fic- Do Your Best and Don't Worry

[hermitstull]

Maudmac-

Mmm, wow. Thank you SO much. I'm glad that you've stuck with this story and it has taken you on a great ride just like it has for me.



I'm especially glad that you've enjoyed what I've done with Willow and Tara so far. Yes, they are growing up and changing in all aspects of their lives. And Sunnydale may not be enough for them anymore. Tara has a lot of potential, given her similar yet different past from what we know. But she's still our Tara at heart. As well as Willow. The past year has taught her a lot about loss, love and redemption.



But there's still more to learn and more to tell.



My goal with Do Your Best was to create a new universe for our girls to dwell and continue to grow. Full of old and new characters, and I'm glad that it's working so well for you.



Thanks again and have a nice holiday!



hermitstull

Edited by: Warduke at: 1/2/03 8:29:36 pm

[hermitstull]

Greetings all-

Here's a little reading for when you're reading for a break from your inlaws. I hope that everyone has a great holiday and look for part three over the weekend.







Part 2

Author's note:

A few weeks have passed since the end of Hell Bent and everyone is preparing for the final fight in a traditional manner.





It's been a year or two since I was out on the floor

Shaking booty, making sweet love all the night

It's time I got back to the good life

It's time I got back, it's time I got back

And I don't even know how I got off the track

I wanna go back, yeah!



from The Good Life by Weezer













December 2002



“Are you sure this is the place?” Tara asked Willow as the pair pulled up to a large, run down building in the middle of nowhere. The pair had been heading north out of Sunnydale for almost an hour, following directions provided by Billy Joe to a place that “was one of the ones we use for luck on the big ones”.



“This is it,” Willow shut off the car. “Look, there’s Xander’s car and Buffy’s Jeep.”



“Okay,” Tara replied, unfastening her seat belt and getting out of the car. She smoothed down the front of her burgundy dress that came down to just above the knee. Tara looked across the hood of the car at Willow, who wore a similar vintage style dress in black.



“We don’t have to go,” Willow offered, rounding the car to Tara. “You know I’m not big with this attention or hanging with most of them.”



“I know,” Tara smiled and took Willow’s hand, “but I told Jay that we’d make an appearance tonight. We don’t have to stay long.”



“Okay,” Willow acquiesced and the pair headed for the door.



They neared the large building that appeared to have once been used for the storage of grain. The double main doors were securely locked, so the pair headed around the corner of the building, where they say several other vehicles parked.



“Must be a popular place,” Tara said, looking at Willow as they reached what looked to be the main entrance.



“For who?” Willow replied, opening the door.



A hard kicking swing beat greeted the pair as they walked into the room. At the far end of what definitely used to be a grain depo was a stage. A mostly human looking twenty-piece big band played. Off to the side of the stage sat several singers, one of who was standing, preparing to sing.



Stretching from the stage to where the girls stood was a huge dance floor, packed with humans, demons and everything in between. Along the sides of the floor were tables and benches that were also filled to capacity.



Tara noticed that everyone there was dressed in the same 1930’s and ‘40’s fashion that they were in. Including Kim, who has spotted the pair and was heading their direction. The doctor, on medical leave from County General in Chicago, wore a simple blue button down blouse with a charcoal gray skirt. Her shoulder length curly blonde hair was swept up into a French twist.



“Hey you two,” She greeted with a smile. “We were wondering if you were going to make it.”



“It took us a while, but here we are,” Willow replied smiling. She has spent a good amount of time with Kim over the last two weeks, getting to know her a little better. Willow couldn’t help but like Kim, even though she didn’t necessarily think that Jay was the best choice of partner.



“Come on,” Kim motioned for them to follow, “We’ve got a spot in the corner.”



The trio weaved through the crowd and across part of the dance floor to an area just below a small overhang. It was next to the makeshift bar and had a couple of couches along with tables.



Anya sat with Cleo and Claude on one of the couches. Ren and Paul sat facing them on two wooden chairs. Giles sat on a plush armchair looking on, sort of talking with Max who sat on a nearby backwards chair, but both were mostly watching the dance floor. Willow turned, trying to discern what held the watcher’s undivided attention.



“Jump, Jive and Wail’ had just stated up, and the floor was hopping. Especially where Giles and Max looking.



“Oh my,” Willow couldn’t help but smile. Buffy in a dark green dress and Billy Joe in WW II era Army uniform were tearing up the floor.



Kim and Tara turned, spotting the duo.



“Wait,” Kim said, nodding towards the other side of the floor.



A cheer when up as the crowd separated for a moment. Faith in a cream colored dress and Jay in a similar Army uniform had gathered their own group of on lookers, matching Billy Joe and Buffy move for move.



“I didn’t know Faith could move like that,” Tara said, leaning close to Willow.



“Or look like something other than a skank,” she replied, nodding in approval at Faith’s conservative outfit.



Tara looked up at Kim, noting the love that shone in the doctor’s eyes as he watched Jay and Faith swing dance.



“Shall we?” she asked, nodding at the floor.



“Sure,” Willow smiled, taking Tara’s hand and heading for the floor.



As they made their way to the floor, the fast tempo song ended, switching to a mid tempo tune, “More”. Not quite slow, but more of a couples kind of song.



Out of the corner of her eye, Willow saw Faith bow to Kim and relinquish Jay to her.



“This is their song,” Tara said to Willow, pulling the red head’s attention to her.



“Really,” Willow replied, “How do you know?”



“Jay was playing it the other day when we washed her car,” Tara explained. “She said they're both tired of slow, overly sweet songs. This one captures their feeling the best.”



Willow paused and listened. “It’s nice,” she agreed.



“…more than you’ll ever know, my arms long to hold you so, my life, will be in your keeping, waking sleeping, laughing, weeping. Longer than always, is a long, long time. But far beyond forever you’ll be mine. I know I never lived before, and my heart is very sure, no one else could love you more.”



The girls danced on, cheek-to-cheek as the song continued, listening to the lyrics and loving the contact that dancing gave them. Much to soon the song ended and moved back into a faster song, “Sing, Sing, Sing.”



Tara and Willow danced on happy to be together.



“This isn’t so bad,” Willow finally admitted a little while later as the pair twirled around the floor.



“No, it’s not actually,” Tara smiled and giggled. “Look,” she nodded at Xander who was out on the floor, trying to keep up with Buffy. The blonde slayer, on learning what style of dancing she would be required to do at this club, browbeat Billy Joe into some lessons. The pair had been meeting every day for a week so that Buffy wouldn’t “make an ass of herself. The slayer has a reputation to uphold.”



Xander, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky.



After several more tunes, Tara and Willow decided to take a breather. So far, all of the big band hits had been fast or mid tempo, and they wanted a couple of slower songs to dance to.



Jay sat in the group’s area, alone, watching Claude and Kim dance.



“Having a good time,” Jay asked the pair as they sat on the couch.



“Yeah,” Tara beamed and took Willow’s hand. She looked at Jay’s uniform. “Airborne?”



“Yep.” Jay nodded, looking down at the dark brown jacket. “My grandfather’s, actually. Jumped with the 502 on D-Day.”



“Wow,” Tara examined some of the jump patches on the jacket.



“So he didn’t work for the clans?” Willow asked.



“Grandpa? Sure he did. One of the few times the Council and the Clans worked together. He was in one of four units created, two for America, two for Britain that were made up of clan members and watchers. Saw a lot of hard combat, those units did.” Jay nodded to herself. She looked over at Willow. “ Plus, supernatural evil doesn’t take a break just because there’s a war going on. In fact, they try to take advantage of it.”



“Did he have any pre-jump traditions?” Tara asked. “Or is this exclusive to you guys?”



Jay chuckled. “It seems strange, yes, that two nights before a huge mission that we’re sitting here at an essentially demon night club that only is open sixteen days a year dancing to big band.” She shrugged. “But it works. This is the fifth time we’ve come here over the years. It’s fun. You meet interesting, and I use this term loosely, people. Takes your mind off of what’s to come.”



“So what’s the tradition for the night before?” Willow asked.



“Rest. Meditation. Reflection. Getting your affairs in order in case you don’t make it back,” Jay lost her upbeat

tone. “Saying goodbye to the ones you love and leave behind.”



The trio sat for a moment in silence.



“Hey,” Willow said, looking around for a moment, “where’s Lucas? Doesn’t he participate in your good luck traditions?”



“Nope, not usually,” Jay replied. “He needs a couple of days to prepare for the portal spells. I can open the door to prime for myself, but I need Lucas to help get everyone else through. He can find the door for you two,”



“But we have to open it,” Tara finished, “and enter that other reality.”



“Oh good news about that,” Jay said suddenly. “Mr. Hahn has arranged for someone to meet you once you enter the other reality. He’ll guide you to the fellow you’re looking for.”



“What?” Willow asked. “How is that possible?”



“Trade secret,” Jay replied. “Even I don’t know. Mr. Hahn has his ways, I guess. He’ll tell us all more tomorrow at the meeting.”



Jay looked over at the dance floor. The song was ending, as was Claude and Kim’s dance.



“If you’ll excuse me,” Jay said, standing. “My services are needed on the dance floor.”



Tara looked over at Kim who was making her way toward the group. She stopped at the edge of the floor. Smiling, she cocked her head slightly and put a hand on her hip.



Jay nodded at left Willow and Tara to their own devices.



“They’re kind of cute,” Willow said, as she watched Jay sweep Kim into her arms and half carry her back onto the floor. “If you’re into the slightly unstable dark future ruler of the baddest of the bad hell dimensions in existence that is.”



“Willow, be good,” Tara playfully swatted her girlfriend’s arm. “They are cute. And Jay’s been more like her old self these last two weeks. And Kim’s great.”



“She is,” Willow agreed. “I like her. I just don’t want to see her get hurt.”



“She won’t. Jay won’t let it happen. She could never hurt someone she loved like that.” Tara replied, sure.



Willow mentally shuttered, thinking back to the warehouse and Daphne. Willow had looked back as she helped Buffy around the corner. When she saw the blood, she wished she hadn’t.



Jay had done that to Daphne, and probably much worse before she killed her. And Daphne had been Jay’s first true love.



But Daphne was evil, so she got what she deserved. Hadn’t she?



“Hey,” Tara whispered in Willow’s ear. “Kind of busy up there now, isn’t it?”



“Yeah,” Willow turned and smiled at Tara’s concerned face. “Lot’s to think about.”



Tara looked over at the dance floor, where a slow song had started. Jay and Kim swayed together, holding each other tightly. Cleo and Billy Joe danced, laughing as something funny one of them had just said. Max was dancing with Faith, animated expressions on both of their faces. Giles danced with Buffy, both lost in quiet introspection. Claude and Anya moved to the music, Anya talking lively about something, Claude nodding in response. Xander sat with the three younger clan members from Chicago, Tom, Ren, and Paul at a table with a few human/demon hybrids, drinking and laughing about something.



“Are you ready?” Tara asked, looking over at Willow.



“For that dance? Sure.” Willow stood, offering Tara her hand.



The pair walked hand in hand to the dance floor.







TBC...





Endnote:

Jay and Kim's song, "More" is really a fantasic song about love. The version I'm using is sung by Bobby Darin and was recording in the 1960's. I highly recommend checking it out.

Edited by: Warduke at: 1/2/03 8:36:15 pm

[hermitstull]

Hello all-

Here's a bonus update! I was able to get more written over the holiday, so I'll have another update over the weekend.



Feedback most welcome.





Deep: Part 3a

Author's note:

It's now the morning before the big day. The final preparations are being made, and Willow has a few questions she'd like answered.





"Questons? Comments?"



Vampire Willow in Dopplegangland







Angel’s mansion was just as Willow remembered it. Except for the large boxes and computer equipment that were scattered about the main room. And furniture. Real furniture, not the sparse seating that Angel had favored. Not that the tortured vampire with a soul was much for company. Except for Buffy, but not her so much during their senior year of high school.



“Excuse me,” Tom said, maneuvering past Willow. He was carrying a large box that said server component b on the side.



“Oh hey Willow,” the young man greeted as he stepped past her.



“Hey,” she replied to his back. She continued into the mansion, looking around. Willow had left Tara sleeping and decided to check out things for herself. Both girls were supposed to meet with the Chicago team that afternoon, but Willow was more interested in the mysterious Mr. Hahn and wanted a chance to speak to him alone.



It seemed like years ago when the young woman had sat in Cleo’s Chicago office, learning about her duties for the clans. Willow had thought that she would be a more behind-the-scenes kind of gal, working much in the same way as the Chicago team’s shadow member, Mr. Hahn. It really had appealed to her, especially the not being on the front lines of danger all the time.



Now things were different. Willow knew that if she and Tara decided to accepted the mantel of the fated ones for the clans, that they could be fighting battles on two fronts: the demon and the human. And she knew that humans could be more cunning and cruel than any demon.



Willow paused and looked around the room, trying to find someone who could introduce her to Mr. Hahn. The large main room seemed to be empty, but she heard voices from the small garden off to the side of the main hall. It sounded like everyone was on a break.



As she headed towards the voices, the red head’s busy mind drifted back to the clans. Tara had talked about how difficult life could be when working for the clans. Much like Buffy’s life was when she was under Council control. But unlike Buffy, she and Tara weren’t slayers, only girls. Well, girls with powerful magical abilities, but basically just two college co-eds. Couldn’t they just walk away? Certainly the clans would realize that by saving one of their stars, Jay, that she and Tara were owed a little something.



But things never worked like that, did they?



Willow rounded the last stack of boxes entered the garden. Most of the Chicago team sat or stood in the morning sun, enjoying the California sunshine.



“Willow!” Billy Joe announced.



“Hey,” Willow gave a small smile.



Everyone else said their hellos as the red head walked over to one of her teachers.



“So what brings you here so early in the day,” Billy Joe asked, patting the spot next to him. “Don’t you have somewhere better to be?”



“Well,” Willow blushed a little.



“So how is Tara?” Cleo asked, appearing next to the seated pair. She had a small plate of breakfast foods in her hand.



“Fine,” Willow beamed. “She’s sleeping. I thought I’d let her rest while I came over here to check things out.”



Billy Joe and Cleo exchanged looks.



“You want to meet Mr. Hahn,” Billy Joe said.



“Yeah,” Willow admitted. “I just do.” She added, trying to explain why.



“Come on,” Billy Joe said standing, “I’ll take you to him. He’s training with Jay in the basement.”



“This place has a basement?” Willow asked surprised, following Billy Joe. “After all these years, you think a girl would know.”



“Well, it’s not a true basement. It’s more like a large room with a dirt floor and a couple of entrances to the underground tunnels Sunnydale is so famous for.” Billy Joe lead Willow back through the main room and down a small partial hidden winding stairway. The roughly cut passage was dimly lit by naked light bulbs that hung haphazardly every ten feet or so.



“It’s a good dark and dank, don’t you think?” Billy Joe joked as they continued down the surprisingly long passage.



“One of the better ones I’ve seen,” Willow replied.



The sounds of fighting began to echo through the passage. As it became louder, she could hear an unfamiliar voice chanting.



“Hold on,” Billy Joe stopped Willow in front of a steel door.



“What’s going on in there?” she asked.



“Jay has to defeat a series of demon guards before she faces Demetrious. We can help her, by keeping some of the lesser beings off her back, but she has to take down the big ones. Mr. Hahn has been summoning these types of demons for the last few days so that Jay can get a little practice in.” Billy Joe explained.



“Like real, Mayor super snake sized demons?” Willow asked, nervous.



“Yep,” Billy Joe turned and pulled open a slat in the door and looked in. “Looks like their almost done.”



“And Mr. Hahn can control these things? This sounds really dangerous.”



“It is for Jay.” Billy Joe closed the slat. “But Mr. Hahn can send them back to where they came from if things go south.”



“He must have a lot of power.”



“Oh yeah.”



In the hall, the sounds of battle reached a fevered pitch. Mr. Hahn’s shouts also could be heard. After a moment, silence.



“We can head in,” Billy Joe said, grabbing the handle and pulling open the massive door.



“Some room. More like cavern,” Willow mumbled as she stepped into the huge space. It looked to be a few stories tall and just as wide, with a hard packed dirt floor. The walls were rough cut stone, broken by other metal doors that must have led to the tunnel systems.



About thirty feet from where they stood, Willow saw a short elderly Asian man standing in front of a heaving, sweat soaked, blood covered Jay who stood at strict attention. The man, Mr. Hahn was saying something harshly to the fighter in his native language.



“Man,” Billy Joe winced after listening a moment to Mr. Hahn’s tirade.



“What?” Willow asked, unable to understand.



“Basically he’s ripping Jay a new one. She’s faced this demon three times and still hasn’t come close to beating it. So he’s pissed.”



Mr. Hahn smacked Jay on the side of the head with his hand and shoved her back. He spat something at her in his language then turned, ignoring Jay as she sunk to her knees in exhaustion mixed with pain.



Billy Joe began to rush forward, but a stern look from Mr. Hahn stopped him in place.



“Miss Rosenberg,” Mr. Hahn greeted with a warm and genuine smile. “It is an honor to meet you,” he added in perfect English.



“Thanks,” Willow replied, still a little unnerved by what she had just witnessed.



“Come,” Mr. Hahn stepped forward and headed for the stairs. “I know you have many questions about what is to come. Let us adjourn to a more pleasant setting.”



Without a look back, he started up the stairs. Willow reluctantly followed. Billy Joe lingered, concerned over how hurt Jay was.



“Mr. Peterson,” Mr. Hahn commanded.



Reluctantly, Billy Joe turned and hurried to join the pair on the stairs, leaving Jay to fall completely to the ground alone.







TBC...

Edited by: Warduke at: 1/2/03 8:36:10 pm

[xita]

All caught up again. I am getting excited over the big day coming up , I really enjoyed the next to last update where you had everyone caring for one another and having a good time. SInce I last replied Tara realized how much she could love Willow.

If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.

Tallulah Bankhead

[Grimlock72]

Heh, well you know me... I'm all for Willow and Tara walking far away from any clan. This one final job should be enough, kinda pointless to keep risking your life for other people if you can't have somewhat of a life yourself. Unless you like it that way of course, somehow I doubt Willow does.



I wonder why they would need Willow or Tara if mr. Hahn is so powerfull. Same goes a bit for Jay. Speaking of her, mr. Hahn might consider actually training her in defeating such demons as opposed to yell at her. Yelling is really an obsolete teaching method. (not that I like Jay all of a sudden, more like that method is not going to work)



Still waiting for Willow and Tara to find out about Lucas' forgetspell and anything else the clan is not telling them. I have no doubt they're not telling them everything because they might say no then.



I definitly vote for Willow and Tara going far, FAR away from the clans after the big fight and life a long and peacefull life in some far-away-country. Esp. without Jay or Lucas around, heh...



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[hermitstull]

Hello everyone, happy weekend. Part 3b will be up sometime late afternoon or evening Saturday.



Replies to replies:

Xita: Thanks! I've spent a good amount of time painting a harsh picture of the clans and the people in them. I wanted to show that they are human too, and are very good friends.



And yes, Tara is a little in awe of the depth of her feelings. She isn't naive in the ways of love, like our Tara was, but she has never been truely in love. It is a blessing and a challenge for her.



Grimmy: Mr. Hahn-Power: He is quite powerful, but not as powerful as Willow and Tara. Plus, he's not in sync with the rest of the coven: Lucas, the Wonder Twins, and our girls. (Check the early chapters of Hell Bent.) Which we'll see a little more of later.

Mr. Hahn-Training: He's old, old school, where praise is sparse at best. Sort of the spare the rod, spoil the child theory. You'll see some of it's affects in a later post.



And Willow and Tara will end this with a good life together.

(Good, but not perfect.)



Thanks all-

hermitstull

Edited by: Warduke at: 1/2/03 8:35:59 pm

[maudmac]

Hey, hermitstull. Nice to come back from Christmas (bleh) and find two updates.



Yeah, it's nice to see everyone just hanging out, being normal people sometimes. Because that's really what they'd probably be doing most of the time and it's good that you're showing that aspect of them and their relationships, apart from their clan duties.



I have to say, I'd like to still be reading about Willow and Tara's clan adventures five years from now. You've created an infinite universe for them and I'd love to see you using it's mythology for as long as you feel like writing within it. There's really no end to the stories you could tell here.

Don't lick my EYE!---Margaret Cho

[hermitstull]

Hello everyone!



First a reply-

Maudmac: Yes, quality down time is good. Espeically since there won't be a lot of that once Deep kicks into high gear.

My hope is to be able to start a new series based on this trilogy with Willow and Tara front and center in a brave new world. I've got some ideas for the future, definately.



And now the update. I'll have another post by mid next week.





Deep: Part 3b



Author's note: Willow gets to know Mr. Hahn's and the clan's philosophy a little better.



If you point your questions,

The fog will surely chew you up,

But if you want the answers,

You better get ready for the fire,

Get ready for the fire



from Suggestions by System of a Down











Willow and Mr. Hahn sat in a small office off to the side of the main hall. It was bare of all furniture except for two leather stuffed chairs with a small table in between them. The walls were the same drab gray that the rest of the mansion was. A window, with the curtains opened wide, provided the only source of light the young woman could see.



“So many rooms,” Willow said to herself. “Guess that’s why it’s a mansion.”



“Sit,” Mr. Hahn motioned to one of the chairs. Willow complied.



Before she could get settled, in rushed Paul, carrying a serving tray loaded with various breakfast foods, fruit, coffee and juice. Without a word, he set the tray on the small table and quickly left.



“Tsk,” Mr. Hahn said, looking at the tray. “These young ones,” he said in a disapproving tone, “such little attention to detail. In my day, the tray would have been here waiting.”



“It’s okay, really,” Willow said, causing the older man to look up surprised.



“It is most certainly not,” Mr. Hahn chaffed for a moment, then relaxed. “You wished to see me, alone.” Mr. Hahn changed the subject. “Curious I suppose about who I am and what I do.”



“Yes,” Willow replied. Mr. Hahn’s brusque manner was a tad unsettling to her.



“Miss Dotzler has told you that you have been chosen to become a shadow member like myself for a new type of team. You are wondering just what kinds of details are found in that job.”



Willow nodded. “That’s one of the things I was wondering about. But actually, I was wondering about a couple of other,”



“It is a difficult job,” Mr. Hahn began, cutting her off. “You will be the heart and the mind of the team. Guiding them not only on missions, but on a spiritual path as well. Many of the warriors and magic users are quite powerful, and are easily swayed by the dark forces they are immersed in.” He paused, studying Willow more closely. “But you already know about those powers, reformed dark witch?”



Without waiting for a response from a sputtering Willow, he continued. “It will require a firm hand, strict discipline, especially in the early years. You will be very much involved in the day-to-day lives of your team for some time, but eventually they will understand and be able to do for themselves. You will still be needed, however. As the most powerful member of the team, you will have access to things they do not and can not know about.”



“Like how you were able to find Tara and I a guide in the alternate reality,” Willow asked.



“Yes,” Mr. Hahn gave her a tight smile. “And you will have to train your team to deal with all situations imaginable. Such as Miss Reed and the demon guards.” He shook his head in disappointment. “She may fall short, since she is unable to beat the last demon, but it will not be because of a lack of preparation. Another important lesson will be when to use powers and when not to waste them. Some times it is difficult, and there will be battles that you will not win. Such as the use of magic in Mr. Redding’s case.” His tone held more displeasure. “Such a waste of a talented sorcerer to heal.”



He looked over at Willow. “But the most important job will be as strategist. To not get mired in the little details, as Miss Dotzler often does, and be able to see the big picture.”



He suddenly looked tired. “My greatest failure as a teacher was to get them to understand that. All of this Daphne business could have been avoided if they had attacked soon after Miss Reed was lost. The fallen one would have been destroyed and perhaps Miss Reed could have been found sooner. But no,” Mr. Hahn’s voice became touched with anger. “They insisted to travel to that small town to tell a child that Miss Reed was missing.” He scoffed. “As if a child, whose loves are fickle and fleeting, would shed more than a few tears for someone they barely had seen for several years. No matter how exceptional they felt young Mrs. McClay was.”



Willow felt her anger rise at Mr. Hahn’s dismissal of Tara. But Mr. Hahn continued before she could respond.



“But now she is your Tara,” Mr. Hahn nodded. “And she is exceptional to you and to us as well. She must be, for she is critical to this entire operation. But you are the linchpin. Without you, none of this would be possible.”



“And what is this?” Willow asked. “I’m still not a hundred percent sure what I’m supposed to do.”



“There are seven keys for you to carry Willow,” Mr. Hahn replied. “The first key will be for you to find the solution in the alternate reality. My guide will help you find him. The next key is you will need to make sure he returns with you to this reality. He will want to undoubtedly, but others may not be so willing to let him go. But time is critical. You must get back here before Miss Reed faces Demetrious in prime. Those first two will be the most difficult for an untested youngster as yourself.”



Again, Willow began to speak, but Mr. Hahn oblivious and uncaring, continued. “The third key will be for you to travel with the solution to prime at the precise moment that Miss Reed is to battle Demetrious. Too soon, the power will be wasted. Too late, the power will go to Demetrious. The fourth key belongs only to you. For only you are connected to Tara well enough to receive the power she will send you. In turn, you will send that power to Miss Reed so that she may defeat Demetrious.”



Mr. Hahn paused, taking a sip of water. “The next two keys depend on the outcome of the battle. If Miss Reed wins, the solution will take over and your part is done. That is the best option, key five. Six is also possible. If she loses, you will still have great power, and can funnel that into the solution. He is our alternate if Miss Reed fails.”



“And the seventh key?”



“No matter what, you are to get out of there as quickly as possible. Miss Reed winning or losing does not matter. Once you’ve passed all the power that you can, leave.”



“What about the others? The Chicago team?”



“They are expendable, either way,” Mr. Hahn answered without remorse. “Such is the way of the clans. They will be honored as all great heroes have been honored.”



“And that is?” Willow asked.



“Their names will be added to the wall of honor at our most sacred place and their families will be compensated accordingly. A chronicle of all their missions will become required reading for all those training in hopes of joining a team. As was my brother’s name was so honored many years ago.”



“I’m sorry to hear that,” Willow offered sincerely.



“Do not be sorry,” Mr. Hahn replied calmly. “He and his team died defeating a vampire lord and his minions. It was a worthy sacrifice, a glorious victory, that saved the world yet again.”



Mr. Hahn added proudly. “My family has served the clans for several generations. There is no member of my family who is not named on the wall of honor during that time. My name will be added as well. My team is one of the greatest in the modern era of the clans.”



“So I’ve been told,” Willow replied, pausing. “Look, I’m sure that we can have a good heart to heart about how to manage a superstar team later. Right now I need to know more about this Demetrious deal.” She gave Mr. Hahn her best resolve face. “I know it’s a trade secret or whatever, but I want to know more about this guide you’ve got lined up for Tara and I. How did you do it? Who is it? Can we really trust them? And isn’t everything in that dimension evil? Which takes me back to question one.”



Mr. Hahn thought for a moment. Willow could see he was quickly deciding how much to tell her. And probably how much of the truth he could include in those statements and not get himself in trouble.



“Without going into a detailed history of our people,” Mr. Hahn began, “it will be difficult to come up with a totally satisfying answer. Let’s just say that the clans have known about this reality for some time. We have sent many teams over the millennia to this realm for various reasons. Some gateways,” Mr. Hahn’s tone became ominous, “can only be closed from the other side.”



Willow shuttered at the thought of someone from this world being trapped there.



“But times, and technology have changed. We now have ways to monitor activity in such places. And we do. Miss Reed has been particularly successful in making inroads into dimensions and realities that we’re once unavailable to the clans. She has always been quite popular with the unseemly types and has cultivated many allies in these places.”



“Great,” Willow replied unenthusiastically as her opinion of Jay was lowered another notch.



Mr. Hahn could easily read Willow’s disapproval. “There are always shades to evil, Willow,” Mr. Hahn looked closely at the red head. “You have worked with many beings in the past who many would consider evil. Angel, for example, despite his soul is still a powerful killer. And more recently, Spike, who has helped you and your friends many times in the last two years. And your best friend’s former fiancée, Anyanka. She was quite the vengeance demon in her day and will be so again. And that’s just a few of the more demonic associates you’ve had. Shall I discuss the Initiative?”



“I get your point,” Willow shot back.



“Do you?” Mr. Hahn asked pointedly. “The world, both human and otherwise, is not concrete in its workings. The white hats, as you Americans so fond of, don’t always wear white. We of the clans, unlike the Council, acknowledge that aspect of what we do. We are good, but not pure. That is why you have been chosen to work with us.”



“Because I was evil. I get that.”



“No, not just because of your power or your capability for darkness. You are able to see many sides to a situation. A skill that many of the younger generation lack, yet one that is so desperately needed.”



“Oh,” Willow said, somewhat mollified.



“But I digress,” Mr. Hahn’s calm demeanor returned. “As I was saying, the clans have many allies with other realms. One being in the reality you are about to enter. But that is a wild and chaotic existence. It is quite evil, yes, and most of it is not friendly to the clans. But there are a few who are willing to help, who we help out in return.”



“How?” Willow pushed. “What can you offer that they don’t have access to? Our worlds are basically the same, except for the demon aspect, correct?”



“I am not at liberty to answer that question,” Mr. Hahn replied. “But I do give you my word that you guide is a loyal servant. And the master has been a solid ally to the clans for quite some time.”



Mr. Hahn’s cell phone rang, abruptly ending their conversation as the older man answered it and quickly left the room.



Willow lingered a moment, thinking about what Mr. Hahn had told her. More and more, the clans sounded like a substitute for the Council. Except that they didn’t hid their darker dealings as the Council seemed to. Or maybe, they only hid their darkest dealings. Evil did have many faces, but it still was evil. How many times had she seen someone heading down a dark path because they we’re trying to do something good. She herself had succumbed to it not even a year ago.



Willow stood and stretched. Snagging a banana off the table, she headed out the door and down the short hall that led to the main chamber. Peeling her snack, she continued to dwell on the concept of evil and the clans. Maybe, after time, you could learn how to tell what true evil was. The rest was just a little white lie. But didn’t a bunch of little white lies always lead to big trouble in the end. How many after school specials had pounded that into her brain during her childhood.



But this wasn’t some special starring a young Michelle Pfeiffer or Val Kilmer, this was reality. And the reality was that she, and Tara, were about to enter a murky world lit only by the shifting illumination between good and evil. Would that light be bright enough for them to tell things apart?



Willow rounded the corner, munching and thinking. She almost didn’t see Jay, sitting on a folding chair, Billy Joe and Cleo holding her up as Max reset her separated shoulder. Willow knew that sound though, of bone being forced back into place. She had heard it enough on Buffy over the years, and it still made her feel a little queasy.



The demon fighter looked better than she had in the basement. Her wounds were cleaned and dressed. Her clothes were fresh, and her hair was wet from what Willow supposed was a shower of some sort. Jay was sitting in a muscle shirt that revealed several dark and nasty bruises on her upper body and arms.



Willow slowed, unable to look away as Max finished with Jay’s shoulder. Jay happened to look up, locking eyes with Willow. She gave the red head a small grin.



“Good thing I have those enhanced healing powers,” Jay coughed wetly.



“This is bad,” Max said, laying a hand on Jay’s chest. He looked up at Billy Joe and Cleo. “Let’s get her upstairs where I can work.”



Billy Joe and Cleo stood on either side of Jay as the woman slow stood. Each took a side and helped her walk slowly towards the stairs at the back of the room.



“Don’t worry,” Claude’s voice said from behind Willow. “She’ll be fine by nightfall.”



“How can Mr. Hahn do that to her?” Willow shook her head. “What about tomorrow?”



“Like I said. Between her own healing ability and Max, she’ll be fine.” He looked down at Willow and gave her a small smile. “It’s been like this every day for the last week.”



“Mr. Vale,” Mr. Hahn’s stern voice rang through the room. “Your assistance please.”



With a nod, Claude turned and hurried over to Mr. Hahn who was unpacking more computer components.



Willow turned and headed towards the door and back home to Tara.







TBC...

Edited by: Warduke at: 1/2/03 8:35:55 pm

[Grimlock72]

What the heck do they need all those computers for ? Building a transporter into that hell dimension ? I figured that would be done magically.



Hahn seems like a good strategist but a bad leader as far as motivating people goes. Just look at how he failed to get the team to listen when going after Daphne, which would have been the easier way. Granted, that would leave Willow without Tara which would not be good...still....



I fail to see how Jay is supposed to learn/train from fighting the demon over and over again. Clearly she needs some pointers in HOW to defeat it since brute force doesn't seem to work.



Interesting how mr. Hahn made it a point to say there are shades of evil. Usually when someone says that they themselves have done or will do things that are generally considered evil. But when they do it is for a higher good and thus can't be evil. I don't particlairly like people who think that way, 'ends justifies means' to an extreme...



Yeah, Willow does know how darkness feels and how it can pull you in. That experience may well help her teach other people and help them to prevent it for themselves. Willow's relation to the clan isn't that stable though, mostly through Tara and somewhat Billy Joe. Working for the 'greater good' sucks, kinda robs you of your own life which makes it sort of pointless...(and round we go)



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[hermitstull]

Hey Grimmy-

All the high tech stuff will be explained as we go. The clans are less inhibited about using everything at their disposal. Even some things that may not necessiarily go together at first glance.



Mr. Hahn's relationship with Jay will get a little more explination as this story progresses. He is good at getting the job done, but getting there isn't always easy.



The nature of good and evil is a big part of this story. The clans, just as the Council, do work for good. But are their methods was many would consider moral or ethitical or good? No. But are they always bad? No. Hence the shades. Mr. Hahn is well aware of his methods and the clans' methods. That's why he points out the same, albeit less, questionable characteristic in the Scooby past.



In the Buffyvese, the basis for all of this, it's always about the greater good. That someone has to be there to protect the rest of us, or we all fall. It can be a thankless and painful job, but necessary. Willow, to me, has already accepted her part in the eternal struggle of good vs evil. The question is whether or not she can have some sort of real life outside her day job as cool monster fighter.



And the clans, with all their faults, will in the end give Willow the best opitions for that life.





Thanks for the feedback!

hermitstull

Edited by: Warduke at: 1/2/03 8:27:15 pm

[hermitstull]

HAPPY NEW YEAR!



Hello all-

I hope that 2003 is as good or better that 2002. Here is the first post of the Do Your Best:D eep saga for the new year.

(And it's a long one.)



Enjoy!





Deep: Part 4



Author's note:

Some quality time for our girls before the super sized Scooby meeting.

And more of Lucas's past is revealed.





Oh, the deeper I spin

Oh, the hunter will sin for your ivory skin

Took a drive in the dirty rain

To a place where the wind calls your name

Under the trees the river laughing at you and me

Hallelujah, heavens white rose

The doors you open I just can't close





from Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses by U2









At that moment, Tara was sitting on the back deck of the Summers' house, enjoying the late morning. The day had started out cool, but had warmed enough to allow Tara to sit outside. She had brought her favorite blanket and a small radio to keep her company until Willow got home.



Leaning back, she reached out and turned up the radio that sat on a small table next to her. The station, here considered an oldies station, was what had been popular in her world when she left. Little things still amused Tara about this reality. Like how pop culture, despite having very similar starts, was so different from what she knew.



Take this song, “Proud Mary”. It had just come out when she went into to hospital for the final time. Ike and Tina Turner were a young couple from the South, discovered by Quincy Jones, the hottest producer of the day and founder of Arista Records. Tara smiled, remembering how Kendra had always told Tara she had a little soul in her, given her love of R&B, soul, and funk music.



Here, this song was almost forty years old. Tina Turner had left Ike and was popular all on her own. They had made a movie of her life and her struggles to make it back to the spotlight. Quincy Jones, also from another generation, was still a producer. But someone else had founded his record company. And that person, Clive something, was even older and had left to start a new company that featured teen groups that dominated the modern music scene.



She smiled to herself, remembering Dawn’s shock at Tara’s backward knowledge of the current pop world. The teen was well versed, and with the help of something called MTV, she had spent one afternoon updating Tara on what was cool now.



Tara opened the small folded piece of paper on her lap. Willow had left her a note, letting her know why she wasn’t there this morning.





Baby-

I’m sorry for not being here to welcome you to another day. But my head woke the rest of me up today, reminding me of a few things I want to get done before this afternoon. I’m going to see if I can speak with this Mr. Hahn character. He seems pretty shady to me.



I’ll be home in a couple of hours for some pre-extended Scooby meeting snuggles.



Yours always-

Willow





Tara’s mind drifted through various scenes from the last couple of weeks. She and Willow had been training non-stop, both physically and magically to prepare for their mission.



They had faced several more tests, passing them all, but none as bad as their fight with Jay. She had crammed all sorts of information about various demons, humans, and hybrids into her head in order to understand about where she was going. Tara and Willow also had studied about the shaky societal structure of that reality. But that information was several years old, and things most likely had changed since then.



It would be a difficult trip, to put it mildly, but Tara felt sure that she and Willow would be successful. So much depended on it. After so many years of fighting demons, vampires, and evil in general, Tara occasionally found herself growing wearing of the battle. Of course, saving the world and all of the innocent people in it was important, and that was always good motivation. But sometimes, sometimes, it took a little more personal spin. That there was a specific someone or something she wanted to save.



This time it was Jay. Jay who had been such a good friend to her in her reality, and to Tara in this one as well. But this Jay was so much sadder, so much darker, than the one she had known. Of course, the Jay she knew, the one that had died when Tara was in middle school, could have gone down the same path. Fate, Tara supposed, had seen otherwise.



A sudden memory stirred at the thought of fate.





“And so you took it upon yourself to change fate,” Mr. Rouse sneered at Lucas. “For what? Power and glory?” Mr. Rouse’s face changed to one of mock surprise. “No, for you it’s about control.”



“It’s not about power or control you fool,” Lucas replied harshly. “This is the best time. If I had waited for fate to decide, the world would be destroyed.”



“Oh, and you know this,” Mr. Rouse scoffed. “because you and fate are old school chums?”



“I know because…”





A hand on her shoulder startled Tara, causing the memory to dissipate.



“Hey,” Willow smiled, kneeling down next to her love.



“Hey,” Tara smiled.



“Are you okay?” Willow asked, concerned. When she had slipped out onto the deck, Tara had been starring off blankly, frozen in place.



“Yeah,” Tara shook her head. “I,” she paused, “I just remembered something. But I don’t know from what.”



“Maybe it’s something from Tara’s past,” Willow offered.



“No, I don’t think so,” Tara thought for a moment. She looked over at Willow. “Lucas was in it. And I didn’t know him before.”



“Oh,” Willow replied. This was the third time Tara had remembered something odd, something involving Lucas. At first, Willow thought it might just be snippets from training. Little things the blonde had forgotten about in the blur of activity that had been the last month or so. But now, it felt different.



“Someone else was there too,” Tara stretched her mind, trying to recall, but not quite grasping what she was reaching for. “They were talking about, something. Fate, I think.”



She looked over at Willow. “It was fate. I was thinking about fate just before the memory hit me.”



“Hmm,” Willow stood and pulled another chair next to

Tara. “Maybe we should ask Lucas about it?”



“No,” Tara said, her voice strong. “No, not yet,” she looked at Willow. “It doesn’t feel right Will. I have to know more before we talk to anyone about this.”



“Okay,” Willow reluctantly.



“So tell me about Mr. Hahn,” Tara said taking the red head’s hand in hers. “Was he what you expected?”



“Yes, and no,” Willow answered. She told Tara almost word for word her conversation with the shadow member of the Chicago team and her experience with Jay at the end of her visit. Tara held her tongue, despite her rising ire over Mr. Hahn’s treatment of her girlfriend.



“And then he got a phone call and left,” Willow finished. “I didn’t get to ask him everything I wanted to know.”



“Sounds like the shadow member my Jay told me about,” Tara shook her head sadly. “All she would ever say about him is how great a trainer he was. About how much he had taught them all. But in the same breath she would call him an asshole and curse his name. And he’s supposed to be one of the better ones too.”



“Sad then,” Willow replied. “And how he treated Jay. Man, he just left her there on the floor, bleeding and broken. If it wasn’t for Max, Jay probably would’ve been in the hospital today.”



“You’re not like that,” Tara said.



“Darn tootin’,” Willow agreed.



“But you might have to be. Just a little,” Tara added. “Sometimes you have to be a little harsh to get things done in the clan system.”



“I don’t know. I can’t be that cold to someone I’m supposed to care about. Even if I only care just a little.”



“Well, you don’t have to decide today,” Tara squeezed Willow’s hand. “I believe some snuggles were promised once you got back?”



Willow beamed and stood. Taking Tara’s hand, she led the blonde into the house, both girls silently pondering what would happen if Willow did get her own team to train. And to what ends she might have to go to for the sake of the greater good.







1970



Lucas walked through the dusty stacks of the university’s main library. It was late, around one am, and this section was always empty. He had passed a handful of graduate students, all clustered in alcoves near the elevator. The elders on the Council told him that at one time this part of the great library would have been packed with youngsters studying the myths and legends of times gone by.



But times were changing, as was Lucas. He had all but decided to resign from the Council and join the clans. Those fools on the Council, they could never comprehend the seriousness of this situation. Just because that line of slayers had decided to break from their control, the prophecy was invalidated. Even after checking with his contacts at the infamous Wolfram and Hart, the Council still wouldn’t believe him. Oh well, that part of his life would soon be over.



Lucas moved deeper into the stacks, glancing at books that seemed to tower into infinity. It created a very mysterious and dramatic atmosphere, and his contact always loved drama. He reached the table in the farthest recess of the floor and sat down. His contact was late, as usual. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was the information.



Lucas didn’t see the blonde vampire slip around the corner from the other side of the stacks and slowly approach the table. But he did hear him.



“You need to work on that,” Lucas said calmly. “I thought vampires were supposed to be good at sneaking up on people.” He turned and looked up, surprised to see Spike.



“Where’s Doc tonight?” He asked.



“He sent me on this little errand,” Spike replied, “Too busy to deal with the likes of you.” He paused, brow furrowed. “Say, don’t I know you mate?”



“I met with Drucilla about three years ago. You threatened to kill me.”



“Oh yeah,” Spike smiled, remembering the wonderful party Drucilla had thrown back in England. Sometimes he missed his homeland, but not much.



“So here it is then,” he tossed down a manila envelope. “This is all that Doc could find out about whatever it is you’re looking for.”



Lucas pulled out a small book from his coat. “And here is the book Doc was looking for.” He handed it to Spike.



“Okay then,” Spike took the book. “Good luck to you mate.” He sauntered off in the direction he came from.



An even trade, Lucas supposed. The details on the Beast, a fallen hell god sometimes called Glorificus, who was to be born again in the form of a man, for a reading from the closest thing to fate one could find.



Lucas needed to know more about the prophecy and what exactly happens in the future. He also needed to know the details of how Jay Reed, now a toddler, would be killed nearly twenty years from now.



Lucas opened the envelope and sorted through its contents. He smiled. Doc was such a stickler for detail, nothing had been left out. Including the original translation done by one of the acolytes that severed the demon Doc had gotten the information from. Settling down in the chair, Lucas began to read.



So many things had changed in his life, and when he finally put down the papers three hours later, he realized that he hadn’t seen the half of it.





TBC...

Edited by: Warduke at: 1/2/03 8:35:50 pm

[maudmac]

Oooh! The plot thickens.



I like that you're underscoring the moral ambiguity here. Because very few things really are black and white. It's a sophisticated story that explores the gray.



Hey, hermitstull, maybe you could start posting in the update thread when you post an update? A lot of folks look in there to see what stories have been updated. Just a suggestion.

Don't lick my EYE!---Margaret Cho

[hermitstull]

Maudmac: Silly me! I totally forgot about the update thread. Thanks for the info.



And yes, things are going to get a little more murky before they clear.





Hello all-

Things are moving along for me in this story, so here's another update. Part 5 will be split into several parts, since it contains all the events leading up to everyone's departure for other locations.



I'll have another part up probably sometime Friday night or Saturday. Enjoy!







Deep: Part 5



Author's note: It's the begining of the end, or the end of the begining depending on your point of view. It's now the afternoon before Willow, Tara, and the Chicago team depart. And like all big tests, a review session is in order.







Tomorrow

will it really come?

and if it does come

will I still be human?

All I ask of you is the one thing that you never do

would you put your arms around me?

I won't tell anyone

Tomorrow, does it have to come?



from Tomorrow by Morrissey







2002



“You know, you’d think one would get a taste for this kind of stuff,” Xander said to Buffy as the pair seated themselves on a couch in Angel’s mansion.



“Our meetings are more fun,” Buffy said, looking around at the transformed room. When Angel lived here, it had been Spartan in décor. Now it seemed more like a home someone could actually live in. She and Xander were seated in one of three smaller couches that formed a semi-circle around the fireplace. Several other plush chairs had been pulled over to accommodate the group. Buffy looked around, noting a complex looking computer set up behind her in the other part of the room. Near the entrance to the small garden area were more chairs and couches clustered around a good-sized television. Next to the TV was a small stereo. Overall, the place now had a lived in feel, and it was nice.



“That’s true,” Xander agreed. “At least we have donuts.”



“Glazed or cream filled,” Willow asked, holding two boxes in front of Xander. He quickly turned around and smiled up at her, and Tara, who had just arrived.



“You are a Goddess,” Xander replied, taking one of the boxes from his friend.



Tara and Willow rounded the couch, and sat down on the one to the right of it.



“How are things in the Wicca world,” Buffy asked, taking a glazed donut from the box on Xander’s lap.



“Good,” Willow smiled. She looked around the empty room. “Where is everyone else?” Willow asked. “It’s almost three.”



“I don’t know,” Buffy replied. “Haven’t seen anyone.”



“Since the door was open, we just let ourselves in,” Xander added.



Tara was about to add something when she felt a pressure on the back on her head. She swooned a little, falling into Willow.



“Baby,” Willow asked, fighting down panic as she comforted the blonde.



“Their coming,” Tara mumbled.



Buffy and Xander flew out of their seats, ready for a fight.



The space between the couches and the computer equipment began to shimmer. After a moment, several humanesque figures began to form. With a flash, the Chicago team and Mr. Hahn appeared. All were in combat gear and looked as if they had just put it to good use.



“Jesus,” Billy Joe spat at Mr. Hahn. “Do you think you could have made that any worse for us? Come on,” he threw his arms up in disgust.



“I think I’m going to be sick,” a very pale looking Jay said, hobbling over to one of the chairs by the television. Max followed her quickly, knowing that she hadn’t fully recovered from this morning’s training with Mr. Hahn.



“Mr. Peterson,” Mr. Hahn said harshly. “Do not question me. As I said earlier, the situation required our attention.”



“Right,” Billy Joe replied sarcastically. “Because none of the other hundred or so teams could have taken care of that.”



“No,” Mr. Hahn replied. “It is done. The situation is over.” He took a step closer to the taller man. “And you will never challenge me again. Especially not in front of others. You may think that you have outgrown my skills, but you are sorely mistaken.”



Billy Joe seethed with rage. “How dare you,” he began.



Cleo grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “Now is not the time,” she said softly, but intensely. “Shut up.”



“Hey guys,” Claude said loudly, looking over at the Scoobies seated on the couches, watching the argument with interest. “It must be time for the meeting.” He added a little too cheerily.



“Hey,” Buffy greeted warily.



Claude’s clothes shimmered and were replaced by jeans and a Sex Pistol’s T-shirt. “Where’s the rest of the gang?”



“They’re not with you?” Xander asked.



“Movies,” Cleo answered. She too had magically changed into tailored black pants and a cream colored blouse. “They were going to see the new James Bond flick at one. They should be back any moment.”



As if on cue, voices could be heard coming from the far end of the hall from by the computer equipment. Ren, Paul, Tom, and Faith made their way into the room.



The quartet quickly assessed that something wasn’t quite right with the group before them. To Faith, Buffy looked as if she was about to slay something.



“What’s up,” the dark slayer asked casually, looking around for a moment. Her brown eyes settled on Buffy.



“Good question,” Buffy replied. She looked over at Jay and Max, still in their combat gear. Max was kneeling next to Jay who was doubled over, clutching her abdomen. As she watched, he reached out and placed both hands on Jay’s side and began to chant softly.



“I thought you guys said that this was a routine thing,” Tom asked, looking over at Cleo



“Not now kid,” Billy Joe replied, his outfit now jeans and a black Gabrielle sweatshirt.



“No. Now.” Willow said standing. “What ever you just did, it made Tara sick. And obviously,” she looked at Jay and Max, “re-injured Jay.” She looked pointedly at Mr. Hahn in a black business suit. “And how critical was this situation that you had to complete it less than one day before we leave for the demon reality and prime.”



“Do you have it?” Mr. Hahn asked.



“Yes,” Jay stood slowly. She walked over to Willow, pulling something out from behind her body armor on her chest. It was a small medallion.



“Here,” she said, handing it to Willow. “This is for your mission. Another team was supposed to get it for you, but they failed.”



“They suck is more like it,” Billy Joe said under his breath.



“It’s added protection,” Jay pulled out another medallion and handed it to Tara. “Against the nastiness in that realm.”



“Against black magic,” Tara said, looking up at Jay who nodded.



“It was made in a time when that reality was still friendly to humans,” Mr. Hahn explained, “one of the few enchanted items that hasn’t been tainted. It will protect you not only from magic, but it will bolster your powers. As long as they’re based in light.”



“It’s even supposed to make you invisible to some kinds of demons,” Claude added. “But that’s just a legend.”



“Um, thanks,” Willow replied, sitting down. The dichotomy of the clans was a puzzle to her. On one hand, they seemed pretty ruthless and cold. Using whatever means necessary to achieve the goal they sought. But then, they go and do something like this. Finding these medals to help protect her and Tara. Of course, that would ultimately help the clans if she and Tara were successful. So maybe they weren’t so nice after all.



“It was Jay’s idea,” Cleo said, looking at her friend, who had changed into black jeans and a black Farscape shirt. “She had Mr. Hahn track it down. It was in one of the milder hell dimensions.”



“Wasn’t as mild as we thought,” Jay added sarcastically. She slowly sank down next to Willow and Tara on their couch. “Got I hate slime,” she said absently.



Max, now in tan Dockers and a mock dark blue turtleneck, stood and looked at Jay.



“You really should be resting,” he said, crossing over to the couches.



“No,” Jay replied. “Now that the gang’s all here, let’s get this thing over with. I’ve got more important things to do today. No offense.” She gave Willow and Tara a small grin.



“These meetings with Mr. Hahn are always so boring,” she added, snagging a donut from the box on Xander’s lap.



Mr. Hahn looked at the group assembled before him. Frowning he asked, “Aren’t there two more?”



“Giles is in England, remember, settling his affairs.” Buffy explained. “He’ll be back late tonight.”



“And Anya is working,” Claude added. “You know D’Hoffryn is.”



“You will be responsible then for informing them of what transpired at this meeting.” Mr. Hahn looked from Buffy to Claude. He looked over at Jay, who had dozed off after eating her donut.



“And Miss Reed as well,” he added with an amused grin.



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



The meeting really was short, just a little over an hour. The Scoobies and the Chicago team had been conferencing almost every day for the past two weeks to formulate a plan and a schedule of events for the next seven days. After much intense discussion, they had come up with something all could live with.



Tomorrow in the late morning, the Chicago team, along with Willow, Tara, and Buffy would meet at the mansion. The team would depart for prime and begin their journey to the heart of hell to face Demetrious at his stronghold. Willow and Tara would be transported to what was considered Sunnydale in the demon reality. There, Mr. Hahn’s guide would meet them and take them to gather the solution.



Those left behind, Xander, Giles, and Anya from the Scoobies, Mr. Hahn, Lucas, Faith, Tom, Paul, and Ren from the clans would take turns in a round the clock guard of the portals opened in the mansion. They would be a magnet for beings from this reality and others to try to cross over. Demetrious also had agents in this reality that would try to prevent Willow and Tara from returning to join the coven that would provide Jay the needed power boost at the appointed time.



On the seventh day, Willow and Tara would return with the solution to their Sunnydale. The Wonder Twins, the remaining two members of the coven, would transport in from Australia, and the power transfer would begin. When the signal was sent from prime, Willow and the solution would be transported there. Willow to be the conduit for the coven’s power into Jay. Then the solution would take over.



“But I still don’t get how,” Willow said, looking at Tara as the pair sat with Billy Joe. The meeting had ended twenty minutes ago, but the post meeting chatter was still in full swing.



“Yeah, what problem is the solution to?” Tara added.



“No one knows the exact details of what is going to happen except for Mr. Hahn and Lucas. Their minds are the most shielded against any probing from the forces of darkness. And I suspect even they don't really know what’s going to happen after Jay offs Demy. I do know,” Billy Joe leaned in a little, “that there will be a few minutes before the full powers of prime take Jay over. Sort of the build up to godhood. Something must happen during that time so that Jay doesn’t have to accept the mantel.”



“Doesn’t she have to die then?” Tara asked. “Isn’t that the only way that someone can take over the mantle of the ruler of prime?” Tara’s heart sank at the thought.



“And what about the whole descendent deal?” Willow’s mind was spinning with possibilities. “Jay’s immediate family is all dead, right? Who can take over for her?” Willow paused and added in a soft voice, “who would want to?”



“All good questions guys, but I don’t have access to those answers.” Billy Joe shrugged. “I just have faith that everything will work out for the best. Hopefully we’ll get a little of what we want in that too.”



A series of beeps and ring tones echoed throughout the main hall. Almost everyone looked down at their waste or pulled out a cell phone from their pocket.



“Ah, the music of modern technology,” Willow said to Tara, the only other person in the room without a cellular device besides herself.



“A little too dissonant for my taste,” Tara replied with a small grin.



“That was my wife,” Billy Joe said, finishing the text on his pager. “She’s just landed at the airport.” He stood, and then paused. Looking down at the girls before him, he said, “I just want to say this in case I never get the chance to in the future.” He smiled. “I am so filled with joy that Tara found you Willow. Someone who could be her friend, her comfort, her equal in all ways. Your love is a rare and true one. Always remember to cherish it.” Billy Joe leaned down and gave each girl a light kiss on the cheek.



With a little wave, he was gone.



“Wow, that was really nice,” Willow said, looking at the older man’s retreating back. Of all the Chicago people, Billy Joe was her favorite and the one she felt the closest to. He was the only person who had ever had the patience to teach her how to dance well.



“Yeah,” Tara said, her eyes misting.



In tacit agreement, the two stood and said their goodbyes to the remaining members from the meeting. Everyone had his or her own plans to get to for the last night before trotting on the road to the last confrontation.





TBC...

Edited by: Warduke at: 1/2/03 8:34:03 pm

[hermitstull]

Hello all-

Yes, another update. My sleep schedule is all wacko right now so there might even be another one tomorrow night. Maybe.



Anyway, happy weekend to all. Feedback is much appreciated.







Deep: Part 5b

Author's note: The Scooby Gang and the Chicago team prepare for one of the toughest gigs they've ever had. We start with the slayers, the demon, and the carpenter.







Someone's gonna ask you

What it’s all about

Stick around nostalgia

Won't let you down

Someone's gonna ask you

What it’s all about

Whatcha gonna have

To say for yourself?



from Praise Chorus by Jimmy Eat World







For Faith and Buffy, it was business as usual. The pair had met up just after sunset to begin their nightly patrol of the town. It was a rare situation for the girls, both so used to being in the center of the fray, yet relegated to the near sidelines for this one. For Buffy, it was almost a welcomed change.



“So how ya hangin’ in their B,” Faith asked. During her time in Sunnydale, the gang had filled her in on the events of the past year.



“Okay,” Buffy replied, looking over at the dark slayer. Try as she might, Buffy felt her friendly affection for Faith returning. The wild child she had met three years ago had been changed by her time in prison and by her training with Lucas. She was still wild, but knew how to control that side of herself much better.



“Good,” Faith replied awkwardly.



Buffy quirked an eyebrow at her friend. “Ask.”



Faith blushed a little. “What was it like? What was it like in heaven?”



Buffy paused for a moment. A year ago she could have barely even stand hearing the word, more or less have to think about all she had given up by coming back to Earth. Time had tempered her thoughts and feelings.



“It was. It’s almost indescribable,” Buffy stared across the cemetery the girls were ambling through. “It’s not what you think it is, that’s for sure. You’re not sitting on a cloud surrounded by fat little Angels playing harps while you eat bon-bon’s for all eternity.”



Faith chuckled at Buffy’s description.



“It was light, bright white light, but it didn’t burn. I didn’t feel or see anyone I knew. I never say my mom,” Buffy said a little sadly. “That would have been nice. And I didn’t hear anyone’s thoughts or know anything about how things were going here. But I did feel love. All encompassing love and peace. I was done. My duty was done and I could rest.”



“Wow.”



“Yeah,” Buffy gave a small smile. “And it was so hard to return here. To feel so alone, and not just in the ‘we’re all alone in life’ kind of way. Everything was jagged, sharp, and hard. And my friends.” Buffy shook her head. “I love them all dearly, and I really do understand why they did what they did. Heck, I probably would have done the same thing if I could. But part of me,” Buffy said quietly. “Part of me will never be able to totally forgive them for what took me away from. And that hurts more than anything else in this or any other reality.”



She looked over at Faith. “But I do love them all. And am so glad to have the chance to have more time with them. And to get to see you, the new you,” Buffy smiled.



“Thanks,” Faith grinned, happy and surprised at Buffy’s confidence.



“Duck,” Buffy said quickly as a vampire rushed up and took a swing at Faith’s head.



Faith ducked and rolled out of the way as the nightly dance she and Buffy performed began.



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



“I don’t know how you do it sweetie,” Halfrek said to Anya as the pair sat inside Hallie’s favorite Starbucks in midtown Manhattan. “Vengeance all day, working with the Scoobies during your free time. And running your own successful business. You are a wonder.”



“I try,” Anya said, smiling a little. “It is difficult, but rewarding. I am glad though,” she added. “That D’Hoffryn was able to assign someone else to that part of California. Xander and his friends would never understand and I don’t want to have to face them.”



“They never do,” Hallie agreed.



“That’s until vengeance is sitting on their chest while it makes a pretty pattern with their entrails,” Anya added for

effect. “Then they’re all ‘oh vengeance, I understand what you mean now’.”



The two vengeance, or as they now liked to be called, justice demons, shared a chuckle.



“So tell me more about this business with Jay and her overly attractive group,” Hallie asked. “I hear the underworld is abuzz with news about the prime prophecy.”



“You know Jay,” Anya replied. “She never gives up the good gossip. They’ve been sitting on this for years and no one in the underworld knew that their best buddy was slated to be the queen of the hell worlds.”



“Is she going to take the mantle,” Hallie asked.



“If she has to, she will,” Anya explained. “But she really doesn’t want to. Jay’s found love. Real love, not love for the sake of revenge like with Daphne. She wants to have some sort of life. Get out of the business I think. Maybe go into semi-retirement.”



“Semi-retirement?” Hallie scoffed. “Honey, you and I both know that the only way those clans people ever leave their jobs is through death or dismemberment. No one has ever just walked away from their full time commitment from them. Or at least since we’ve been around.”



“True,” Anya agreed, taking a sip of her Venti Vanilla Latte, “But that whole group is special. If anyone can get away, it’d be them.”



“Care to place a little wager on that?” Hallie asked, quirking a brow.



“An opportunity to increase my money?” Anya beamed. “Sure.”



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



“Thanks for having us over Xander,” Tom said, plopping down on the couch. Ren quickly joined him. Paul took up residence on the floor in front of them.



“Nothing like quality video entertainment to ease the mind before an apocalypse,” Xander replied smiling. He offered the small stack of videos to Tom.



“Oh, Charlie’s Angels!” Ren beamed. “I love this movie.”



Tom snorted.



“Hey!” she slapped her friend lightly on the arm. “Yeah, I know. Lots of T &A with questionable dialogue and impossible feats. Who cares! It’s not supposed to be Shakespeare, it’s supposed to be fun.”



“Whatever,” Tom replied sarcastically. “Tell me it’s not about Cameron Diaz’s T&A.”



“And when is that such a bad thing,” Xander asked, grinning at Ren.



“Thank you,” Ren nodded.



“Wow Xander,” Paul said, holding up a video box, “American History X.”



“Have you seen it?”



“Only parts,” Paul replied, looking at the controversial movie that dealt with racism. “It was intense.”



“Oh yeah. But it’s really thought provoking. Willow and I talked for weeks after we watched that the first time. But it’s kind of dark,” he added. “And sad. I don’t know if we want to do that so much tonight.”



“You’re right,” Paul said, setting the cassette down. “Maybe after all this is done.”



“So how many is this for you Xander,” Tom asked.



“Movie nights?” Xander replied, confused. “Probably thousands.”



“No, I mean this. The night before the start of the end?”



“Oh,” Xander thought for a moment. “At first, ever night was the night of the end. I mean, look at my best friends. Sure, we didn’t know about Willow’s power at first, but she has always been strong. Now she’s more so.”



“So you feel okay then,” Paul added. “They can protect you.”



“Oh no. I never feel one hundred percent okay. Buffy and Willow can’t be there all the time. And this apartment has the new dry wall to prove it. But I’ve learned how to handle myself. When to fight and when to get the heck out of there. So every night doesn’t have to be the start of the end. It’s the start of a new beginning. A new chance for good to take the place of bad.”



“Wow, that’s a great attitude,” Ren was amazed.



“It works for me. Most of the time,” Xander gave a small smile. “It’s all in your attitude, that’s what I figure. And I try to stay as positive as I can these days.”



The quartet sat in silence for moment.



“Charlie’s Angels it is then,” Xander said, putting the video in and taking a seat on his recliner. “”Cause they’ve got plenty of attitude.”



“In all the right places,” Ren added with a wink at Xander.





TBC...



Endnote:

American History X is an excellent thought provoking dark movie starring Edward Norton that came out a few years ago. And I'm sure we've all seen or wanted to see Charlie's Angels (I have it on both VHS and DVD).

Edited by: hermitstull at: 1/4/03 1:17:42 am

[maudmac]

I like your insight into Buffy's attitude about being brought back, that a part of her can't really ever forgive them. It makes sense that she would feel that way, and the show was remiss for never delving into that.



One of the things I like most about your story, hermitstull is that you write the characters at least as well as and usually better than ME did. You can write them as complex, fallible characters without making them unlikeable.



I'm looking forward to the big battle, finding out what's going to happen with Jay, and how Tara and Willow are going to fit into the clans now.

Don't lick my EYE!---Margaret Cho

[Grimlock72]

Got that History X movie laying around somewhere, never watched precisely for the reasons Xander gave Bit too dark.



Anyway, in regard to the previous update; mr. Hahn is a horrible leader ain't he ? Being a leader based only on power you have is a stupid idea. That attitude will eventually work against him, maybe soon.



Soooo only Mr. Hahn and Lucas know whats going to happen, it's just to bad those are the people I trust least of the entire group. I like Billy Joe even though he doesn't seem to do much, at least he's honest and not all secretive.



I must admit it was nice of Jay to get those amulets, almost makes me like her again. That experience didn't exactly bring the team together though, if anything it caused a split. Not a wise idea so close to the big day (I think Willow commented on that already).



I wonder what EvilSunnydale will look like, probably not very pretty....



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[hermitstull]

Hey guys! A couple of replies to a couple of replies-



Maudmac: Thanks. I never liked how they handled Buffy's return. Obvously she had problems, that dragged out all season, but in the end they wern't really resolved. I chose to go with Buffy as more intelligent and caring than I've seen her lately.



We've got a little ways to go before we see what happens to everyone, but I can tell you that it'll be suprising.





Grimmy:Part of the problem with Mr. Hahn is, well, you'll see in either the very next post or the one after that. For many things, he has prepared the team very well. This just isn't one of them.



Mr. Hahn and Lucas, ultimately, are the ones who have been directing/planning this entire thing for years. And since they don't leave Sunnydale, it's a little safer that they're the only ones that know. But is it better? Hmm...



Jay and the rest of the team really do care about Willow and Tara's safety. They're just a little miffed on how Mr. Hahn handled the amulet situation. The clans have lots of other teams ano operatives that could have done the job. But not all of them are as reliable as the Chicago team.



And to everyone: Thank you! I'm so excited that Do Your Best is above 100 posts and has the little lightening sysmbol. Even better, almost up to 4,000 views!



The Kittens are AWESOME for helping to keep this story going. Thanks.



hermitstull

Edited by: hermitstull at: 1/4/03 10:06:23 am

[hermitstull]

Hello all-

Whew, what a weekend! Too bad mine was filled with work, work, work. Oh well. Anyhow, here's the next installment of Deep.



And in part 5d, there's a little bit of smut. My very first.



Without further ado...





Deep: Part 5c

Author's note:

The past. Can't live without it. Can't escape it. A tale of two Watchers. A brief history of one.





Excuse the bitching

I shouldn't complain

I should have no feeling

Cos feeling is pain

As everything I need

Is denied me

And everything I want

Is taken away from me

But who do I got to blame?

Nobody but me



from The Good Life by Weezer





The pilot’s voice announcing the final approach to Sunnydale woke Giles from his light slumber. After all these years of international travel, the Watcher had learned the benefits of sleeping whenever possible on airplanes. It made the time changes a little easier to handle.



Gathering his papers that were stacked on the empty seat next to him. Quentin’s note slipped out, causing Giles to remember the brief yet memorable meeting with the head of the Council.



“I hear that you’re working for the clans these days,” Quentin asked, stopping Giles in the hall one day at headquarters.



“Not so much as for,” Giles corrected. “Buffy and I are helping them with the Iantha prophecy.”



Quentin laughed. “No one ever just works with the clans, my dear fellow.” He paused, thinking. “Say, isn’t the prophecy Lucas Patee’s project.”



“He is involved,” Giles answered.



“Ah, Lucas,” Quentin sighed. “He and I were chums for many years. Went to school together. Joined the Council around the same time. A very gifted fellow in many ways, Lucas is.”



“I suppose,” Giles waited. Quentin had something he wanted to say.



“If I were you Rupert,” the older man said, leaning in just a little, “I’d be very careful around him. He could give me a run for my money, if you know what I mean.”



The pair exchanged meaningful looks.



“I see,” Giles replied, nodding.



“Good day then,” Quentin had said suddenly, and continued down the hall.



Later that day, a slim folder appeared in Giles’s bag. It contained some information on Lucas’s past and his dealings within the Council. Giles hadn’t really examined the folder until his flight home, and was surprised at what he had learned.



Lucas Patee had grown up with a series of Watchers, some of who had slayers in their care. He had been saved as a little boy in Paris by a slayer, who was killed several years later defending a young mother and child.



By age ten, Lucas had demonstrated amazing magical ability, and his ancestry had been traced to a line of powerful spell casters who had once dominated the old world. The line had been thought lost, when Lucas’s great-great grandmother had died without children. It seemed her sister, who had never shown any magical ability, had passed on the line, causing it to dormant until the birth of Lucas.



Lucas had received training from the finest witches and warlocks of the era, but opted to become a Watcher instead of entering the field of magic full time. And what a young Watcher he had been. An excellent teacher, even at a young age, and well versed in all sorts of demon and vampire lore.



There had been talk of him becoming head of the Council at one time. Then he found the book.



The book, a chronicle of what was referred to as the ‘slayer pissing match’, when several slayers and potential slayers had broke from the Council. The record was thought lost or destroyed, but the brilliant researcher Lucas had found it. He was a changed man from that moment on.



Giles skimmed the rest of the folder for the tenth time. With his own means, Lucas had found out more and more about the clans and the prophecy involving the decedents from a slayer named Iantha. Whose son was supposedly elevated to god somehow while the slayer was in hell for almost fourteen years.



Lucas, after repeated attempts to bring the prophecy to the Council’s attention, left in frustration and joined with the clans in the early 1970’s. Who happened to harbor Iantha’s family line. After that, the information was sketchy at best.The Council had watched Lucas’ activities off and on over the years, but the man was very good at controlling his own spin.



What had disturbed Giles the most in reading the account of Lucas Patee’s life was his single-minded determination to get what he thought was right. Of course, everything he had done was for the greater good and had saved countless lives along the way. But some resources should never be used, in Giles opinion.



“Sir,” a young perky fight attendant chirped in Giles’s ear, “could you please return your seat to an upright position. We’re about to land.”



“Yes. Sorry.” Giles gave her a sheepish smile and adjusted his seat. He pondered several options on what to do with this new information as the giant plane made its way towards mother Earth.



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



“Illuminate,” Lucas whispered as he stepped through the broken door. The room filled with soft light, the kind that wouldn’t attract attention from curious onlookers but would prevent a fall over something unseen.



The warlock was surprised that no one had bothered to clean the place up. After all, it had been almost a year and a half since Glory and her minions had lived in the upscale apartment. But that was Sunnydale. It was as if realtors knew what properties would be permanently tainted by their former occupants.



Lucas carefully walked further into the main room, past the curving staircase that led to the second floor. He paused, feeling the tinge of old magic. The power that Glory used to keep her human identity secret. The small spells and charms her minions had used for their own personal gain. And a faint hint of the growing dark power Willow had used when she first faced the hell god, filled with rage and grief. A hint of what was to come.



“It’s quite something, don’t you think,” Doc said as he exited what had once been Ben’s room. “All that power.” Doc shook his head. “Such a waste.”



“Depends on who you talk to,” Lucas replied, watching the demonic information merchant carefully. “Many are glad that the Beast was destroyed.”



“Well, I’m not part of that camp,” Doc gave a sad smile. “Chaos is quite beautiful when done properly. But I’m not talking about Glorificus. I’m talking about your present situation.”



“The infamous prophecy,” Lucas watched as Doc up righted a chair and took a seat.



“I suppose,” Doc sighed. “Little did I know that when I gave you that information thirty years ago how much you would change things.” The demon in human form gave Lucas a hard stare. “All portents pointed to success for many years. That’s until you interfered.”



“Those monks were already going to give the key human form,” Lucas replied. “I just gave them a couple of possibilities of who to send it to. It most certainly worked out for the best.” He paused, “For humanity, that is.”



“You can never underestimate a slayer I suppose,” Doc sighed again.



“So why are you here,” Lucas asked. “You’ve been following me for hours.”



“I just wanted to see,” Doc studied the man before him. “The man who changed so many fates. It does a lot when the people who are supposed to die live. It’s one of those moments that creates an alternate reality from the one that’s suppose to be.”



“I, for one, am willing to take that chance. The chance that the alternate is the lesser of two evils. Did you ever read what you gave me? What the future would have been for humanity?”



Doc shook his head no.



“It was horrible beyond description.” Lucas spun vivid images inside his mind. “The hells were preserved, oh yes. The prophecy girl had big plans, plans for expansion. She opened all the hell mouths in every reality, allowing untold evils to pour into unprepared humanity. So much pain, so much suffering.”



“These things go in cycles,” Doc interjected. “After a time, the forces of light would regroup and regain equal footing.”



Lucas gave a dry chuckle. “Not if they’ve been totally obliterated. By that time, the clans had connections in most of the know realms. The prophecy girl knew exactly where to hit, whom to kill, whom to turn. They wouldn’t stand a chance.”



“Such little faith,” Doc chided. “That’s the problem with you humans. Such little faith in the system. Sure, even now and then evil will rise up and make it’s play for dominating power. And for a time it will be in control. But the light will dawn eventually. I should know. I’ve seen it enough throughout the millennia.”



“I don’t have a millennia,” Lucas replied. “And I can’t wait. Humanity can’t afford to wait until things right themselves again. There would be no humanity left by then.”



“And you say that as if it’s a bad thing,” Doc chuckled. He stood and smoothed his black suit. “Well, I just wanted to see how you were. If age had given you the wisdom you so greatly coveted.”



Doc turned and headed for open doors to the balcony. He turned, eyes black, “There is always a price to pay when you alter fate,” he hissed sinisterly. “You might not be the one to pay it, but the debt is there. And the payment will be worse than you thought possible.” The tattered curtains by the door waved as Doc vanished into the night.



Lucas walked to the open doors and onto the balcony. All traces of Doc were gone. The former watcher, the valued advisor to the clans, the powerful warlock, and the man who felt the weight of the world on his shoulders looked across Sunnydale sighed.



“We shall see, Doc. We shall see.”





TBC....

[maudmac]

Oh, hermitstull, this is excellent. And ominous.



I like that Doc has such a different perspective on things, that he sees the biggest of all possible pictures, and doesn't consider what we might think of as an apocalypse to be all that bad. And then contrasted with Lucas' perspective that he doesn't have millenia...it's all very insightful. Damn good writing.



I can't wait to see what the payment will be.

Don't lick my EYE!---Margaret Cho

[Grimlock72]

Quote:

---

What had disturbed Giles the most in reading the account of Lucas Patee’s life was his single-minded determination to get what he thought was right.

---

I found the above quote significant in two ways:



1) Giles isn't all THAT different

2) I sooooo agree with his worries



Determination is good thing if you agree with the intended result and the sacrafices needed to make it happen. Once you don't agree with the means, determination becomes rather ugly...



Is there ANY proof this prophecy would come true at all ? After all, a prophecy is just a story written by someone... any mad man could come up with one. Why did Lucas choose this specific prophecy to follow?



So many clans, it's a miracle there has been no in-fighting yet. Bound to happen sooner or later, especially if some clans think of themselves as better and inform the others of that.



Still all those prophecies don't strike me as to truthfull really, the earth would have been gone already if all of those were true.



Why did Doc give whatever he did to Lucas ? Surely not out of the kindness of his heart. Lucas is acting based on a book he was given by Doc, that makes it all better....surely...



Doc's perspective is interesting, as it's directly opposite Lucas's view on things. Does make Doc a more interesting charachter, felt he was kinda wasted in season5 anyway. Hmm... there never were consequences to killing a Hellgod now were there ? Interesting...



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[hermitstull]

I'm going to try to post part 5d which will take us to the morning of the next day tonight. Hopefully.



And now for replies to the most excellent feedback-



Maudmac:Part of what we think of as evil is all about perspective, and Doc's is one that we never really got on the show. One that is never shown (not that I'm a big fan of evil or destruction in any way) or rarely explored.



Grimmy:Single minded determination is a cornerstone of a Watcher, and Lucas was at one point one of the best. And that blind eye to the world around you can make it easier to go places that aren't so good. Lucas's results have always been positive, so in a sense, he's never really been punished for the ways he does stuff.



Prophecies are tricky, yes indeed. In my thinking, certain things have to be in place to make sure that they happen, outside of the bulk of the prophecy. If the right elements aren't there, it's a bust. Lucas has seen that the elements are there, for the most part. And they would still be there even if Glory's chaos came to pass. That's why he took a book about Glory as payment to Doc for information about the future. He never saw Glory as a true end of days. (We'll see what Lucas sees for the future towards the end of Deep.)

"I was feared and worshiped across the mortal globe. At now I'm stuck at Sunnydale High. Mortal. Child. And I'm failing Math." Anya in Dopplegangland

[hermitstull]

Hello again-

So here it is, my very first small attempt at a little smut. More of an R than an NC-17. It's also the last part in update 5. Six will probably be up Wednesday or Thursday.



Again, pleae leave feedback.



Here goes nothing-



Deep: Part 5d

Author's note:

To be safe, this part is rated somewhere between R-NC17 for all the little kittens out there.



Two couples face an uncertain future. Together.





When the Earth was still flat,

and clouds made of fire,

and mountains stretched up to the sky,

sometimes higher.

Folks roamed the Earth like big rolling kegs.

They had two sets of arms,

they had two sets of legs, they had.

Two faces peering out of one giant head,

so they could watch all around them,

as they talked while they read.

And they never knew nothing of love.

It was before, the origin of love.



from Origin of Love from Hedwig and the Angry Inch





“This is nice,” Kim said, sinking deeper into Jay’s arms, her head resting on Jay’s chest. The pair sat on the back deck of a beachfront condo Jay had rented half and hour outside of Sunnydale.



“Oh yes,” Jay replied hugging Kim close. “The stars are so bright tonight.”



“It’s beautiful,” Kim looked up at her lover. “But they can’t touch you.”



Jay quirked an eyebrow and smiled. “My dear doctor, aren’t you quite the charmer.”



“I try,” Kim gave Jay’s chin a quick kiss and settled back down. It wasn’t the first time she had done this, sat up with Jay late into the night before a big mission. At first, Kim wasn’t sure if she could handle it. Mentally, Kim knew that what Jay did, as fantastic and unbelievable as it seemed, was so important. Critical to the world’s very existence.



But fear gripped her heart and held it in a vice until Jay was back in her arms. Each time, each mission, could be the last. Or worse, Jay could return, but different. As a vampire, or demon, or something else.



And for this mission, Kim felt deep in her bones, more so than any other time that the chance of Jay’s return was slim at best. And if Jay did return, she would be transformed into the highest form of evil. A demonic hell god bent on pain and suffering for all eternity. And Kim would love her anyway.



“Shh,” Jay kissed Kim’s hairline. “Quite down in that head of yours. Only good thoughts tonight.”



“It’s hard,” Kim whispered.



“I know,” Jay gave her love a sad smile. “But this night is about us. Not about the past, or the future, only the now.”



“It’s the now that hurts most of all,” Kim replied. “Now may be the last moment we have together.”



Jay fought back the tears at hearing the thin line of pain in her lover’s voice.



“If fate wills it so,” Jay replied softly, “then lets make it memorable. Let me spent my now loving you.” She leaned down and began to kiss and nibble Kim’s neck as her hands began to travel north from Kim’s stomach to her breasts.



“How I love you,” Kim said, moaning lightly and arching into Jay.



“I know.”



Kim turned her head. Jay brought her mouth down on Kim’s lips in love mixed with passion and sadness. It was the first of many times that night.



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



It was beyond description. Beyond all the languages ever created. Beyond any picture ever drawn. This feeling, this sensation, the pure bliss they felt after making love.



“I love you,” Willow said, rolling back on top of her blonde goddess, her Venus.



“I love you too,” Tara’s lips met Willow’s again and again, gently reaffirming the depth her feelings.



“I never thought I could feel this way again,” Willow said as she nestled the crook of Tara’s neck. “I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s so true. Goddess,” Willow’s voice filled with emotion. “thank you so much Tara. Thank you so much for taking a chance and coming here. And for taking a chance on being with me.”



“Oh sweetie,” Tara smiled as tears of joy pricked the corners of her eyes. “I’m the thankful one. You didn’t have to accept me at all. And you did.” Tara gave a wicked grin, “And you didn’t have to do that thing with your tongue. But you did.”



Willow blushed, remembering the passion they had shared many times that night.



“What we have,” Tara said, hugging her lover close, “it’s amazing. You’re amazing. It’s like the little secret everyone thinks they know, but they don’t for sure. Not until someone tells them it’s true.” She kissed the top of Willow’s head. “You’ve given me a whole new vocabulary love. A new and wonderful tale to tell, so I thank you.”



“What time is it,” Willow asked suddenly.



Tara glanced over at the clock next to the bed. “It’s a little past two,” Tara said. “Why?”



“Just wondering,” Willow kissed Tara’s collarbone. “How much more time we have left before we have to get ready.”



The girls hugged a little tighter at the thought of what was in store for them.



“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Willow said.



“We won’t let anything happen to each other,” Tara corrected with a smile. “No matter what, no matter what it takes, we’re gonna make it back.”



Willow leaned up and looked at Tara. “No matter what it takes,” she asked uncertainly.



Tara, sensing that perhaps she said something out of place, replied, “Sweetie, you know what I mean. We will do what it takes to keep each other safe, within reason.”



“Sorry,” Willow replied, shaking herself, “just a case of the wiggins here.”



“I love you,” Tara replied, kissing Willow lightly. “We should probably try to get a little sleep. Who knows what kind of rest we’ll be able to get later.”



“I love you too,” Willow replied, pulling the covers more securely over them.



As they drifted off to sleep, Willow couldn’t help but wonder why she felt so strange about Tara’s choice of words. ‘What ever it takes’ didn’t necessarily have to be bad. And if it came from Tara, it definitely wasn’t. But it bothered her just the same.



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



Day One: Morning

Sunnydale



The day, as expected, was bright and cheery. As all the dates with destiny were in Sunnydale. Tara luxuriated in the feeling of waking up with Willow, a very naked and incredibly sexy Willow, draped over her.



Tara began to hum as she used her hands to wake her lover up. Hands gently caressing Willow’s lower back, then traveling to her waist. Gently moving up her body, lingering on the sides of Willow’s breasts for a moment.



Tara felt Willow’s breath quicken on her neck as she slid her hands a little more onto her breasts, catching the edges of nipples every now and then.



With a soft sigh of pleasure, Willow’s lips began to caress Tara’s neck, nibbling with teeth and licking with tongue. Humming turned to moaning when Willow brought her teeth to Tara’s neck.



Tara’s hands became more insistent on having full access to Willow’s breasts.



With a small laugh, Willow sat up and straddled Tara’s body, lightly grinding into the lower body of her blonde beauty. Tara’s hands were quickly joined by her mouth. She sucked greedily on Willow’s left breast, taking the nipple between her teeth, caressing the tip with her tongue.



“Tara,” Willow half spoke, half moaned. “What you do to me.”



The red head looked down as the blonde released her teeth. Willow brought her lips crashing down onto Tara’s, her tongue sweeping into the warm haven of Tara’s mouth.



Tara’s hand grasped Willow’s waist and pulled the other girl tightly against her body. Willow’s rose up a little and slide her legs around Tara’s waist, grinding against Tara’s stomach as their tongues battled for entrance into the other’s mouth.



Tara’s right hand slide from Willow’s waist to in between their bodies, seeking out Willow’s center, causing the red head to pull her mouth away from Tara and cry out in pleasure.



Tara looked into Willow’s fiery green eyes. “I love you,” she said, reaching Willow’s deepest depths.



With a loud drawn out cry of Tara’s name Willow came.



“So beautiful,” Tara whispered as Willow collapsed into her.



After a moment, Willow pulled back a little so she could see Tara’s face. With a crooked smile, she said, “And good morning to you.”



“Mmm,” Tara gave Willow a lazy smile. “It’s only good when I wake up with you.”



Willow cupped Tara’s face with her hands, “So, so good.” She leaned in and began to kiss Tara, mapping the contour of her love’s face.



When she finally reached Tara’s lips, the gentleness was replaced by heat. Willow burned for Tara in all ways. Emotional, intellectual, and right now, physical. She leaned into Tara, causing the blonde to fall back into the bed. Willow settled herself in between Tara’s legs, lightly running her hands along the blonde’s sides.



“Is there time,” Tara gasped as Willow’s mouth found Tara’s taught nipple.



“Oh yes,” Willow said, smiling as she looked up, “oh yes.”





TBC...

"I was feared and worshiped across the mortal globe. At now I'm stuck at Sunnydale High. Mortal. Child. And I'm failing Math." Anya in Dopplegangland

Edited by: hermitstull at: 1/8/03 6:57:52 pm

[hermitstull]

Hey there-

For those of you who've been reading this and wondering "in the first part's part Part 3, how did Willow get to Jay's car so fast" wonder no more.



It seems that I forgot to post the opening scene of part 3 all those months ago. It's just a short little transition that in my couple of hundred of times of re-reading this thread I managed to miss until just now.



So, head on back to page one of this thread and check out the new and improved part three of Do Your Best and Don't Worry.



Whoops!

hermitstull

"I was feared and worshiped across the mortal globe. At now I'm stuck at Sunnydale High. Mortal. Child. And I'm failing Math." Anya in Dopplegangland

[WonderAnt]

hey! i love the update. it was soo incredibly sweet with jay and kim, and then willow and tara waking up together <-- ya gotta appreciate the little things in life.. and not bad for your first attempt at smuttiness cuz hey i was all with the for sure

ill have to go back and check out that updated scene now.. keep up the great work!!

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

These endless days are finally ending in a blaze --------------

[Grimlock72]

Good thing that Willow doesn't like a line like 'whatever it takes'. It's likely to unconditional for her anyway. Maybe she has a better idea what 'whatever' might become if it's unlimited...



It's sweet to say all of them preparing for the day ahead. Have to admire courage like that in all of them.



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[hermitstull]

Hello again!



First a couple of replies:



WonderAnt: Great to see you're still hanging with this tale! Thanks. I wanted to give the couples a little quality time together before things got crazy.



Grimmy: Tara is focused on sucess for everyone, which is good. But how focused? We'll see. Remember, she is Tara, but not the same Tara. Seven years of fighting the good fight can change a girl.



And thanks. I wanted to give everyone a moment of calm before the storm. Now it's time to begin to look for cover.









And now to the healthy sized update-



Deep: Part 6

Author's note: And so it begins! Just a little catch up with those we didn't see in part 5 and we're off. Oh, and a big cliffhanger at the end of this one.



..instead of asking him how much of your time is left

ask him how much of your mind baby,

'cuz in this life

things are much harder than in the afterworld,

in this life,

you're on your own.

So if the elevator tries to break down

go crazy

punch a higher floor..



from Let's Go Crazy by Prince







“So how was the card game,” Jay asked Max as the pair packed the team’s backpacks for the trip to prime. The core Chicago team members had met at sunrise to start preparations, as they always did before the big missions.



“Excellent,” Max said with a grin. “I cleaned up. They never saw it coming.” He paused and smiled. “God I love Vegas. And I love how I can fly out there, have a great time, and be back all within twelve hours.”



“Speak for yourself,” Claude said, setting down a box next to the pair. “Mr. Lucky Pants may have won, but I lost. Oh, how much I lost.”



“Dude,” Max looked at his taller friend. “I told you not to play at the Stratosphere. You never win.”



“Whatever,” Claude huffed. He reached into the box and began to pull the specially made goggles out. Guaranteed to protect tender human eyes from the dangers of brimstone flakes. The eye ware contained a small camera in each pair, so that Mr. Hahn could monitor the team’s progress and get a better map of the location. The equipment was one of the clan’s greatest achievements in the field of tech magic-the blending of modern technology and the mystic arts.



“How was your night?” Max asked Jay.



“Wonderful,” Jay replied with a sigh. “We made love for hours. Talked for hours. Watched the sun set and rise.” She turned at looked at her friend. “If we get through this, I’m going to ask her to marry me.”



“When we get through this,” Claude corrected, handing Jay her pair of goggles.



“And so I said, ‘yeah, right,’ and left,” Cleo’s voice came from around the corner. “As if that idiot would have any idea of how the public would react to something like that.”



“Not all of America is as progressive as we are,” Billy Joe replied. They were carrying extra body armor and weapons that would be needed in hell.



“But that producer was an idiot,” Cleo set her load down in front of Max and Jay. “If Queer as Folk is such a success, then you could have a drama with it’s main character gay and it could work. Cable or not.”



“You watch Queer as Folk?” Billy Joe asked, surprised. Cleo never watched television of any kind. She hated pop culture with a passion.



“So,” Cleo turned to see equally shocked expressions on Jay, Claude, and Max’s faces.



“It’s the end,” Jay said, matter-of-factly. “Next she’ll tell us that Britney Spears is her favorite singer.”



“Or that Justified should be the album of the year,” Max snickered.



“Come on guys,” Claude said seriously. “ It’s cool. Just as long as Cleo’s not you fooled by the rocks that she’s got, ‘cause, you know, she’s still Jenny from the Block.”



As if planned, Max, Claude, Jay, and Billy Joe broke into the current Jennifer Lopez hit.



After a moment, Cleo just shook her head and began to laugh.



“Whew,” Cleo said, fanning herself. “You are all too funny.”



“So your visit to LA went well?” Jay asked.



“Yep.” Cleo nodded. “Angel sends his best wishes and said to call him if they need help down here at the end of the week.”



“So do we have everything?” Billy Joe looked at the equipment before him.



“Yep,” Jay replied, zipping up the mid size light weight backpack she’d been stuffing. “This is the last of the packs. Claude’s finished tweaking the tech magic equipment.” She looked at her teammates, her best friends for most of her life, and smiled. “Let’s get ready.”



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



An hour later when Buffy, Willow, and Tara arrived, the joking and playful banter had been replaced by comfortable silence. Each member of the team was triple checking their supplies, going over strategies, and gathering their focus. The Chicago team would go depart first, followed moments later by Willow and Tara.



“Hey guys,” Billy Joe greeted with a warm smile. “Good night?”



“The best,” Tara replied and Willow smiled.



“And you?” Billy Joe asked the petite slayer.



“Good. Faith and I dusted a few vamps, kicked a little demon ass. Had a drink at the Bronze. And you?”



“Oh yeah,” Billy Joe smiled, remembering the romantic evening he and his wife of eight years, Erin, had shared.



“In Billy Joe speak,” Jay added sarcastically, “that’s ‘I can’t believe I can still walk after all that good lovin’ I had last night’.”



Billy Joe shoved Jay away playfully as Cleo’s musical laugher rang throughout the room.



“I could say the same for you punk,” Billy Joe tossed a nylon beanie to Jay. “I’ve never seen a demon leave that shaped mark on your,”



“Okay then,” Buffy interjected, cutting the demon fighter off. “So, how much longer before you go?”



“Lucas is setting up in the courtyard,” Cleo came over to the little group. “So in about twenty minutes or so.”



“Here you go,” Claude came over and gave Willow and Tara each a bag. “Here’s some extra gear for you to add to body armor. I can help you get it all set up before I go.”



“Thanks,” Willow replied as each girl took a bag.



“I guess we should get ready then,” Tara said, her clothes shimmering into the same type of body armor the Chicago team wore.



“Okay,” Willow replied, changing.







After some much needed assistance from Claude, Tara and Willow were ready. Buffy looked at her friends who sat on two folding chairs next to each other, holding hands and whispering. Buffy expertly assessed the weapons and other gear the pair carried. She studied the body armor, looking for any weak points that could be exploited. It looked tough, they looked tough. Almost as big the bad asses as the Chicago team was.



But looks weren’t everything, as Buffy learned long ago. Underneath all that Kevlar and steel, sat two wonderful, caring, and truly amazing women. Two of her dearest friends that deserved to be happy. Buffy vowed to help them as much as she could to make sure they would be.



“It’s time,” Mr. Hahn’s voice broke Buffy’s inner monologue. All eyes turned to the short elderly Asian man who stood at the open door to the courtyard.



“Okay,” Cleo replied, standing. “Whose turn is it?”



“Mine, oddly enough.” Jay replied.



“Which one?” Max asked.



“Number four, I think.” Jay replied.



“My favorite,” Billy Joe smiled.



The Chicago team huddled together in a circle, hands on each other’s shoulders, and much to Buffy’s surprise, began to sing. The words were simple, the tempo upbeat, and the message beautiful.



“Wherever you go

You know I’ll be there

If you go far,

You know I’ll be there

I’ll go anywhere,

So I’ll see you there

You place the name

You know I’ll be there

You name the time

You know I’ll be there

I’ll go anywhere

So I’ll see you there



I don’t care if you don’t mind

I’ll be there not far behind

I will dare

Keep in mind

I’ll be there for you



Where there’s truth

You know I’ll be there

Amongst the lies

You know I’ll be there

I’ll go anywhere

So I’ll see you there



I don’t care if you don’t mind

I’ll be there not far behind

I will dare

Keep in mind

I’ll be there for you



If you should fall

You know I’ll be there

To catch the call

You I’ll be there

I’ll go anywhere

So I’ll see you there



I don’t care if you don’t mind

I’ll be there not far behind

I will dare

Keep in mind

I don’t care

I’ll be there for you

I’ll be there for you”



The group finished and pulled back. Buffy looked on as Tara walked over and gave each one of them a hug and a kind word. She lingered on Jay and the pair shared a brief emotional exchange. Then they were gone. Out the door to the courtyard and into the deepest of hells.



“Wow,” Buffy said, walked over to Willow and Tara. The red head held Tara gently from behind as the blonde shed quiet tears over the departure of her friends.



“I know,” Willow replied, turning her head slightly from its position of Tara’s shoulder, but not letting the blonde go. “How come we don’t sing?”



“Are you really gonna go there?” Buffy asked, quirking an eyebrow.



Willow chuckled a little. “Oh yeah, how could I forget.” She squeezed Tara. “Are you going to be okay baby?”



“Yeah,” Tara replied, wiping her eyes. “Sorry.”



“Don’t be,” Willow replied, kissing Tara’s shoulder as she released her. “They’re your friends and you love them.”



“Thanks,” Tara smiled briefly.



“It’s time,” Mr. Hahn said, reappearing at the doorway to the courtyard. He looked at the trio of women. “Are you ready?”



“Just a moment,” Willow replied. Mr. Hahn nodded and retreated back outside.



“You two take care of each other,” Buffy said, pulling both girls into a fierce hug. “And don’t make me have to come get you.”



“We won’t,” Tara said, smiling. “You be careful too. Who knows what’s headed this way.”



“Stay safe,” Buffy’s eyes locked with Willow’s. “I love you.”



“I love you too,” Willow replied with a small smile. The pair turned to go.



“Wait!” Anya popped in suddenly. “Hold on! Don’t leave yet!”



“Anya?” Buffy was surprised. “What’s up?”



“The others sent me to give you guys this,” Anya handed an envelop to Tara. “It’s from Xander, Dawn, and Giles. Read it when you get a chance.”



“Thanks,” Tara smiled and tucked the envelope in a safe place under her chest plate.



“Oh,” Anya pulled a small amulet from her pocket. “This is for you Willow. It’s from D’Hoffryn.”



“Okay,” Willow’s reluctantly took token.



“It’s not bad or anything,” Anya tried to explain. “Or at least I think it’s not. Anyway, he likes you and wanted to you take along a little extra something. He said you’d know if and when you need to use it.” She patted the red head on the arm. “He holds out hope that one day you’ll come into the fold.”



“Thanks,” Willow said, a little disturbed but grateful for the thought.



“Ladies,” Mr. Hahn’s voice broke the moment again. “We can not wait any longer.”



With a wave from Tara and a thumbs up from Willow, the pair followed Mr. Hahn to the courtyard.



Lucas sat inside a circle, chanting softly. To his left was a small dark opening, to his right was a larger, slightly less dark opening.



“I’m guessing we’re the one on the right,” Willow looked at Mr. Hahn.



“Correct. Tara if you please.”



Tara nodded and focused her power, causing the opening to get bigger. Willow could begin to make the shapes of structures as she peered into the darkness. Finally a clear oval appeared, big enough for two people to easily pass through.



A mirror image of the courtyard stood before them, just on the other side of the portal.



“Here goes nothing,” Willow said, taking Tara’s hand as the pair stepped through into the beckoning darkness.



Willow felt as if she was moving in slow motion as she and Tara pushed their way through the barrier between realities. After a moment’s disorientation, the girls arrived at their destination.



What they thought was the courtyard was really just a broken wall. Around them was devastation. The rest of the building was in ruble, plants brown, and the air stagnant, carrying a faint smell of rotting flesh.



“Brave new world, isn’t it,” a voice cheerily said from behind them.



Tara and Willow spun, eyes wide in shock at the sight of who was to lead them through this valley of darkness.





TBC...





Endnotes:

The song the Chicago team sings is "Poprocks and Coke" by Green Day. I've thought it's a good song about friendship for a long time.



And, for the record, I enjoy pop music quite a bit. Cleo's teasing is just a moment of fun and not intented to offend any Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, or J-Lo fans out there.

"I was feared and worshiped across the mortal globe. At now I'm stuck at Sunnydale High. Mortal. Child. And I'm failing Math." Anya in Dopplegangland

[maudmac]

hermitstull, excellent update, as usual. And so much tension! Everything's really coming to a head now.



I like the camaraderie each group has. You can really feel how much they all care about each other.



I hope we don't have to wait too long to see who's going to lead Willow and Tara around over there. So beautiful, them just standing there, Willow holding Tara before they went through the portal. Just perfect.

Don't lick my EYE!---Margaret Cho

[hermitstull]

Maudmac



We'll have a few more scenes of the group and individuals as we go. Sort of seeing things in slightly different perspectives as we approach day seven. I'm trying to lay a little groundwork for the sequel I have in mind for Do Your Best. But there's a lot of ground left to coved before we get there.



Thanks-

hermitstull

"I was feared and worshiped across the mortal globe. At now I'm stuck at Sunnydale High. Mortal. Child. And I'm failing Math." Anya in Dopplegangland

[justin]

I've recently started reading this story and I like it a lot.



I have to agree with some of the other comments about not liking either Lucas or Mr Hahn. I think their main problem is that they seem to see doing good as being an abstract concept without understanding what it actually means. I think doing good means helping people which is hard to do if you don't care about people. I think Mr Hahn in particular has that problem, which was shown by his reaction to the Chicago team going to tell Tara about Jay being missing.



I hope that all made sense.



Anyway I do like Jay though. I think her biggest problem (apart from the whole being driven mad by her connection to Prime thing) is that she's been affected by Mr Hahn's training methods and allowed herself to be convinced that these are the right methods.



Other people have said they hope that when this is all over that Willow and Tara get as far away from the clans. I'd add that unless they're able to change the way the clans are run for the better then I hope that Jay gets away from them as well.

I understand, you should be with the person you l-love


I am

[maudmac]

My take on Mr. Hahn is that, while his methods may not be perfect and they certainly seem harsh to me and the team might benefit from him being more flexible, he nonetheless runs a very successful team. He's been doing something right.



This is all really interesting. How we have such different impressions of the characters. It's Jay I don't like and don't trust.

Don't lick my EYE!---Margaret Cho