’m quite happy where I am.” The vampire’s eyes glinted and she looked down at Tara’s body, her hands still clasping the blonde’s wrists tightly.
“Please.” Tara whimpered.
Something softened in the redhead’s eyes and Tara could tell she was affected by her plea. Willow shifted her weight again and loosened the grip on the blonde’s wrists. Confusion registered in Tara’s eyes and Willow tilted her head slightly. Before Tara could react, Willow leant down and pressed her lips to the blonde’s. Tara’s eyes opened wide in shock as cool lips moved against hers. It all felt too familiar and the blonde Wiccan felt herself wanting to respond to the kiss. Her body was reacting to Willow’s closeness and it scared her.
She felt a tongue brush her lips and they automatically parted, allowing the vampire entry. Willow groaned into Tara’s mouth as she explored the warm recesses. Eventually, she pulled back, green orbs searching blue. The look on her face was different now, less predatory. A glimmer of hope rose within Tara but she forced it back down.
Willow looked uncertainly down at the blonde, not understanding what she was feeling. The kiss had been intense and she had enjoyed it far too much. She pulled her body partially off Tara, releasing the blonde’s wrists. She sat up, straddling Tara’s hips. The motion surprised Tara but she didn’t dare move.
“What’s wrong with me?” Willow whispered to herself. Vampires weren’t meant to act like this. They were meant to be evil and ruthless bloodsuckers but all she seemed to be was an obsessed idiot. All she could think about was Tara; killing for food just seemed a mundane task. She shook her head in frustration.
“Y-You’re a v-vampire.” Tara answered her.
Willow glared at the blonde. “That’s the only thing that’s right with me.” She hissed.
Tara shook her head, her confidence growing. “N-No, it’s not.”
Willow placed a hand either side of Tara’s head and stared down at her, an amused smile replacing the frustrated expression. “Oh really? I was perfect before right? With my geeky ways.” She let out a disgusted laugh.
“You were to me.” Tara’s voice was small and sad.
Willow’s eyes softened again and Tara thought she was actually getting through to her. She wondered if a vampire could ever keep a part of their old self. The redhead moved her hand to caress Tara’s cheek. The touch was surprisingly gentle and Tara felt her eyelids flutter closed. Realising what she was doing, Willow grasped the blonde’s chin roughly and pushed her face closer. Tara’s eyes snapped open.
“Enough talk.” Willow hissed. “If I want you, I can take you.”
Tears began to well up in Tara’s eyes and she hated herself for being so weak. Her Willow was gone. She let a sob escape her throat as the tears spilled over and ran down into her hair.
Willow seemed a little lost for what to do for a few moments but her features soon twisted into anger. “Don’t start blubbering. It wont help you.” She pushed Tara’s face to the side and ran her tongue over the soft cheek, tasting the salty tears. This just caused Tara to sob louder. She yanked the blonde’s face back again so they were looking each other in the eye.
“You can’t tell me you don’t want this.” She growled. “I can smell the desire on you, I can feel it.”
Tara took a few deep breaths, attempting to calm herself. “All I w-want is my Willow back.”
Willow let out a cry of frustration. “She’s gone.” She said exasperated. “Accept it. I’m all you’ve got now baby.” Her words taunted the blonde.
“You’re wrong.” Tara shouted angrily. “She’ll always be with me. Even if we’re apart.”
The redhead laughed mockingly. “Aww, in your heart?” She spat out the words.
“Yes.” She replied simply.
“Well, I can take her with me when I rip your still beating heart from your body.” Willow sneered, her eyes narrowing. The menace in her voice was evident but Tara was sure it never reached those beautiful green eyes.
“Then go ahead. K-Kill me.” Tara managed, her emotions almost getting the better of her once again.
The redheaded vampire looked down at her curiously, as if determining whether she meant the words or not. She lifted herself from the blonde’s body and placed a hand firmly around Tara’s neck. In one sharp movement, she yanked the Wiccan to her feet, leaving the blonde to choke for air. Willow lowered her hand but stayed close to Tara, their bodies separated by mere inches.
“Is that really what you want?” Willow asked, all traces of malice gone from her voice and face. She studied the tear stained face of her former lover, her features softening as each second passed.
Tara looked at her, her blue eyes searching for answers within green orbs. “If I c-can’t be with my Willow then I’d prefer that than this t-torture you’re putting me through.”
Willow closed the gap between their bodies, placing one hand on Tara’s waist while the other slipped over the blonde’s cheek. She felt her stiffen at the contact. “You can be with me, forever.” She whispered, leaning her face into the blonde’s neck and nuzzling the skin there.
It would have been so easy to say yes then, to give in and allow Willow to turn her but she knew it would be wrong. Tara had always tried her hardest to do the right thing and she would continue to do so, after all, that is what her mother had taught her and she didn’t want to disappoint her. The gentle touches of the redhead’s lips to the sensitive skin of her neck was sending shivers throughout Tara’s body and she could feel her body screaming at her to give in. Willow must have sensed this as she caressed Tara’s neck with her tongue, causing an involuntary whimper to escape from the blonde’s lips. Tara wished Cerberus would show up soon, she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep the vampire busy or how long she could resist her for.
Willow let out a small growl and snaked the hand on Tara’s hip underneath her top, feeling the warm skin of the blonde’s stomach. Tara gasped at the contact, desperately wanting to pull away, but her body not letting her. Her knees felt as though they would buckle at any moment and her heart thudded mercilessly in her chest. The redhead’s hand travelled upwards and cupped Tara’s breast over the cotton of her bra. Tara took a sharp intake of air, a mixture of emotion flooding through her. The contact felt so good yet she knew this wasn’t her Willow.
“Willow, no.” She gasped, trying to pull away from the redhead’s touch.
The vampire’s head pulled back from Tara’s neck and darkened green eyes looked up at her. Her tongue flicked out to lick her lips and she seemed a little confused as to why Tara had spoken. Her mind quickly kicked in and her expression turned to annoyance. “Why do you keep denying your body’s needs?” Her voice was low and almost unrecognisable.
Tara tried to slow her quick and heavy breathing, her mind racing for what she would do next. This situation could turn ugly at any moment and she wasn’t sure what time it was exactly. She guessed it would be hours before Cerberus arrived and the Slayer wasn’t anywhere to be seen. She was acutely aware that Willow hadn’t removed her hand from underneath her top. The redheaded vampire’s eyes wandered down to where her hand rested and a devilish smile tugged at her lips. She moved her hand slightly against the cotton of Tara’s bra. When Tara didn’t pull away or object, she brushed her thumb across the erect nipple that pushed at the white fabric. That was all it took for Tara’s knees to give in completely and she dropped to the floor. Willow moved quickly and caught the blonde, her arms wrapped tightly around Tara’s waist. She sunk to the ground with the blonde.
Tara squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the angry outburst from the vampire but it never came. Willow merely continued to hold her, resting her head on Tara’s shoulder. The act confused Tara even more and she wished she knew what was going through the vampire’s mind. “Willow.” She heard herself whisper.
The redhead pulled back and allowed their eyes to meet, the conflict clear in her green pools. She was so ashamed that she could allow a mere human to affect her so much but she had felt the instinctive need to support the blonde and a vampire was never one to refuse their instincts. Now, hearing Tara whisper her name like that tugged at something inside her.
“Well, well, well.” The three words broke into the moment and both women’s heads snapped in the direction from where it came. Angelus stood nearby, his arms folded across his chest, and a disapproving look cast at Willow. “What’s going on here?”
Willow swiftly rose to her feet, leaving Tara knelt on the ground. She narrowed her eyes at the other vampire. “That is not your concern.” She growled.
Angelus let out a small chuckle and stepped forwards, quickly closing the gap between them. He now stood only a few feet from Willow. “First you don’t return to our home and now I find you wrapped around this human’s little finger. You are quite the disappointment.”
“Shut up!” Willow snapped, his words angering her immensely. “You know nothing of it.”
“I should show you how a vampire should truly act. It is obvious you need guidance.” Angelus suggested as his gaze wandered down to Tara.
Willow stepped in front of the blonde. “She’s mine.” She stated firmly.
“You’re only proving my point.” He taunted. With that, he lunged forward and backhanded the redhead across the face. She was caught off guard and was thrown to the ground. She rolled across the ground as Angelus moved in on Tara, gripping the back of her neck with one hand and lifting her.
Willow jumped to her feet again and glared menacingly at Angelus. The male vampire caressed Tara’s cheek with the back of his free hand. “Though I can understand why you like this one.”
The red haired vampire took a tentative step forwards but stopped when Angelus tightened his hold on the blonde’s neck, causing her to gasp in pain. Before Willow could react, the male vampire pushed Tara’s head to the side and morphed into his vampiric form. He quickly sunk his fangs into the creamy soft skin of the blonde’s neck, causing her face to freeze in an expression of pain and horror.
Willow lurched forwards, throwing herself at Angelus and causing him to drop Tara. The two tumbled to the ground, Willow donning her game face. Angelus pushed Willow away and landed a kick solidly in her stomach. She cried out at the contact but recovered quickly, grabbing his foot as he moved to kick her again. She yanked at his leg, causing him to lose his balance and topple to the ground. She quickly pounced on him and started pummelling his face with her fists.
Tara looked up groggily, clutching at her neck with one hand. She could feel the blood there but her concern was more for Willow than herself. She felt suddenly weak and was afraid she would faint at any moment. She felt a presence behind her and hoped it wasn’t another vampire. She would be sure to die this time if it were. Fortunately, she recognised the presence as that of the Slayer and she turned to see Buffy staring at the two fighting vampires in shock. The Slayer glanced down at Tara and quickly moved to her side.
“Oh my god, are you okay?” She asked, moving Tara’s hand aside so she could see the wound.
Tara nodded and looked back to where Willow was still laying into Angelus. The male vampire was waving his hands around, trying to catch the redhead but her blows were quickly overpowering him.
“What the hell is going on?” Buffy asked.
Tara’s eyes never left the two fighting vampires. “I’m not sure.” She muttered.
Slowly, Willow lifted herself from the now unconscious Angelus and stared down at him. She raised her hands up in front of her and looked down at them, shocked at what she had just done. Her head turned to her left and her now human features gazed at Tara and Buffy. Tara was surprised at what she saw in those green eyes. Willow was scared. The redhead gradually made her way towards them and Buffy stood to block her path to Tara.
“Back off!” Buffy shouted.
Tara shakily got to her feet, grabbing onto Buffy’s shoulder for support. Willow watched as the blonde Wiccan swayed and the Slayer looked unsurely at Tara. Willow extended her hand, her eyes drowning under Tara’s gaze. The blonde Wiccan moved to walk past Buffy but the Slayer stopped her with a strong arm.
“What are you doing?” Buffy asked as though Tara was mad.
Tara smiled to reassure the Slayer. “It’s okay. Trust me.”
Buffy paused, not moving. She hadn’t a clue what had happened before she got here but there was no way she was going to trust a vampire. The determined expression on the blonde witch’s face, however, lessened her resolve and she decided she should trust Tara. She moved aside and readied herself to stake the redheaded vampire if she even moved to harm Tara.
Tara walked slowly up to Willow, stopping a few feet away. She continued to sway but held her gaze firmly with Willow’s. The redhead stepped forwards, closing the gap and she saw Buffy flinch. Her green eyes shifted from the depth of Tara’s to the fresh wound on the blonde’s neck. She could smell the blood there and it was intoxicating. She raised a hand up to Tara’s neck and ran her forefinger over the skin gently. She pulled her hand back and looked down at the blood on her finger. Her mouth was watering for the taste of the crimson liquid and she moved her hand to her lips. She parted her lips and her tongue reached out to taste the blood. She stopped before she could make contact with it though and suddenly dropped her arm, wiping her hand on her leather trousers. Something didn’t seem right about tasting this woman and she had long passed the stage at which she tried to understand her feelings.
Tara looked at Willow in confusion. She wasn’t sure why the redhead had refused to taste her blood but she knew it was a good thing that she hadn’t. She hoped so anyway. She watched as Willow closed her eyes and seemed to give herself over to her other senses. Tara leaned forwards and before she could stop herself, she was brushing her lips over the redhead’s. Willow reacted immediately and pushed into the kiss, wrapping her arms around the blonde’s waist. Tara pulled back and looked into darkening green eyes. There was something about this vampire that reminded her of her Willow. Perhaps there were some remnants of the human inside her. She lifted her hand to Willow’s cheek and cupped it gently. The vampire leaned into the touch.
“I need your help, Willow.” Tara’s words seemed to snap the redhead out of the trance she was in.
“Help?” She asked suspiciously.
Tara nodded slowly, not wanting to set the vampire off again. “Help me return to my own time.”
The vampire’s suspicion deepened even further. “Why should I?”
“Because, Willow, I will let you have me any way you want me if you do.” She spoke the words full of conviction, realising she hadn’t stuttered at all. Willow seemed to realised this also as she considered the blonde’s words.
Willow glanced over Tara’s shoulder and watched as Buffy glared at her. The Slayer was obviously biting back a protest. Willow pulled back, releasing Tara. “What is it I have to do?”
Tara released the breath she had been holding. She was relieved the vampire seemed willing to help her but she was concerned that the icy veneer had gone back up. She glanced around and moved to a strong tree trunk, which she sunk down against. Her strength was quickly leaving her and she hoped she would have enough energy to complete the spell with Cerberus.
Before she could explain to Willow, a loud pounding reached her ears. The redhead had heard it before her and was looking around in alarm. Soon, the source of the noise came into view and Cerberus came to a halt in front of Willow. The vampire took up an offensive stance, causing the three-headed demon to laugh down at her.
“I see you have brought the other witch.” He spoke to Tara.
Willow looked round at Tara, eyeing her. Tara decided it would be best just to get on with the spell. She couldn’t handle facing an angry vampire right now. “I have been hurt. Will we still be able to do the spell?” She asked.
Cerberus padded towards her and seemed to study her. “I can still use your energy, if that’s what you mean.” He glanced at Willow and then at Buffy before returning his gaze to Tara. “Though I’m not sure you will survive the journey.”
Buffy stepped forwards. “You can’t take the risk!” She objected. Willow remained silent behind them all.
Tara shook her head. “I have to.” She looked up at Cerberus. “Let’s get this over with.”
END OF PART 8b
Tara: I got so lost
Willow: I found you... I will always find you
by spazz07 » Thu Aug 15, 2002 2:16 am 
I'm quite happy it came across like that... wasn't sure if I could pull it off. 
I have no quote, I have smileys 
see 