The Last Champion

[barnabasvamp]

Wonderful Update!



I enjoyed your explanation of the past, and the descriptions.

Sorta gives us an idea of how this Tara evolved.



BV

"When choosing between two evils, I always like to take the one I've never tried before"-Mae West

[intricate mirage]

Hey Kittens!



Time for an update, no cliffhangers this time around But first, here are some individual replies -



WintersDreamer - *waves a copy of chapter 7 in front of you with a big grin* I can assure you that you won't even be thinking of TFTT after you're done reading it No cliffhangers, no tease, and more than enough sweetness between W/T. *drawls* Now... Enjoy it while it last *grins*



sabina - Yup I believe Anya and Tara have some working out to do, they go back quite a bit, back into Anya's vengeance days, glad you're liking the story so far



Grimlock72 - Yo Grimmy!

Quote:

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Based on the stories Anya has told us so far I beg to differ.

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Ahh well you do know how Anya is, she'll probably be thinking 'Yeah, so I did stuff, but it's my job' you know that kinda thing, ok, am just ranting here

Quote:

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Whats with the feeding only of the 'death and the drunk' ? Who ever thought up the wisdom that drunk people are fine to be killed ??

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Tara only chooses drunks because it's easier and less conspicuous, it will be seen later why she wants to remain under wraps.

Quote:

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Nobody has told Tara that Buffy is in fact a vampire slayer right ???

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Nope, nobody has told Tara yet. *grins*

Quote:

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Now why Tara would be called a champion I don't know.

---

Explanation in the future chapters.



willowsgirl - Hey you *smiles* Glad you loved the Anya bit, I cracked myself up while I wrote it too Hmm no cliffhangers in this one, and yes you know what's coming *waggles eyebrows* The one liners are finally coming together stace *grins* Excited?



Puff - Hey there *waves* Glad to know you're enjoying the story so far, it's been a blast writing it too. Yup, much will be explained about Tara's past, nature of existence, Jana, Faith, family.. all that in the near future. Thanks for reading and leaving feedback!



Tempest Duer - Oh no dude, Tara did kill the drunk, drank him dry. Thanks for the feedback! Hope you enjoy the next chapter just as much



Shinnen - Yo Shin! Thanks for taking time to leave feedback, I know it takes alot of time and effort *wink* Hope you enjoy reading the rest of the story!



bluewillowwitch - Hey Grace! *waves* Ok.. *apologetic look* So that was a little mean.. To make Willow so worried... but I promise this chapter more than makes up for it! Enjoy!



Grimlock72 - And hellooo again! Yes you're right, the drunk died. I guess what has been taken forgranted so far is that Tara still has dhmpiric traits even though she is half human. That side of her requires her to feed and kill, yes Tara is sweet and kind as a human, but the other side of her can be rather shocking. Willow will have a chance to see that side of her eventually, it is also something the lovers have to deal with.



StrangeQuark - Thanks for the feedback, made me all glowy Ohh yes *grins* W/T shacking-up, definitely *alot* of interesting scenarios possible



barnabasvamp - Hey thanks for the feedback! I'm feeling all glowy again Do enjoy the next update too!



Big thank you to all kittens for reading and big thanks to my wonderful co-author, Rachael too! You guys rock!

Cassie



My whole life I've only loved one person, that person was you.

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 12/9/03 10:03 am

[intricate mirage]

Title: The Last Champion

Authors: intricate mirage (Cassie) & the vamp nurd (Rachael)

E-mail: intricatemirage@yahoo.com & luckyol78shirt@yahoo.co.uk

Disclaimer: The characters of BTVS belong to Joss. Any other characters belong to us.

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

Distribution: Email us first please, just to let us know if you’re borrowing it.

Pairing: W/T

Rating: NC-17

Setting: AU fic. Tara is a dhmpire - half human, half vampire - and she is the last of this breed.

AN: This piece is what happens when two people have an idea. And work together. Do enjoy.



Thoughts in < ... >



***



Chapter 7



“Wow.”



“Uh huh.”



“Again with the wow.”



Turning herself to face her lover, Tara couldn’t help giggling at the redhead standing beside her, mouth wide open in awe, eyes as big as saucers, as though she had just found the world’s biggest candy store. Willow was truly precious. me away.> Chuckling at her silent musings, Tara waved a hand in front of Willow’s face, “Urm sweetie? Better close your mouth soon or I may just consider slipping my tongue in it.”



Hands gesturing frantically at the layout of the house they had just stepped into not long ago, Willow exclaimed, “Tara! Look at this! This house is huge, well at least in my definition of ‘huge’. Anything bigger than Buffy’s house is huge, I already consider Buffy’s house huge, so can you imagine anything bigger than that? I thought it was just going to be shabby small house, at least livable by human standards, but this…?” Shaking her head in disbelief, Willow repeated her first words, “Wow.”



Giggling, “Heard you the first two times sweetie.”



“Uh huh. Come on Tara, let’s check out the bedroom.” Fingers linking through Tara’s, the couple proceeded upstairs. Once safely in the room with the door closed, Willow turned around, placing her hands against the door, trapping her lover firmly between the door and her, “Now about the slipping your tongue inside my mouth offer…” Dipping her head down to give Tara’s neck a lick, before taking a piece of flesh between her lips and sucking it gently.



Tara felt her pulse hitch up several notches, whispering huskily, “Vixen.”



Willow lifted her head to look at Tara, waggling her eyebrows, “Your one and only.” Leaning in for a kiss that deepened quickly, tongues colliding together, two pairs of eager hands running all over each other’s bodies as they slowly made their way towards the bed, never once pulling apart from their heated kiss.



Pulling away slightly, Willow planted a gentle kiss on the tip of Tara’s nose, pushing Tara’s coat off her arms before settling her fingers upon the buttons of Tara’s slightly torn and muddy white shirt, popping them out of their holes one by one. Her slightly glazed eyes were replaced by a look of shock as she took in the colour of Tara’s skin. Her upper body was littered with bruises, considerably more at the region where her ribs were, mostly still dark purple, but some already turning a dull yellow. A gasp slipped past her lips. “Tara…” Shaking her head in pure disbelief, “W-why... Why didn’t you tell me?”



Casting her gaze downwards, “Didn’t want you to worry.”



Seeing Tara’s guilt-ridden gaze, Willow tilted Tara’s chin up to look at her, “Is there something else you’re not telling me?”



Shuffling her feet, “Urm… Thigh?” Seeing Willow’s eyebrow raised in question, Tara took a deep breath before continuing, “Adam... He, urm, he stabbed me in the thigh with a knife, had a good twist-about too.”



“Tara.” Willow admonished, “Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”



“Dhmpires. We heal faster than most human beings, like the slayer. So…”



“So you just figured you could hold off telling me while it healed quickly so I won’t notice?” Realizing that she was chastising Tara too harshly, Willow’s voice softened, “I’m sorry Tara, I didn’t mean to sound harsh. It’s just that, I really want to take care of you, I know that I don’t have those cool abilities of a dhmpire, but still, however I can, I want to. I love you, and I just want to know that I can always be there for you. But not if you don’t tell me all that’s going on.” Willow paused then continued, "I know that I may look like a normal girl, but I'm not. I've battled vamps since I was fifteen, I've taken on zombies, demons, watchers gone bad, chaos worshipers. I'm a witch, not the most powerful of witches, but I still know about the things that go bump in the night. I want to understand you Tara. Don’t ever think that you’ll be scaring me Tara. Cause the only thing that scares me is the fact that you won’t share your life with me. I can handle it. Really.” Willow puffed out her chest slightly, before adding softly, “Understand baby?”



Seeing the love and concern pouring out from Willow’s eyes, hearing those words, Tara felt a lump forming in her throat as she nodded, barely getting the next few words out clearly, “I understand. Thank you Willow… For everything… Most of all, for loving me. I love you Willow.”



Fingers stroking Tara’s cheeky gently, carefully avoiding the healing wound, Willow ran her fingers through Tara’s hair as she tucked a few strands of hair behind Tara’s ear, “I love you too Tara. Now… Let’s get you out of your pants so I can take a look at the wound, see if it’s healing properly.”



Eyes twinkling playfully, “You sure it’s not just a ploy to get me all hot and naked in bed where you can ravish me?



Lips quirking into a sexy smile, “Whatever am I to do with you Miss Maclay? And in response to that, yes Tara, there’s nothing I’d rather do than get you hot and naked in bed and ravage you all night long, but unfortunately, your body needs rest tonight and so do you. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow, so sleep tonight ok baby?”



Allowing the thoughts to process in her mind, Tara replied slowly, “Ok… But I’d only listen if…”



“If…?”



Waggling her eyebrows, “If you’re hot and naked in bed with me… With lots of snuggling too.”



“Vixen.”



No answer was needed for Tara’s request as Willow’s eyes said it all, smiling, Tara pulled Willow towards her, giving her a tender kiss, echoing Willow’s earlier words, “Your one and only.”



***



Tara was awake, she couldn't sleep. She didn't want to sleep. She wasn't worried, she just wanted to watch Willow sleep. The redhead was snuggled up to her, her green eyes closed. Tara mused.



Willow smiled in her sleep, Tara smiled as well.



Tara lazily ran her hand over Willow's back, she hadn't been in love before, it felt like she was alive again. Her mind was struggling to cope with the fact that Willow wanted her so much. Tara Maclay, most feared dhmpire was actually wanted, need and loved.



Tara sighed, gently bushed a kiss over Willow's temple before settling down to sleep.



***



Willow stirred, she blinked, she was spooning Tara from behind, her breasts pressed up against Tara’s back, one leg thrown carelessly around Tara’s waist while another hand rested comfortably on Tara’s stomach with Tara’s hand covering it. She smiled. Tara was still asleep. Raising herself up on her elbow of her free arm, Willow gazed down at Tara. Reaching down to feel Tara’s thigh, Willow felt neither wound nor scar, pushing Tara’s hair gently away from her face, Willow found no signs of the injury caused by the fight either. could finish what we started… Oh yes…>



Chuckling softly to herself, Willow carefully untangled herself from her sleeping love as she got out of bed. Tara and her didn’t drop by her dorm to get any extra clothes, so they were left with their present ones for the rest of the morning, possibly even the whole day. Opening the cupboard door quietly, Willow was surprised to find towels and bathrobes in it. Throwing on a bathrobe, Willow went downstairs, wanting to see if there was anything in the fridge that she and Tara could have for dinner. There was a note on the table. “Willow, dropped by this morning to check on you and Tara but I guess you two were still asleep. Left some blood in the fridge for Tara, she may need it. By the way, don’t worry, the lock is not broken, I just have a spare key that’s all, it’s on the table now.” Opening the fridge, Willow grabbed the mug and warmed it up before bringing it upstairs to Tara, who presently laid on the bed face buried in the pillow, sheets covering barely covering her torso.



Tara stirred, whimpering slightly at the loss of her lover, wondering where Willow was. "Willow...?" she whimpered.



"Here baby." Willow replied softly, "I've just brought you some breakfast."



Tara's nostrils flared, picking up the distinct scent of blood, "Blood?"



"Cow blood actually." Willow sat down on the bed, "Giles brought it in for you."



Tara smiled, "Hungry."



Willow smiled, then replied, "Tired?"



"Tired and hungry." Tara replied looking at Willow.



Willow smiled, "Just sit up a little baby then we can ease your hunger."



Tara did as she was told, Willow said softly, "Open wide." Raising a spoonful of blood into Tara's mouth, she slowly fed her, sometimes scraping the spoon down Tara's chin if a stray bit of blood had dribbled down.



Willow wondered.



“I’m not as innocent as I look Willow.”



“What what? How did you…? Did I say that out loud?” Willow spouted the words out frantically.



“No no sweetie, you didn’t. It’s just that… Well, I can hear thoughts. Dhmpire ability.”



Raising an eyebrow, “Oh. So you’ve been reading my thoughts ever since you first saw me?”



“Kind of… Willow, I know thoughts are personal and I really don’t mean to intrude, I’ve tried very hard to sift out those thoughts, I really didn’t want to infringe on your personal space. I may be able to read them, but sometimes it's better if I don't.”



Leveling an unsmiling glance at Tara, “So… Tara Maclay, you can read ALL my thoughts?”



“Urm…” Tara uncomfortably avoided Willow eyes, “Yes…”



“Ok. Read my thoughts now then.”



“D-do I have to?”



“Read it Tara!”







Just a mere split second after Willow had gotten her thoughts out and sent it out loud and incredibly filled with hunger and desire on broadband to Tara’s ears, she had been flung down onto the bed, with her body firmly pinned between the sheets and Tara’s very naked body.



Bottomless pools of sapphire blue deepening to a dark cobalt blue, letting out a low growl, Tara firmly pinned Willow’s hands above her head against the headboard, Tara swooped down like an eagle who had just found its prey and firmly latched her lips onto Willow’s pulse point, taking it deep within her mouth, sucking on it firmly, earning a resounding moan from Willow whose eyes were firmly shut tight, giving herself up to the dizzying sensations of pleasure Tara was sending through her highly aroused body. “Goddess Tara… D-don’t… Don’t stop…”



One arm snaking down with break neck speed, Tara had Willow’s bathrobe loosened even before Willow had completed her sentence in between her soft moans and gasps. Growling, “I’ve not even started.” Dipping her head down to give Willow’s left nipple a hard nip before taking it in her mouth, sucking on it hungrily like a new born baby, this time earning an incoherent noise from the writhing redhead. Smiling to herself as she released Willow’s nipple, puckered and shiny, only to latched her mouth firmly on the other breasts, performing the exact same torturous ministrations on it, in this case, incoherent noises were good, extremely good, in fact, the more the better.



Willow was beyond all forms of coherent thoughts, she felt as though she had died and gone up to heaven with Tara creating in her body such sensations she never thought existed in this mundane human existence in Sunnydale where death was just the norm. Tara’s hands left Willows as one headed to Willow’s breasts, kneading them firmly in her hand, pinching the nipples, causing a deep groan to be heard throughout the presently musky scented room. The other hand traveling south eagerly as it slid smoothly into Willow’s dripping wet folds.



“So wet…” Tara cooed softly.



“Oh goddess Tara!” Willow cried out as her hips bucked in response to the movement on fingers against her aroused clit, lifting her hands off the bed to wind them around Tara’s frame.



“Look at me Willow.” Tara commanded. Willow felt herself sinking into a deep state of deliriousness as she fought to open her heavy lidded eyes, only to see one very naked blonde shooting her a sexy smirk before letting her tongue slide out between her lips to give her sticky fingers a long lick before sliding one finger into her mouth to suck on it, eyes fluttering to a close, moaning in approval of the sweetness of the delicious nectar she was tasting. “Mmm… Willow taste.”



“Tare…” Willow gasped through her laboured breathing only to receive a deep long kiss from Tara as a response. Tongues colliding in the warm crevices of their mouth, Tara’s hair fell forward, shutting out the rest of the world, building them a warm coven where they shared their hungry kisses. Willow moaned, tasting herself on Tara’s lips. Tara’s tongue ran along Willow’s lips, threading her left hand’s fingers through Willow’s hair while the other headed back down south. Giving Willow’s bottom lip a quick nip, Tara gently suckled on it as she gave Willow’s engorged clit a hard pinch, eliciting yet another incoherent noise from the redhead who presently clawed her fingers into Tara’s back, leaving half moon imprints there. Letting go of Willow’s bottom lip, Tara quickly made her way down south, making occasional stops in between, leaving her deep mark on Willow’s neck, giving Willow’s breast a give lick and suck before eventually reaching the pit stop, Willow’s warm and throbbing core. Breathing in the deep, Tara felt her sense soar to new heights as she felt herself being intoxicated by the musky scent of Willow. One hand reaching to open Willow’s folds, Tara gave Willow’s clit a gentle blow, receiving a shudder and a moan from her lover. Pausing to stare at the throbbing clit, Tara felt as though her body had been set on fire.



Barely making out her surroundings, Willow felt her hazy mind clear a little, struggling to voice her thoughts, “Ta...oh goddess!!” Catching her off guard, Tara had nestled her head comfortably in between Willow’s thighs, sucking hard on Willow’s bundle of sensitive nerves, giving it an occasional quick flick with her tongue. Willow’s hips bucked wildly in response, almost launching Tara off the bed. Looping her arms around Willow’s knees tightly, Tara held herself firm as she gave Willow’s core a long lick before taking her engorged clit deep into her mouth again, sucking on it hard.



“Gods Tara!” Willow’s voice tearing through the silence of the early morning, resonating off the closed confines of their room. “D-don’t s-stop, k-keep… keep going…” Trailing off to elicit yet another loud groan, eventually giving up all forms of attempt to speak, closing her eyes, moving her pelvis round in a slow circle of desire.



Tara’s tongue stretched out to lick a long slow stroke from the bottom of Willow’s warm core to the top, sinking her tongue deep into Willow’s heat, feeling the warmth envelope her tongue. Tongue increasing in speed, lapping at the wet channel in front of it, slipping into the dark recesses of Willow’s pussy, delighting in the sticky sweetness that poured over her tongue and lips. Willow grunted, throwing her hips forward forcing Tara’s tongue deeper within her, threading her fingers roughly through Tara’s hair, shoving Tara’s face not so gently deeper into her warm pussy that was so desperate for release. Letting go of Willow’s knees, Tara extended her hand above to firmly knead Willow’s breasts, giving the hard nubs a hard pinch before rolling them between her fingers, stopping occasionally to give more hard pinches.



Willow’s grip loosened on Tara’s hair, flinging out sideways to grasps the bed sheets between her fingers, twisting them roughly, “Tara… Tara… Tara…” Continuously chanting Tara’s name like a mantra, eyes shut tight. her head tossing from side to side, beads of sweat dripping off her forehead as she ground her hips up and down against Tara’s face.



Tara’s tongue stopped thrusting, resting it against Willow’s throbbing clit for an aching second, barely giving Willow time to catch her breath before her tongue sunk deep inside Willow once more, traveling the hot channel, thrusting further than it had done before, her tongue continuously sliding in and out of the smooth slippery walls of Willow’s heated core. Both lovers lost in a swelling tide of emotions that overtook them at once, Willow gave herself up to the orgasm that wrenched at her soul and flooded out into Tara’s mouth.



Feeling Willow’s wall contract tightly around her tongue, Tara gave Willow no rest as she retracted her tongue only to plunge three fingers deep within Willow, latching her lips onto Willow’s clit. Curling her fingers up against Willow’s hot channel, Tara stroked the walls as her fingers curled upwards. Withdrawing out almost to her fingertips, Tara gave no warning once again as she plunged back into Willow, adding a fourth finger along this time, thrusting in and out of Willow feverishly and with great speed, sucking forcefully on Willow’s sensitive bundle of nerves.



The pressure of her lover’s tongue on her clit increased, fingers pumping in and out non stop, hitting her sensitive center with every plunge, Willow felt herself on the brink of a huge chasm, wanting to throw everything she had and owned in her soul into it. Willow felt herself tip over.



“TARA!!!!”



The orgasm swept through Willow like a huge tidal wave, collapsing all her defenses, feeling all present doubts and worries and doubts being swept away as she gave herself up fully to Tara. All that existed was Tara and her and Willow knew deep in her heart as tears welled up in her eyes, Willow knew they were forever.



Placing a tender kiss on top of Willow’s mound, Tara crawled back up, pulling Willow lovingly into her arms, using one hand to brush strands of Willow’s hair away from her face, Tara gazed deeply into Willow’s pools of emerald green, "I love you Willow Rosenberg, now and forever."



"Forever?" Willow asked softly.



"Forever."



***



So.... Feedback anyone?



Edited to amend a word. Many thanks to Tempest Duer for the explanation

Cassie



My whole life I've only loved one person, that person was you.

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 12/10/03 4:43 am

[bluewillowwitch]

Caasie ,

Love the fic! Okay point me towards the or at least towards my baby. Anyway, and are so cute. Love the way that jumped on about not telling her that she was hurt and then the 's mind. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos



"I'm here with out you baby/But your still with me in my dreams/And tonight girl, there's only you and me."--3 Doors Down-Here Without You----Mine and My Baby's song.

Edited by: bluewillowwitch  at: 12/12/03 9:15 am

[TaraBaby77]

Cassie -



I will write a feedback............ that is after I take a cold... better yet, a VERY cold shower. =)

Aaron

'TaraBaby77'

[Washi]

Holy Fuck! That was HOT! I mean, that was great. I loved the fact that Giles brought Tara blood, for some reason. Ooh! and of course, the love-scene was just... HOT!

Really enjoying this fic.

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



"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa



The course of love doesn’t always run smooth, especially for the neurotic and accident-prone. ~ LadyB



.:Dark-bliss.net :. .:My blog:. .:Blood and Ink:. .:Washi's 70s Site:.

[sabina]

That was hot...



I'm glad that Willow now knows that Tara can hear her thoughts... I can think of a few situations where that can come in handy



Great chapter

---

"I know I was born and I know that I'll die.

The in between is mine.

I am mine!" - Pearl Jam

[wolfwynd]

I.... I have no words to express how well written that was! I to both your writing talents! Good Job! **runs off to find girlfriend**



More? Soon?



Wolfy

[TaraBaby77]

Okay, back now . Cassie, that was awesome!!! And, I think it is safe to say that I think (heehee) that Tara loves Willow . Great update. And I agree, it was something to read that Giles had lift some blood for Tara in the fridge. And the whole reading Willow's thoughts thingie, that was sneaky of Tara. But Tara letting Willow take her out for a test drive after Tara's bruises and stuff went away, I think that totally made up for it, . Anyhoo, great stuff. When can we see more??? =)

Aaron

'TaraBaby77'

[Arwen276]

Holy....!



This is WOW...HOT...

Beautifully written! I love the plot as well, and it's nice to see Giles reacting WELL to Tara's presence, and Anya changing her mind about the evilness of Tara.





More please!! Can't wait to find out Buffy's or Xander's reaction.



~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[Tempest Duer]

That was... incredibly hot. I mean hot. Totally, uh... let me go wipe down the windows.



Ah, yes, and feedback. There's only one issue I have with this chapter: use of the word "ravage." See below.



Ravage: v. To ransack, pillage or devastate.



Ravish: v. To overwhelm with sexual pleasure.

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[StrangeQuark]

That was great. I especially like the way that everything built up so gradually, naturally. You built a lot of tension, and created a very rewarding (for the reader, and the characters) release. Hot? Yes, most definitely.



It's good to see Giles in such a supportive and understanding role here too. Not much in the way of plot development in this chapter, but I didn't really care once the festivities started.



There's still a distance between Tara and Willow here, and that I like. They love each other dearly, as we can tell by reading their thoughts and observing their actions. The distance that I perceive is in the yet-to-be-revealed mysteries surrounding Tara's physiognomy, heritage, past, and future. I feel that she has a purpose, maybe she was even created for a purpose, and that mystery is delicious.



Another great chapter, Cassie and Rachael!



I can't wait for more



-SQ

Edited by: StrangeQuark at: 12/10/03 4:52 am

[WintersDreamer]

Well .... there definately wasn't a cliffhanger involved there!

But Cassie ....there is a distinct deference between "sweet" and "holy horsefeathers I think my ears just melted off!" (all that steam you know!)



It was very enjoyable!



Please update soon!







... now have to go explain to Merri why my ears are missing....

(whimper)

[onyxsundrops]

Hey!

Amazin' fic you girls got here... sorry it took me so long to actually find it. I loved when Willow insisted that Tara read her thoughts...and afterward

Update soon, please.



Onyx

[Shinnen]

*points to mouth & shakes head & points to smileys*

CheerZ

Shinnen



She's the most amazing girl in the whole world. She's the only girl who makes my heart beat faster and slower at the same time. When I'm not with her, I'm not living. I'm not existing until I can hold her in my arms again.

[TaraBaby77]

Was just cruisin' by, seeing if there was an update (hint hint wink wink), heehee. =)

Aaron

'TaraBaby77'

[smartmouth]

Okay a) that was very hot and b)this fic is amazing!



Keep up the good work!

[intricate mirage]

Hey Kittens!



Here are the individual replies first, and the update will be available in the next post, enjoy!



TaraBaby77 - Hey hey Aaron! Triple posts from ya, how was the cold shower dude? And yup, here's the update dude



Washi - Yo Washi! Your feedback has left me all glowy Yeah, I kinda like the fact that Giles was so fatherly like, bringing Tara some blood. Glad you're enjoying the fic so far



bluewillowwitch - Hey Grace! I'll definitely point ya towards your baby instead of the shower Glad you're loving this fic girl, here's update goodness for ya



sabina - Hey there! You can think of a few situations where mind reading can come in handy eh? Yeah I totally agree!



wolfwynd - Hey Laura! Found your girlfriend in time?



Arwen276 - Thanks for feedback goodness Arwen! I'm all glowy now Yeah it's definitely nice to see Giles reacting well to it, I can imagine all hell breaking loose if he didn't. More coming up right now



Tempest Duer - Hey hey! Thanks for the explanation on the words! Really appreciate it



StrangeQuark - Hey hey dude!

Quote:

---

Not much in the way of plot development in this chapter, but I didn't really care once the festivities started.

---

Ok, now that I'm done laughing The plot will be developing quite a bit now in the next few chapters

Quote:

---

There's still a distance between Tara and Willow here

---

Very sharp of you to notice that SQ, yes there definitely is still a distance and those questions/mysteries/unresolved issues will be handled in the upcoming chapters. Once again, thanks for reading!



WintersDreamer

But Cassie ....there is a distinct deference between "sweet" and "holy horsefeathers I think my ears just melted off!"

Well you didn't want cliffhangers dude, so I didn't give ya a cliffhanger this time around

But well.... you ought to know that good things don't always last for long *evil grin*



onyxsundrops - Hey hey dude! Thanks for dropping by for a read Here's the update goodness Enjoy!



Shinnen - Yo!

Quote:

---

*points to mouth & shakes head & points to smileys*

---

I take it you enjoyed the update?



smartmouth - Hey there! Thanks for the feedback goodness! Hope you enjoy the rest of the fic!



Yup, that's about it And here's a big thanks to Rachael as always Thanks Rachael! You rock!



Cassie

My whole life I've loved only one person, that person was you.

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 12/15/03 5:11 am

[intricate mirage]

Title: The Last Champion

Authors: intricate mirage (Cassie) & the vamp nurd (Rachael)

E-mail: intricatemirage@yahoo.com & luckyol78shirt@yahoo.co.uk

Disclaimer: The characters of BTVS belong to Joss. Any other characters belong to us.

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

Distribution: Email us first please, just to let us know if you’re borrowing it.

Pairing: W/T

Rating: NC-17

Setting: AU fic. Tara is a dhmpire - half human, half vampire - and she is the last of this breed.

AN: This piece is what happens when two people have an idea. And work together. Do enjoy.



Thoughts in < ... >



***



Chapter 8



Willow stirred, aroused from her slumber to find Tara asleep beside her. They had decided to get more rest when Giles dropped them a call later on that morning, much to the surprise of Willow and Tara for they had no idea the phone was working. Giles had called to inform them that neither Buffy nor her mother could was at home, so he was delaying the meeting time until he had successfully contacted her.



Propping herself up on her elbow, Willow turned to watch Tara sleep. "What are you dreaming about love?" Willow asked Tara softly, "Are you having a sweet dream?"



Tara never answered but snuggled closer in response, Willow smiled, Willow asked the sleeping girl.



Willow smiled, then gently kissed the girl's forehead, there was warmth in that skin. Unlike any vampire's. She remembered being touched by her vampiric-self, she was cold, and lifeless. It didn't feel like she was human. But Tara's warmth drew her in like a magnet. .



Willow was reminded of the fact that Tara wasn't human, or at least not fully human. From what Anya had described the previous night, it sounded as though Tara was a fearful creature, a legend of her own kind, a leader. Willow stared at Tara, soon lost in her own thoughts.



“But it’s just one side of me Willow.”



“Huh? Wha…” Snapped out of her thoughts, she turned to find Tara looking at her, smiling weakly.



“Sorry, I just did it again.”



“That you did. But it’s ok, I trust you.” Willow reassured Tara. "I don't mind, it's not like you do it often? Do you..?"



Tara shook her head, "You've got a busy little mind, my Willow but I won't peek." Tara smiled then she turned serious, “Are you sure Willow?”



Puzzled by Tara’s question, “Sure about what Tare?”



“About trusting me. Do you really know who I am? Have you seen me in the past the way Anya did? Willow, have you forgotten I’m not fully human?”



“Turn me then.” Came Willow’s simple and quick reply.



Shocked by Willow’s response, Tara’s eyes opened wide, “What? Did you just…”



“No, I didn’t and well I can’t, unless you let me connect to you, part of the whole mind reading deal.” Willow cut in.



“Then how?”



“Your face, your expression, it tells me what you’re thinking.”



“Oh… And no.”



“No?”



“No I won’t turn you. I can't Willow, you're not a demi-dhmpire.”



Sitting up on the bed now, Willow crossed her arms in front of her chest, “But I’m a witch.”



“Willow, you don’t know for sure you’re a natural witch and besides you can’t see numbers and letters in colours.”



“I can Tara.”



“B-but you lived o-on a hellmouth W-Willow, the demi t-traits would w-wane. A-and…” Tara stuttered nervously and helplessly trying to refute Willow’s arguements.



“And what Tara?” Willow asked gently.



Taking in a deep breath, Tara said quietly, “We are half human Willow, but we cannot forget the fact that we are half vampire too. We hunt, we kill, we drink, we feed. Willow, there is still evil in us. I don't want to let you into that. Dhmpires may be more dignified than vampires, but we still need blood, and we'd kill for that blood.”



Scooting closer to Tara, Willow reached out to caress Tara’s cheek with her palm, “You’re not evil Tara.”



Tara turned her eyes away, “You don’t know that…”



Tilting Tara’s face towards her, Willow stared into those intense pools of blue. “I do.” Leaning forward to plant a gentle kiss on Tara’s lips.



Tara reached out, wrapping her arms around Willow, bringing the redhead close, running her fingers through Willow’s hair.



Willow snuggled in close, "What's it like being a dhmpire?" she asked softly, looking into Tara's eyes.



Tara gave a sad smile, "Lonely. Actually, it's not that great being immortal. It gets lonely, that's why we take companions or rather friends in a sense. We like to not be alone.”



"So you have friends?" Willow asked, "But they're immortal like you?" She asked.



Tara nodded, "Since my family died, I wanted to find somewhere I could belong. That's why I joined the clan that my uncle traveled with. They were used to our presence. We weren’t like vampires that would hunt and kill anything in sight. To them, we were more like protectors. Gypsies could be very stubborn and vengeful. They know a lot of magic and other such occult matters, like curses and so on. Imagine carrying the weight of generations upon generations of curses and magic."



"You'd be pretty good at it wouldn't you?" Willow asked.



Tara nodded, "It makes them prime demi-dhmpire breeding grounds. When the Nazis came into power, hundreds of them were killed, no one knew how many were killed because no one kept a record. They were just travelers who cared about them?"



"My mother's family escaped the Nazis." Willow added softly, "They were coming for them. A neighbour told the SS where they were, for money of course. They barely got out before the Nazis came. So they escaped and came to America."



Tara smiled, "The estimate of the demi-dhmpires we lost was about 500. Women, men and children. They were killed because they were gypsies. It was pretty senseless, what they did. To the gyspies and the Jewish. Jana, if she was still around then, would have been horrified. I was too. It wasn't right. That's why we stayed in London me and Faith. We were too scared to leave."



Willow stroked Tara's hair, "Did you and Faith ever go your separate ways?"



"Once. It was only for a few months. She went to America to find other dhmpires. She didn't find any. I stayed in England hunting out more of our kind, again no one. The demi-dhmpires were too young to be re-born. We had to stay together, loneliness would of killed us both."



“Faith and Jana…” Willow said hesitatingly, “They meant a lot to you didn’t they?” Tara kept quiet. Willow hurriedly went on, “You don’t have to tell me really, I just wanted to know that’s all, I know it was probably out of line and gods Tara I’m so sorry but…”



Willow was cut off by a gentle kiss laid on her lips by Tara. “They did Willow. The world. They were family. But they died. Killed by people who couldn’t accept us. So now…”



“So now you’re pretty much back to being lonely?”



Smiling, Tara wrapped her arms tighter around Willow, “No Willow, I’ve got you.”



Willow smiled back wistfully, burying her head against the crook of Tara’s neck, basking in the warmth of their love, contented to just snuggle and not say a word. Suddenly a tear rolled down Willow’s cheek, soon the tears started falling. Startled, Tara asked worriedly, “What’s wrong sweetie? Why are you crying?”



Through her quiet sobs, Willow mumbled, “You’ve got me now, but you don’t have me forever.” Trying her best to hold back the tears, “You won’t turn me Tara. I can’t be with you forever.”



“Hush sweetie, no, please don’t cry.” Wiping the tears of Willow’s cheeks, leaning forward to kiss her lips. “I’m sorry Willow, I should have never come. I came in search of a companion Willow, someone I could turn, I found myself to drawn to you but come now, I can’t bear to turn you even if you forced me to. I love you too much to do this to you, to bring upon this burden of being half vampire Willow. Do you understand where I’m coming from Willow?”



Pulling herself away from Tara to lie down facing the other side of the room as her frame shuddered with the tears she was crying, Willow replied sadly, “Not even if it means that we can spend forever together.” Sensing that Tara’s response would be something she didn’t want to hear, Willow added, “No, don’t tell me Tara, I don’t want to know.”



“Willow… Please…” Reaching out to hold Willow’s hand, Tara felt her heart ache as Willow pulled away.



“No Tara, I j-just want to be a-alone right now.”



Torn between leaving and going, Tara chose the later, letting out a soft sigh, she got out of bed, reaching for the bathrobe as she did so. “I’ll be downstairs Will.” She said despondently before leaving the room.



***



to be continued



Cassie

My whole life I've loved only one person, that person was you.

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 12/15/03 5:24 am

[Shinnen]

short and sweet update. It's kinda sad though. Tara doesn't want Willow burdened with vampirism. Not wanting someone she love suffer. That's kinda like what my would do for me and i for my

CheerZ

Shinnen



She's the most amazing girl in the whole world. She's the only girl who makes my heart beat faster and slower at the same time. When I'm not with her, I'm not living. I'm not existing until I can hold her in my arms again.

[StrangeQuark]

Oohhh. Angst-ey.



There's so much to this plot, but it's still not muddy (a good thing). I like all of the layers that you've been able to add, each one well-timed, and intriguing. The WWII tie-in is very interesting indeed...



Excellent story. Looking forward to more.



-SQ

[bluewillowwitch]

Cassie ,

I love this fic! I don't believe that won't change . What am I saying, I can't believe that wants to change her. Both these girls have a problem. This is going to be soome hard times a head. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos



"I'm here with out you baby/But your still with me in my dreams/And tonight girl, there's only you and me."--3 Doors Down-Here Without You----Mine and My Baby's song.

[TaraBaby77]

WOW, you two!!! Great update. Isn't love one of the hardest things to deal with, especially if you are half human, half vampire, in love with a human. Yeah, I remember back in those days ..... good times, good times, heehee. Just kiddin'. Great stuff, once again. Really trying not to sound so Mr. Repeato, but I love this fic. I can't wait to see what happens between 'our' two. Keep those updates comin', kay??? Once again, WAHOO!!! =)

Aaron

'TaraBaby77'

[pacou]

Guess what you two?



Since I'm on holidays now, I've finally managed to catch up with your fic



And guess what (again )



It gets better and better with each chapter, yay, go you



Loved also the smut Excellent smutty goodness



Thanks you two... and update soon please?



-Viv-

"Love is an irresistable desire to be irresistably desired."
Robert Frost

[barnabasvamp]

Angst- much??



Kinda like good news, bad news. I love you, but I won't change you forever! Whew.



Look forward to more.



BV

"When choosing between two evils, I always like to take the one I've never tried before"-Mae West

[Tempest Duer]

*snif* I'm all teary now... I knew Willow would want to be turned, but Tara won't do it... she's so sweet. It almost makes me forget that there is a bit of evil in Tara... because after all she is half vamp.

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[intricate mirage]

Title: The Last Champion

Authors: intricate mirage (Cassie) & the vamp nurd (Rachael)

E-mail: intricatemirage@yahoo.com & luckyol78shirt@yahoo.co.uk

Disclaimer: The characters of BTVS belong to Joss. Any other characters belong to us.

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

Distribution: Email us first please, just to let us know if you’re borrowing it.

Pairing: W/T

Rating: NC-17

Setting: AU fic. Tara is a dhmpire - half human, half vampire - and she is the last of this breed.

AN: This piece is what happens when two people have an idea. And work together. Do enjoy.



Thoughts in < ... >



***



Chapter 9



Willow didn't even turn when she hear Tara leave. She was angry at her, with herself and with the world.



She wondered as she wiped her eyes angrily.



She sat on the bed and combed her fingers though her hair. "Why did you make this so hard?" Willow asked angrily. "Why did you have to bring Tara to me? Why did you bring someone whom I could love and feel for only to remember that she’s a demon?" She asked no one.



"She says she loves me. And she made love to me." Willow paused, she shivered slightly remembering Tara's physical showing of her affection, "She loves me. I can feel that she loves me. But why won't she tell me anything about herself... why is she shying away from me. She wouldn’t even let me make love to her last night. What is she hiding? I know about the darkness, I've faced down demons and vampires staked them, but she won't tell me about herself."



Her thoughts by now having worked up quite a rage within her, Willow hurriedly scrambled out of bed, wrapping a bed sheet around her body. “That’s it Tara Maclay. Fine if you don’t want to let me in, but I’m not going to give up this easily either.” She added quietly to herself, "Because it's impossible to do so..."



***



Tara had never been torn between the decision of turning someone. Usually she would have been more than willing or their breed would die out eventually, now that she was the last of their breed, it was even more so necessarily. That was the purpose she had come to Sunnydale in the first instance.



How long Tara sat slumped at the kitchen table she didn’t know, her internal emotions kept warring against each other. She had never felt so defeated before. Resting her head on the table, Tara felt the tears well up in her eyes.



So caught up in her own thoughts and inner battles, Tara’s sharp senses failed to pick up the sound of Willow coming down to the kitchen. A pair of arms wrapping themselves around her waist jolted her out of her thoughts. Peering down she saw Willow kneeling beside her, arms wrapped around her waist, head resting against her side.



“Willow…?” Tara whispered softly, almost afraid that her voice would shatter the silence that had settled around them. "What is it my Willow?"



Willow looked out, eyes now slightly red and swollen. Not saying a word, she stood up and pushed the table away, allowing her space to stand in front of Tara. Standing in front of Tara, looking down and seeing that she had Tara’s attention, she undid a corner of the bedsheet she had tucked in, allowing the flimsy material to fall onto the ground, revealing her naked body. Moving to climb onto Tara’s laps, straddling her hips, Willow tucked a strand of hair behind Tara’s ear, peering into watery blues as she did so.



“I’m sorry Tara.” She said softly. “I’m sorry for having been so forceful just now, for not giving you a chance to explain. I just got so scared back there, so scared of losing you. The commandos, they’re after you Tara and I can’t protect you, not at my current magick level. I am not good enough, not strong enough. I get so scared that when they attack, they’ll come in masses again and when that happens, I am helpless to do anything and they’ll take you away Tara. Away from me. I just thought, if you turned me, I’ll be stronger, faster, better. I can keep you safe.”



Tara opened her mouth to reply, only to be silenced by Willow’s lips on hers.



Pulling away, Willow continued saying, “But I don’t want to talk about it, don’t want to think about it, at least not for now. Not till we get ourselves over to Giles, till then we don’t need to have a plan. For now it’s just you and me. And Tara… I just want to show you how much I love you.”



Placing a tender kiss against Tara’s lips, Willow began trailing sweet kisses along her jawline and down her neck, capturing Tara’s pulse point between her lips, sucking on it gently. Fingers threading through Tara’s blonde silken hair, Willow pulled her nearer, sucking a little harder, eliciting a soft moan from Tara.



Moving up to capture Tara’s lips, Willow kissed her hard, tongue slipping out to thrust into Tara’s warm mouth, their tongues dueled briefly before Willow caught Tara’s tongue between her lips, sucking on it slowly and sensuously. Never once breaking the kiss, Willow stood up slowly, pulling Tara up along with her, gradually turning Tara’s back against the table, her movements making clear that she wanted Tara up on the table.



Pulling away from their passionate kiss, Tara slid herself up onto the table, legs hanging over the edge of the table. Willow climbed up after her, guiding her to lie down. Straddling Tara’s hips, Willow pulled open Tara’s robe slightly, leaning down to capture Tara’s left breast in her mouth, flicking her tongue out at the hardening nipple before closing her lips to suckle on it.



“Willow…” Came Tara’s breathy voice as she raised one hand up to pull Willow’s head closer to her breasts, the other hand caressing Willow’s back lightly.



Willow pushed her head more forcefully against Tara’s breast as she suckled on it more hungrily before biting down hard on Tara’s erect nipple, eliciting a sharp gasp from Tara, before repeating the same ministrations on the other breast, her hand reaching up to pinch and twist the other.



Willow’s tongue flicked lightly at Tara’s nipple, as she licked her way downwards, through the valley between Tara’s milky globes, down to her stomach where Willow’s tongue reached out and swirled around in Tara’s navel. Placing a couple more kisses on Tara’s stomach, before straightening up. Tugging at the sash, Willow freed the robe, pulling them apart to reveal Tara’s naked body. Humming in approval as she took in the sight before her, Willow descended to leave a trail of tender kisses on Tara’s stomach, her tongue slipping out to lick the warm skin. Hands trailing up Tara’s legs, moving up to Tara’s thighs, drawing lazy circles on her skin. As Willow’s hand slipped between Tara’s legs, she felt Tara’s hand grab hold of hers, preventing her from doing so. Surprised, Willow’s eyes trailed up Tara’s body, finally settling on Tara’s eyes. What she saw in Tara’s eyes surprised her greatly, there was no sign of desire nor yearning, all Willow saw was fear. Seeing Willow gaze inquiringly at her this way, Tara couldn’t help but look away.



Bracing herself on one arm, Willow reached out to turn Tara’s face towards her, “Baby? What’s wrong? Don’t you want me anymore?”



“Gods Willow, how can you even say that? I still want you, I’ve always wanted you.” Came Tara’s rushed and shocked response.



“Then… Then why are you scared Tara?”



“I-I…”



Ring. Ring.



Came the distinct sound of the phone ringing, with the not so audible sigh of relief that escaped Tara’s lip, one that Willow did not miss. Shooting Tara a ‘we-are-not-done-with-this’ look, Willow slid off the table, picking up the phone to answer it, “Hello? Oh hey Giles, oh ok, we’ll be there soon. Bye.”



By the time Willow had put down the phone, Tara was already standing up against the kitchen sink, sash of the robe tied firmly in place once more. “That Mister Giles?”



“Yes…” Seeing Tara’s questioning glance, “He called to say he managed to contact Buffy, so we should go down now.”



“Oh ok, let’s go then.” Seeing the disappointed look on Willow’s face as Willow walked by, heading out of the kitchen, Tara reached out to grasp her hand. “I love you Willow.”



A part of Willow wanted to turn away, shake off Tara’s hands, to keep on walking upstairs and get changed. But a bigger part of her held her back as she heard Tara’s voice and the words being said. Turning around, she allowed Tara to pull her into an embrace. Heading resting against the crook of Tara’s neck, held firmly in Tara’s arms, Willow felt the safeness and security of Tara’s embrace, Willow knew she was home. “I love you too Tara.”



Tara held Willow tighter in their embrace. Half her wanted her to bolt, half wanted her to stay.



***



“Adam! How could you disappoint me?” Maggie Walsh lashed out furiously.



For once the cocky half man, half demon, look remorseful and downtrodden. Head hung low, he mumbled something.



“What did you say Adam? Speak up! I can’t hear you.” Came his mother’s sharp voice again.



“I’m sorry mother, I underestimated her.”



“Didn’t I already warn you to weary of her Adam?”



“You did. But mother, she’s just like any other vampire, I can take her down easily.”



“No Adam, she is not just like any other vampire. She is Tara Maclay, the strongest, the fastest and the swiftest of the lot. She is their legend Adam. Everyone knows her and they all fear her. Just imagine Adam, once she is captured, we are able to do our research and from her DNA, I can find ways to make you strong Adam, just like her. You will be unstoppable my child. But till that happens Adam, keep in mind, the only advantage we have over her is that whilst she’s alone, we have an army and we have various forms of technology. So use it Adam, and use it wisely.”



“I’m sorry, I will keep that in mind the next time we capture her.”



Exasperated with the outcome of the attack, Maggie Walsh let out a huge sigh before continuing, “Forget it Adam. There will be other chances. I’ve done a background check on the girl whom you spoke of previously, the witch. She has a dorm room on the university campus she studies at. Here’s the address, I suspect Tara may have gone to her for help. Pay her a little visit Adam and don’t you dare underestimate her this time.”



Committing to memory the address, Adam asked, “Yes mother, is that all mother?”



“One more thing Adam.”



“Yes mother?”



“Don’t you dare come back empty handed this time round. I want the dhmpire and I want her alive.”



***



to be continued



Cassie

My whole life I've loved only one person, that person was you.

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 12/26/03 3:07 am

[intricate mirage]

Helllooo Kittens!



Here's some individual replies and the long overdued update



Shinnen - Hey dude! Thanks for the feedback Yeah it was quite a bittersweet update I guess, mixture of emotions. Enjoy the update



StrangeQuark - Yo! Uh huh, definitely angsty There's much angst coming along still, so be prepared



bluewillowwitch - Hey Grace! Quite a mind boggling update wasn't it? Willow wants this.. Tara wants that.. Willow doesn't want this.. Tara doesn't want that... Yes definitely some hard time ahead



TaraBaby77 - Yo dude!

Quote:

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Great update. Isn't love one of the hardest things to deal with, especially if you are half human, half vampire, in love with a human.

---

Uh huh, yup, couldn't agree with you more



pacou - Viv! Ha! You finally read! Oohh you want excellent smutty goodness? Well, we'll see how, no promises dude



barnabasvamp - Hey hey!

Quote:

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Angst- much??

---

And it ain't stopping here dude, think we'll be turning up the angst factor even more

Quote:

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Kinda like good news, bad news. I love you, but I won't change you forever! Whew.

---

This was just so funny Thanks for reading dude!



Tempest Duer - Hey there!

Quote:

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It almost makes me forget that there is a bit of evil in Tara... because after all she is half vamp.

---

*nods* Yup, sometimes we just forget that Tara is half vamp, but that's a very important fact that we must never forget.



Alright, that about does it for replies, up next is update



And yup, big thanks to Rachael too! She rocks!



Cassie

My whole life I've loved only one person, that person was you.

[sabina]

Hi there



It's great to see an update of this fic, I had missed it



I'm really starting to get confused... I can understand why Tara doesn't want to turn Willow, even though dmphires are half human they still have to hunt and kill to feed and they still are persecuted just like ordinary vampires.

But why doesn't Tara let Willow make love to her?



I'm really curious to see where you are going with this



More soon?

---

"I know I was born and I know that I'll die.

The in between is mine.

I am mine!" - Pearl Jam

[willowsgirl]

Hey sweetie!

I really liked this update, very interesting. I agree with Sabina, why wont Tara let Willow make love to her? Hmmm...

Well, you made me think, so you must be doing something right! Very well written, hope to read more soon



Stacey xxx

Tara ignored him. "Your interruption has left me high and, well... I hardly think dry is the word." Returning home by tempest duer