New fic: Dark Core

[irishlassie101]

GO WASHI



wonderful fic...just found it..I love it...



such nice pictures..Kleenex needed...hope to hear more soon !!!!!!!!

[Grimlock72]

Just a thought I had; Wouldn't Willow be far better of moving out of Sunnydale ? She's pretty much on top of Magic Central at the moment and why tempt yourself unnessecary ?? Might help against those cramps too, being removed from tainted magic like what is coming from the hell mouth no doubt.



Besides, that would remove most of the need to do magic anyway since there will be no *cough*friends*cough* around who need saving. Being out of harm's way can't hurt either Got to wonder if the remaining scoobies would notice such a move..hmm....



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

[allykat]

This is so sad..

Can't wait for the next installment, great job!

[Washi]

Hey all!



Well, my birthday is in 5 days, so I've been thinking about what I could give you all to make you happy on that day. So, finally, I came with a decision. I'm going to update tonight and on Sunday night before I really try to hold out the updates for a full week. Also, I might, and I do say might, so don't get your hopes up too much, I might update the Journals that night too. Might.

So, anyway, updatey goodness tonight!

Oh, and bring on the feedback! Please?



Replies:



irishlassie101: Hey! Thanks for r&r. Yeppers, Kleenex will be needed. I'm glad you like it.



Grimlock72: I actually thought about Willow moving away... I so wanna reply well, but I'll spoil, so no comment.

And how is it that you always get me to say that?

Actually, I thought that after OAFA Buffy starts waking up to what's happening a bit. That's all I'm gonna say. Tune in tonight and a lot of stuff will be revealed. Thanks again.



allykat: Hey! Thanks for the compliments and the r&r. I hope you'll enjoy the next part.



Tune in tonight or more like afternoon for you US folks.

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



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



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



.:Dark-bliss.net :..:My blog:..:Blood and Ink:.

[willowsgirl]

Hey Washi!

You wouldnt believe the smile on my face after reading your last post!!

Now you've got this good little kitten's hopes up you cant let me down can you

cant wait to read more of dark core, thats the big one for me- wasnt sure how i was gonna wait a whole week anyway. bu then to top it all of you might update the journals, you sneaky kitten you! I'd abandoned all hope of that fic continuing to be honest

Looking forward to it, and happy birthday for in 5 days time incase i forget by then.



willowsgirl xx

[Grimlock72]

Well to be fair, my wish for Willow to move out of Sunnydale is not ONLY based on whats best for her. It's also caused by the other scoobies (Tara not incl.) being so unappriciative and negative about Willow. If they so want her gone or not doing anything... fine... lets see how the deal when she really IS gone.



That will force them to at least realise what Willow did for them without any of them appearantly noticing and/or caring. I feel a rant coming up so I'll stop now... it's just that I don't like their attitude. They just assume Willow will be there for them and when needs a bit of help... nobody home...



Must calm down... must....calm...down.... there, much better



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

[YMKA]

Avatar.....

k...fine...but still!!!!!

yay!!!! update tonight!!!!!!! it's 3:46pm here....don't see any update..... ....oh well...I guess after I come back from work

*smirks....yeah...weekly updates...LOL

COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

off....



M.

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

"..I feel you, I taste you, I cannot forget, everytime it rains I get wet..." (c) Ace of Base

[Washi]

Replies, then new segment. I know, I'm late, I overslept.



willowsgirl: Hey you! Like I said, I might have an update by then, but I'm not sure. But don't worry, I will finish it. One day or another. And Thanks!



Grimlock72: All you said makes sense, and you'll see what happens. The Scoobies will realize they've been jerks. Don't worry, they so will.



YMKA: Patience, patience.





And onto the update:





TITLE: Dark Core 3/?

AUTHOR: Washi (ZWS)

EMAIL: washi@dark-bliss.net

RATING: R, to be safe.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own the characters, Joss does or whoever. If I owned them, do you really think I would let season 6 happen? And why the hell would I be writing this?

So yeah, all belongs to Joss, ME etc...

The lyrics in this piece are owned by their respective owners.

SPOILERS: Season 6, Older and Far Away. It veers off cannon afterwards.

FEEDBACK: I love it, I live for it, either here or by email, although here is better.

ARCHIVE: It's on Blood and Ink. Ask and ye shall receive.

ANGST: Be carefull kittens, the ride is gonna be really angsty, and I'm not kidding here.

Thanks: Many thank yous to YMKA and Taras Shadow for their help, and also to bzengo and FIRESIGN.

NOTES: I don't have a beta in the real sense, but YMKA and Holly helped me along. Thanks again girls. All mistakes are mine.



Thoughts are in < > as always. Flashbacks, song lyrics and such are in italics.



*****



Tara was laying down on her back in her narrow bed, looking up at the ceiling. A history book was sitting next to her, but she couldn't keep up the pretense of studying anymore. Her thoughts were drifting, as usual, to Willow.







Tara's thoughts went back to Buffy's birthday party. She had been so nervous she had actually thought of not going to the party, but finally, she had decided to be brave and to go. She had picked her clothes almost a week prior and she had practiced a speech for when she was face to face with Willow, but the whole speech collapsed when she saw her ex-lover, her eyes pained and yet hopeful. She had only managed to get out a simple: 'hey' before they both started tripping all over each other, overlapping each other's compliments and sentences, as if once out in the open, their words would disappear forever or they'd find themselves dreaming. She remembered how awful their seeing each other was. It was awkward, she didn’t know how to act or what to say. She had never thought in her past that seeing Willow would be so awkward. But of course, things changed.



The night kept getting worse and worse. They were stuck in the house, Willow had some spell ingredients that she didn’t throw out and Tara felt betrayed again. She had a maelstrom of emotions in her, betrayal, confusion and mostly hurt. Hurt that Willow hadn’t kept her promise, that everything she did to get rid of magic was just another lie. But, when Anya had suggested that Willow would do a spell, she had refused, and some hope came back to Tara. So much in fact that she had defended her when Anya had lashed out at Willow. Tara had never seen Willow so defenseless. It looked like she was going to let Anya shout at her without answering, without defending herself, as if she had lost hope. Even her eyes were defeated, the normal Willow-spark but a sweet memory.



Memory.



The sole word was enough to trigger back all of Tara’s hurt and betrayal. But for once, she shoved her pain aside to focus on what her heart wanted.







Tara was so confused. She wanted to go back to Willow, but yet, she couldn't. Not until she was sure that Willow wouldn't hurt her again. That she wouldn't take away her right to choose or to be an individual.

Her fears were slowly dissipating though as she saw Willow's fight to not use magic. Dawn and Buffy had told her of Willow's progresses, of her fight with Amy, of how she had told the dark-haired witch to basically take a hike. Of her nightily fight, of the urges, of the cravings and how she so bravely fought against the physical withdrawals.

But still, the doubt confused her.







Suddenly, she jerked and sat up as she felt a furry paw on her arm. She looked at Miss Kitty who was rubbing herself on her hand, wanting to be petted. Tara sighed and ran her hand on the silky fur, the cat purring happily.



"Oh Miss Kitty, what should I do?" Tara asked the cat who looked at her and meowed.



"You miss your mommy too, huh?"



Miss Kitty just purred some more before curling up in a ball and falling asleep. Tara laid back down and pondered some more until sleep claimed her, the final thought she had as she drifted being:







*****



“Hey Will!” Buffy said, coming into the kitchen. Willow turned round to greet her and Buffy looked at her, shocked. Willow’s face was drawn and pale, the rings beneath her eyes contrasting sharply with the pasty whiteness of her skin.







“Willow, you don’t look so hot. Maybe you should lie down.”



“It’s okay Buffy, I’m ok. Coffee?” she said, holding out a mug to her friend. Her hand was shaking lightly.



“Sure.” Buffy said, happy at seeing her best friend seem chipper, not noticing the light tremors. “What’s with the mood swing?” the Slayer asked, remembering vaguely in the last days Willow’s sad and gloomy mood. Days when she barely saw the redhead, who stayed in her room most of the day.



Willow smiled. “I’ve decided to get my life back. I’m gonna start living again today. A magic-free life. Once and for all.”



And Willow’s smile turned into a small grin, her eyes showing a light spark, a sign of the old Willow, one that had never been touched by darkness. Buffy couldn’t remember the last time she had seen Willow smile like that.



a part of Buffy’s brain told her.



Buffy’s frown turned into a smile, a real genuine smile. “Great. I’m happy for ya Will.”







The two friends sat down for breakfast, and Buffy told Willow of the nerds’ evil schemes and of the Scoobies’ plan to catch them.



“Everyone will be there tonight. Team work and all. I hope we’re going to end the Nerds’ Empire once and for all. I mean, how lame is that? After all the vampires, demons, monsters and Hell-Gods, what do the Powers That Be send us? Three nerds wanting to take over the world. I think they watched way too much “The Pinky and The Brain”… Wait, the two mice never took over the world, right?”



“No, they never did.” Willow replied, smiling softly.



Buffy again smiled.



“Right, well, anyway, we’ll hopefully stop them tonight if all goes well.” Buffy winced inwardly at the lack of emotion in that sentence.







“I know you can take them Buffy. By the way, since you mentioned a big Patrol tonight, I was thinking that maybe… I could join you guys.” Willow said, her green eyes showing hope.



Willow kept thinking.



Buffy stood quiet for a while, thinking before she smiled. “Ok, but no magic and you get a nice crossbow.”



“Sure. It’s just that I need to start living normally again. Magic-free Willow, that’s me now.” she replied, smiling.



Buffy grinned at her. Dawn came downstairs, already dressed in full-teenager pout.



“Morning. Buffy, can I go to Janice’s tonight? To sleep over?” the young girl asked, trying to shake away the whine from her voice.



“Um, good morning and sure, but you know the rules. No going out, no parties and a big no to stealing anything. Have fun.”



“Riight, fun.” Dawn said sarcastically. She went over to Willow and gave her a peck on the cheek. Willow looked at her, a slow smile spreading on her face.



“Thanks Dawnie.”



Buffy felt jealous for a second. She could see the affection between Willow and Dawn, and she suddenly wished she could be the sister Dawn wanted. One that could feel, that could be there for her.



“Hey, I’m the sister, why don’t I get a kiss?” Buffy said, pouting.



Dawn huffed but went over to her sister and kissed her softly on the cheek.



“Guys, I have to go. School. I’ll see you later.” she said, grabbing some toast and going out.



They finished their breakfast in silence then they headed out, each in her own direction, each lost in her own thoughts.



*****



TBC...



Questions? Comments?

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



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



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



.:Dark-bliss.net :..:My blog:..:Blood and Ink:.

Edited by: Washi  at: 10/14/03 3:23 pm

[Taras Shadow]

Washi Baby,



The talk between Buffy and Willow was touching, and Dawn adding some more affection into the mix. I'm also loving the thoughts everyone's having. I feel sorry for Willow, we know she's trying but again, sometimes Willow concerns me, especially with the withdrawls.



I think it's Tara's thoughts that touch me a bit more, knowing what she has gone through and knowing what she wants but her heart is fighting it, afraid to be hurt again.



Absolutely beautiful writing and I can't say that enough. I admire you, ya know. Really and honestly I do. Keep up this amazing story. Love ya!



~Holly~

"I've got this ache, and I thought it was for sex, but it's to tear everything to fucking pieces." Ginger - Ginger Snaps

[ZeFlannelSheep]

Three updates and already you got me hooked - which is kinda painful but in this case, I'm thinking, worth it.



Intrigued to see in which direction this is heading, looking forward to finding it.

[TemperedCynic]

Hey, Washi!



I don't believe I'm about to admit this, but YMKA is right - you had nothing to be nervous about with this story. I'm so impressed with your command of pain and angst, knowing what I know about you. The girls are so sad, yet they are obviously working through their issues in the silence of their thoughts. Now, the "withdrawals" are a completely different point - I believe we are going to see your plot concentrate on these pains in the near future. But, I could be wrong...



Please continue, my dear.

---

More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. Woody Allen (1935 - )

[Sleek]

Washi,

Whoa, you weren't kidding about the angst. But I can take it, especially if it's well written angst like this one.



The issue with Willow, even if she didn't carry the weight of the world like Buffy, is she equates her worthiness with being needed by people. She was needed by Buffy, the gang, well Oz and Xander didn't really show their neediness until the end. Tara's innate vulnerability and subtle strength was a perfect complement for her, only problem is Willow was too driven by fear of loss to let Tara really in to help her.



Anyway this is not a discourse on Willow's characterization. I'm just telling you your writing made me go to such depths of reflection. Thanks for this. Sleek

[Spot]

O yay another update! Another very well written update, too! Love this fic! ok, i hate to be redundant (oh, big word!)(yes, i have a slight mental disablility. It has something to do with not being able to talk normally without making a really lame joke about my verbal skills) but, is it Sunday yet?

-michelle

[SJ]

Yay an update

Tara and MKF missing Willow

You write angst so well,great update

[intricate mirage]

Washi!!!

Quote:

---

I'm happy you like my fics, even though they're generally smutty ones.

---

Ahaha! Well you don't hear me complaining do you? In fact, here's some to show you how much I appreciate all your efforts! Big box of chocolates too in hope of reading plenty more great smutty fics in the future **hint**



Next, hmm **counts** your birthday ought to be in 4 days now right? Well here's happy birthday in advance!



Ok, now update... wow. You sure weren't kidding about the angsty part. But it's ok, I can deal, as long as W/T goodness eventually ensues. A big clap on Willow's back for trying so hard to pull through even though it's tough. Glad that Buffy is finally taking notice of Willow, hopefully she can play a part in Willow's recovery too. Tara's thoughts really tugged at my heartstrings. It really got me thinking, cause her struggle is something that I'm sure most of us can relate to at some point in our lives. You really brought out the difficulties of dealing with hurt, loss and betrayal really well. Kudos to you Washi!



Okie, gee that was quite a lengthy post Once again, great update! You never fail to deliver! Eagerly waiting your next update!

~ Cassie

---

My fountain of strength that never runs dry

You are the shooting star across the midnight sky

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 10/15/03 6:15 am

[sabina]

Hi Washi



Yay, an early update



I think you're writing a great story

I feel sorry for Willow and those withdrawls of her are worrying me.

Good thing your Buffy is finnaly starting to be a real friend... I guess Willow could really use one.



I'm eagerly waiting for more

---

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

The in between is mine.

I am mine!" - Pearl Jam

[good2cats]

Hi,
Sad story but I am enjoying it immensely.It's about time Buffy removes her head from her own colon.And it is nice to see Dawn try to be supportive instead of whining.Keep up the good work.And a early HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you it's nice your handing out presents(updates)
Be well,Karen

[snuggle79]

It's actually nice to see Buffy "waking up" and caring finally about other people's problems too, just instead of her own.

I feel sorry for Tara, she misses Willow a lot. Who can blame her? And Willow, i'm glad that she is doing a bit better.

Great update!

snuggle79

This is how everyday should end and start ..and all the stuff in the middle

The greatest thing you'll learn, is just to love and be loved in return.

Edited by: snuggle79 at: 10/15/03 9:06 am

[LostWithoutTara]

A wonderful update, the interplay between the characters feels so much better here than it did in canon. I like how you've worked on not only Willow, but Buffy and Dawn. Everyone seems much more likeable and human here. i'm looking forward to your next update!

Every time you walk away, I pretend that I'm okay

[littlecrazy80]

The update was great. Tara feeling betrayed by Willow and still wanting her is so natural.



I can understand that Willow wants to be useful. She needs other things in her mind.



*lil´c*

Let´s get happy and let´s be gay. germany´s grand prix song



Check this out

[Grimlock72]

I know Willow wants to feel needed but at patrol what they most need is power/force. Not a good idea to need Willow for that right now since she doesn't want to use magic and I doubt she'll be all that usefull in her current condition with a crossbow. Let her do something else to make her feel usefull, like find out what the nerds are up to. That should be easy for her since those nerds like computers a lot.



Tara did think about the withdrawals of which she was appearantly told by either Buffy or Dawn. I'm not entirely sure how much time has passed between this update and the previous one, but I was wondering how much Tara would really know about those withdrawals. Dawn only found out recently how severe they were and Tara's thinking didn't indicate she know it was that bad.



As to Willow; it's not about the magic itself silly, it's about how you use it. Nobody was complaining when you and Tara zapped Glory 3 miles up away from Dawn in the hospital, right ?? Magic is merely pointing to a deeper cause, it could as easily go wrong with computers or anything really.



Is it healthy for Willow to just stop letting magic out like that ? Isn't there some ritual to at least get rid of the not needed/wanted magical energy which probably builds up over time ? I'm still worried about Willow's physical condition, esp. now that she wants to go on patrol.



Have to sadly smile at Willow saying that 'going with on patrol' is 'living normally' to her. That really indicates she should move the heck away from Sunnydale.



Tara's confused, that was to be expected. It comes down to her trusting Willow again to get over her habit to want to solve all problems for other people without asking them first. Willow has to realize that that principle is just wrong, not the only time Tara caught her on it. Once she gets that she'll be trustworthy again, that has little if anything to do with practising magic.



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

Edited by: Grimlock72 at: 10/15/03 2:42 pm

[YMKA]

Hey Washi

I really loved what you did there. Every update makes me think...it's remarkable...really...I don't have much to say right now, still thinking about stuff and all....the only thing I will say is that I really love your writting

Keep it coming... 3 more days

at Speedy Gonzalez

Love,



M.

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

"..I feel you, I taste you, I cannot forget, everytime it rains I get wet..." (c) Ace of Base

[Washi]

Hey everyone!



Well, first of all, let me say again that the next update will be up on Sunday night, my time, which is like Sunday afternoon for the US kittens.

Thanks to everyone who's reading ths, and extra thanks to those who replied. I am after all a feedback whore.



Replies:



Taras Shadow: Hey baby! YMKA wasn't kidding when she called you Speedy Gonzalez.

I'm glad you thought the talk was touching. Yeah, Willow's trying, after all, she is a survivor.

A person who's been hurt by love will always be afraid of being hurt again. And Tara has been hurt really badly.

Aww, you admire me? Woo and Hoo! Thanks baby, love ya too.



ZeFlannelSheep: Hey! I'm glad I got you hooked to this fic. Thanks for the reply and I hope to not dissapoint y'all (or ya'll as some spell it ).



TemperedCynic:Hey you! And hey, YMKA can be right u know.

I'm glad you like this, I really am.

Quote:

---

I'm so impressed with your command of pain and angst, knowing what I know about you.

---

Aww, shucks, you're making me blush with your compliments!

And, you keep reading, and you'll see what the future holds.



Sleek: Hey! When I saw your name on the thread and I read your reply, I was all bouncy. I love all of your fics, so feedback from you is a very very cool thing.

Your praise warmed my heart. Thanks a lot.

Yeah, Willow thinks she's unworthy because she's not needed, but she also wants to patrol to get back to her usual lifestyle.

Exactly! She put all of her fears into her relationship with Tara, and that was what gave the relationship its vulnerability. Thank you.



That's all the replies my sleep deprived brain can make now, more later.

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



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



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



.:Dark-bliss.net :..:My blog:..:Blood and Ink:.

[bluewillowwitch]

Washi ,

I love this fic! Oh poor she misses so much. I'm glad that Dawn was there to talk to her. Buffy is starting to come round and I'm glad. is ready to cme back to . She just needs that last little push. I can't wait to more. Update soon, please?







bluewillowwitch

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[willow fan7]

Hey Washi...



I dunno if you remember me, but as I promised the other day...here's a feedback from me!!!



I really love how Willow is so strong and determined to get her life back...I never really liked Dawn in BtVS but it's wonderful the way Dawn had so much insight on how Willow is feeling. The way you wrote how Willow felt about everything, about the dreams and the nightmares were so gut-wrenching and painful to read...but of course i read it...that was so beautifully written. I especially love the part where she comforted Tara and Dawn at night. Very very touching.



Willow taking care of the Scoobs, not breaking down, and mainly being everybody's rock when Buffy died just showed how strong a character she is. One thing I didn't like about BtVS was how Willow's role was so underplayed...I wish you were the writer of BtVS...did Anya or Helfreck hear me???



It's terribly upsetting that even Willow's closest friends, Buffy and Xander don't seem to acknowledge Willow's pain and grief...sigh...ungrateful brats!!!(ok...taking a deep breath) Good thing Dawn's there to help Willow through this a little But the little Buffy/Willow bonding was touching...hopefully Buffy'll get over herself soon...(You know me, i'll blame anyone except Willow and Tara ) You got me worried about the cramps though...will Willow be ok???



The line..."They shared their grief while Willow grieved alone." was so incredibly sad... It turned my whole tummy upside down just reading it...but i have to say keep the angst coming...love the angst...as long as Willow and Tara end up happily ever after



Oooo..and Happy Birthday!!!



3 dancing banana's and 5 roses just for you

Is it just me, or does dancing banana's sound kinda...umm...forget it



I love your fic!!!!

Can't wait for the next update!!! So, update soon??? Please???

Tatz for now...

[YMKA]

Hello Kittens,

Washi asked me to post a msg for her here.

She's really sorry for not being able to post an update. Her computer crashed. She'll post it as soon as she'll get her computer back.....if nothing is erased (lets all pray for that one.... )





M.

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

"..I feel you, I taste you, I cannot forget, everytime it rains I get wet..." (c) Ace of Base

[Taras Shadow]

Thanks Marina!



I was beginning to worry about Washi, now I know why, her PC is being a whore. Ah, well so is mine. Stupid thing. I will pray that nothing is erased...we love this fic.



Washi,



Hope things get worked out and all will be okay with your computer. What a thing to happen around your birthday huh? Sorry baby, and I know you're not a softie but *hugs*



~Holly~

"I've got this ache, and I thought it was for sex, but it's to tear everything to fucking pieces." Ginger - Ginger Snaps

[Grimlock72]

Washi,



Good luck with your pc, we'll try and wait patiently



Don't let anybody just erase all your stuff and re-install it though, thats usually not needed. Besides, would be a waste of good stories :-) Heard some horror stories about repair-shops over at the kitten-forum... like needing to erase ALL date to re-install the operating system, bunch of crap. (there's even a pc thread at the kitten, post there if you get into trouble)



Good luck, be well.. and your pc too :-)



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

[Washi]

Hey all!



I got my pc back and I'm just downloading some stuff and programs that got erased. Let's see what did get erased:



-My That '70s Show site, all of it, every single scrap. That site was about 200Mb in size, with over 1800 pics. I got an old backup of the site but for now, I lost about 300 pics, and some other stuff, such as transcripts, updates, etc...



-Most of my fics, except Dark Core (do I hear cheers?) It's not really a problem since I do have them all on my site, except for a couple of That '70s Show ones. But, I'm pretty sure that I've sent them around, so I can get those back.



-All my programs, such as winamp, PSP, Animation Shop, etc... But I think I have copies somewhere.



So, for now, I mostly lost my site, something I've been working on for 2 years or so. I lost a ton of avatars also, and some random stuff. But hey, I could've lost everything, and now, I'm gonna start making copies of everything like a mad girl.



Thanks everyone for your support.



Replies:



Spot: Hey you! I'm glad you liked the update, another one is just coming up, in a couple of minutes, or, well, as soon as I finish the replies.



SJ: Hey! Glad you liked the update, and thanks for your compliments.



intricate mirage: Hey! Yeah, I'm sorry I couldn't update the Sex Journals, but with all the stuff that's been happening, I got nothing. I'm glad you like that smut though.

Thanks for the bday wishes, although this bday sucked royally. Anyway, I'm telling ya, the angst isn't done yet. No sirree! Thanks a lot and keep the long feedback coming, I love it.



sabina: Hey! I'm loving The Artifact. Great stuff. I'm really thinking that Buffy started waking the hell up after the whole klepto-Dawn incident. Thanks.



good2cats: Hey! Thanks for your comments... Yep, Buffy's head was really stuck far up her ass. Thanks for the bday wishes.



snuggle79: Hey! I'm glad you also think that it was cool that Buffy finally woke up. Thanks for the compliments.



LostWithoutTara: Hey! I'm glad you liked the update! I was totally going for more human characters than the paper-thin characters they become in S6 (my opinion, kinda, but no for everyone). I'm glad it worked. Thanks.



littlecrazy80: Hey you! I'm glad you liked the update and thanks.



Grimlock72: Hey! First of all, wow, that it was precise reply.

I agree with a bunch of your points, but since I'm kinda tired and reinstalling my programs, I'm gonna have to be an ass and bot reply in detail to your wonderful feedback, although, I have read it all, many times even. Thanks a lot.



YMKA: Hey! First of all, I want you all to applaud this one chick who sent me the Pens daily updates to my email addy so I could read'em on my cell. Truly B, thanks.

I'm very happy you like what I write, and gopefully, I won't let you down.



bluewillowwitch : Hey! thanks, I'm happy you like, and yeah, it's a difficult situation, and Tara can't seem to make her mind as to what to do exactly. Update soon, almost there now.



willow fan7: Hey! Yep, I do remember you. First of all, thanks for the feedback-y goodness, I can't get enough of it.

I'm glad you like the way I wrote the feelings, and I'm so glad the sentence: "They shared their grief while Willow grieved alone." worked. I'm really happy. Thanks a lot, and I hope you like the next update.



Taras Shadow : Hey baby! Yep, I'm back. Thanks for your support. I hope your pc stops acting like a bitch soon.



Grimlock72: Thanks for your support, the guy who fixed it is a friend,but iruses had taken over my pc, so he couldn't save a bunch of stuff, but he did save a ton of other things, so I'm pretty happy, except for the site. Oh, well, here comes the update.

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



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



.:Dark-bliss.net :..:My blog:..:Blood and Ink:.

[Washi]

TITLE: Dark Core 4/?

AUTHOR: Washi (ZWS)

EMAIL: washi@dark-bliss.net

RATING: R, to be safe.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own the characters, Joss does or whoever. If I owned them, do you really think I would let season 6 happen? And why the hell would I be writing this?

So yeah, all belongs to Joss, ME etc...

The lyrics in this piece are owned by their respective owners.

SPOILERS: Season 6, Older and Far Away. It veers off cannon afterwards.

FEEDBACK: I love it, I live for it, either here or by email, although here is better.

ARCHIVE: It's on Blood and Ink. Ask and ye shall receive.

ANGST: Be carefull kittens, the ride is gonna be really angsty, and I'm not kidding here. Cliffhanger warning!

Thanks: Many thank yous to YMKA and Taras Shadow for their help, and also to bzengo and FIRESIGN.

NOTES: I don't have a beta in the real sense, but YMKA and Holly helped me along. Thanks again girls. All mistakes are mine.



Thoughts are in < > as always. Flashbacks, song lyrics and such are in italics.



Cliffhanger warning!



P.S.: I suck at action sequences, so tll me what you think. And, yeah, this is how I thought the Nerds were to be 'destroyed' if the gang worked as one.



*****



Night fell on Sunnydale, unlike on any other town. Before darkness reigned, the streets were mostly empty, people rushing into their homes, afraid of an unnamed danger that always seemed to be lurking. It was an uncomfortable feeling, like feeling a stranger’s breath on your neck. Darkness came, and horrifying images danced in glee, their demonic faces revealed in the gloom. Pale faces, unnaturally defiled with bumpy ridges and curves, yellowish eyes that bear no deepness for they don’t hold a soul, predatorily eyes, monstrously long fangs that glint in the darkness. These creatures danced in the darkness of Sunnydale, stalking unaware victims, unaware innocents. But no one talked about them, no one spoke of the group that seemed to always be around at night, who always seemed to find their way into the hospital, who seemed to push away the creatures and the darkness, making the streets safer. Everyone saw these heroes, but no one talked about them, and they didn’t mind, because they didn’t do this for money or fame or celebrity. They did this nightly duty because they had to and wanted to.



Xander, Anya and Tara were waiting for Buffy to join them in the big patrol they had planned to stop the Nerd Trio, once and for all. They saw two figures cut through the darkness and for a second, they didn’t seem to believe who they were seeing. Disbelief gave way to concern and a muted happiness. Happiness that one of theirs had fought back from the darkness and had resurfaced after so many trials.



“Hi.” Buffy said quietly, stopping in front of the three others under a street lamp.



The redhead behind her stepped up and gave them a small grin. “Hey gang.”



The other three gasped silently at Willow’s appearance. It seemed like her eyes were foggy, as if she hadn’t slept in a long while. But they were alert, looking from left to right. The familiar Willow-spark was back, but it was muted. The lack of sleep she was suffering from was evident on her whole face. But her smile was genuine and they were both concerned and happy at seeing Willow struggle back from the overpowering darkness.



“Hi.” Tara said quietly, her voice a mere whisper. Willow turned to face her, a small sad smile touching her lips.



“Hey Will.” Xander started cheerily. “How’s it going?”



Before Willow could reply, Anya cut in sharply.



“Xander, look at her! She looks like hell. No offense Willow, but you do.”



Willow chuckled at Anya’s frankness. It had been a while since she spoke to her like that, like she was the old Willow again and not like she was going to turn all black-eyed witch of the West on them. She ran a hand through her hair before replying.



“Yeah, I know, I look like shit. But, I feel better, and hey, if vampires jump us, they’ll probably think I’m dead, so they won’t bother me.” She grinned.



Buffy, Xander and Anya grinned too, happy to have their Willow back, while Tara was silent, looking at her ex-lover in shock. No one told her she was coming along, and by Willow’s physical shape, she shouldn’t be out of her bed. She thought about reading her aura but dismissed it.







Without further conversation, the gang started on their way. Willow held her crossbow tightly in her arms, her knuckles white while she scanned the horizons with anxious eyes. The fact that Tara was walking a few steps in front of her did nothing to soothe her nerves. But she kept her mind on the Patrol and not on how that dark red leather coat hugged her curves like her hands used to, or how the shirt she was wearing highlighted her breasts or how kissable that little stripe of skin between her pants and her shirt looked. She shook her head and tried to think about Patrol. Tara slowed her steps and walked alongside her, looking at her from the corner of her eyes.



“Are you ok Willow?”



Willow looked at the full moving lips and drowned in visions of those lips, that tongue and all of their mischievous doings to her body. Tara waved a hand in front of her.



“Um, what? Sorry, it’s kinda noisy up here tonight.” Willow said, touching her temple.



Tara offered her a small smile. “I asked you if you were ok.”



“Yeah, yeah, sure, I’m good. Goody McGood Good.”



Tara gave her a skeptical look.



“Okay, I’m kinda nervous. This is my first patrol without magic, and I hope this crossbow will be enough. But, besides that, I’m ok. Really.” she babbled.



Tara gave her a reassuring smile. “I know you’ll do okay.”



She wanted to add that she was proud of her, but she couldn’t do it and she didn’t.



Willow, seeing the smile, felt her heart flutter.



she thought, her heart doing a little dance, and suddenly, she felt her nervousness return.



She finally let out a crooked smile of her own. They kept walking until they saw a someone, clad only in black, leaning against a crypt door, smoking a cigarette. The blue smoke danced as it drifted up towards the sky, the lit cigarette glowing bright red as the bleached blonde sucked on it.



“Hello Slayer.” he drawled, some smoke drifting from his mouth and nose as he spoke.



“Spike. So, what do you have for us?”



“Hey Red, got over the whole magical thing, did you? I’m glad to see you here.” Spike said, smiling at Willow, who just smiled back.



“Spike…” Buffy said, menacingly, trying not to think about how sexy he looked. “What do you have for us?” she asked again, gritting her teeth together, trying to put as much venom as she could in her voice.



“Right-o. The nerds. They’re digging up a body in there. Just figured you’d like to know.” he said, leering at Buffy and pointing towards a south lot in the cemetery.



“Okay, everybody ready? Let’s try to deal with them once and for all.” Buffy said, and the rest nodded.



They started walking towards their battle.



*****



“Warren, why do we have to do this?” Andrew said, wiping his hands on his jeans.



“I told you why. Now, stop whining and start digging!” Warren hissed.



“I don’t like this Warren, we never said anything about digging up dead people.” Jonathan replied, sneezing.



“Just do what I say and we’ll be done soon.”



“Aww, poor nerds afraid to get their hands dirty, huh?” Buffy said, coming in view.



The Trio turned around fast, and Warren tried to get his hands on one of his weapons. When he didn’t find it, he turned around to see Spike holding it.



“Naughty naughty naughty. You didn’t think that we’d be here with the Slayer, now did you?” Spike drawled out.



While Warren’s attention was on Spike, Buffy came closer and the two other nerds fled, Andrew finding his face on Xander’s fist.



“Ouch! The bony one is… all bones.” Xander said, holding his hand.



Warren and Buffy were face to face.



“Buffy, you think it’d be that easy to destroy me, don’t you? You got another thing…”



He never finished and he threw a punch at her, which she quickly diverted. She spun around and kicked at him, her foot connecting with the side of his face and sending him down, unconscious.



“Oh, poor little nerd. You couldn’t do anything without your toys, huh?” Buffy taunted before reaching into her pocket for her cell phone. She quickly dialed the police and told them to get there fast and to bring an ambulance. Turning around, she saw Tara and Anya cornering Jonathan and an unconscious Andrew sprawled on the ground. She ran over to help the girls while Willow went to Xander’s side.



Jonathan seeing almost no means of escape did the first thing he thought of. He pointed a hand towards Willow.



“I’m not going down for something he did. I’m sorry!” he said before chanting a quick spell and sending Willow a blast of dark magicks.



Willow didn’t have time to move and the power ball hit her fully, sending her flying backwards.



“Willow!” Tara yelled and turned towards Jonathan, her eyes full of menace.



“You son of a bitch! I’m gonna kill you!” she yelled, her voice cold and hard, turning the melodic voice to ice shards. She was about to utter a spell to make his head explode when she felt herself come back to her senses.



“Encase!” she yelled instead, pointing her finger towards Jonathan, who was trying to run away.



He stopped mid run, falling on the ground. He twitched, trying to find a way to escape the magical confines.



“Oww.”



Spike having seen the whole scene, took a shovel and ran over to him, just as Jonathan was about to release himself. He hit him on the head and screamed. When the daze of his chip stopped, he glanced down and saw that the short man was unconscious. With his Vampire hearing, he heard the sirens of the ambulance approaching.



Turning around, the scene hit him like a punch on the nose.



*****



TBC...

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



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



.:Dark-bliss.net :..:My blog:..:Blood and Ink:.