The Calling (Third part in my trilogy)

[snuggle79]

Yeah i can definitley imagine a Xander!

poor boy..

Loved the mind reading part!

Tara is really the vixen-queen!

And Oz' reaction towards Riley's flirt was ...interesting, well it was really Oz-like i guess.

Curious to see what's going to happen with those two in the future.

Gosh, i really this story!!

Awesome update!

snuggle79

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

"I got so lost"

"I found you, i will always find you"

[pikescoob]

Just caught up on the last two updates Good to see Buffy finally got her powers. Loved seeing vixeny Tara make an appearance Love this fic Can't wait for the next bit



--Michelle

[Ginner WTluv]

Hey all. Thanks for all the feedback you've taken the time to give And thank you for actually taking the time to read the updates



Snuggle - Lol. Glad you liked the mind reading part Vixen Queen... i'm gonna have to get Amber a shirt with that written on it You really love this story? Aww, thank you



Michelle - Yup, Buffy finally got her powers Glad you liked vixeny Tara



Hopefully i'll have another update soon. Thanks for being patient with me.



~ Jen

“Sleep well baby?” Willow asked, a little more pep in her voice now that she had a dose of morning caffeine.




“Like a log until my pillow got up and left.” Tara smirked and playfully slapped Willow across the shoulder. ~ All You Wanted - Nath

[Ginner WTluv]

Well, this update is a longer than my usual ones.... i hope i haven't bored you all to death by the end of it, but there was a lot to fit it I just this second finished it, so i haven't had time to give it a once over and check for mistakes (i can never seem to wait to post, it's my curse ) so, forgive me.



DANGER!! DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!



There is angst ahead and quite a bit of confusion. Thought i'd warn you

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

Part Twenty



Dream



The room was dark. The power cut had made sure of that. A raging storm tore apart everything in its path outside and the wind was almost defending. The small girl sat in the corner of the darkened room. She stretched her hand out in front of her to see if it really was shaking or if she was simply imagining it, but the darkness swallowed it and she saw nothing. She brought her hand back and pulled her legs up to her chest before resting her hand on top of them, one hand clutching her teddy as close to her as possible. The howling wind outside forced a tree branch against the window of the room the girl was in, rapping against it and causing her to slink even further back into the corner. Being surrounded by darkness your whole life, you would think she’d be used to it by now, but the endlessness of it and the way it could swallow you whole, bring out your deepest fears and throw you into a world where you couldn’t find your way still terrified her.

She heard a door slam and wasn’t sure it is had been the storm or something else. She prayed it was the storm. The sound of shuffling could be heard and another door was opened. After a moment, there was a loud crash. She knew what it was. She’d heard it so many times now, how could she not know? It was always the same. The door would open and then the sound of someone being thrown into the cupboard in the kitchen could be heard, then she would always here her mother cry out. She wondered how hard the cupboards in the kitchen were and how much it hurt when you were thrown into them. Then she’d hear her father yell and another crash. The girl moved back further into the corner in the hope that she’d find something safe there. She never did. The yelling began and the tears started to fall.



Once upon a time there was a girl

In her early years she had to learn

How to grow up living in a war that she called home

Never knew just where to turn for shelter from the storm



She heard around crash, louder this time, then everything went quiet. She was able to hear the sound of the storm more clearly again as she moved to her bedroom door. Wiping away the tears, she took a breath and opened the door. She blinked a few times, trying to get her eyes to adjust better to the darkness, secretly hoping that wouldn’t happen because she was afraid of what she might see. Carefully, she moved out of her room and walked down the first step, still clutching her teddy bare. After she’d made it down the first few steps, she stopped. She could hear someone crying. It only took her a second or two to work out who it was, she’d heard the noise so many times before. Her mother. She made her way to the third to last step and stopped again. Standing on her tiptoes, she looked over the side of the banister, knowing that she would find her mother there. She was right. Her eyes had adjusted better now and she could see her mother huddled up on the floor, her body shaking with sobs.



Girl: Mommy?



The word came out as a whisper, but her mother heard and lifted her head.



Mother: Go back to bed, sweetie.

Girl: But…. The storm…. I can’t sleep…. It’s too dark.



A noise came from the kitchen and a figure stumbled out of the doorway. She knew she’d never forget the way the alcohol smelled. Her mother’s head turned in the direction of the figure and then back to her.



Mother: Go back to bed, I’ll be up soon.



But the girl didn’t move. She was too scared, petrified of what he was going to do to her mother, even though she already knew. She still hoped that if she just had the strength to stay there, maybe he wouldn’t do it this time, but she knew he wouldn’t stop even if she were there. The tears became more frequent as his hand came down hard.



It hurt me to see the pain cross my mother’s face

Every time my father’s fist would put her in her place

Hearing all the yelling I would cry up in my room

Hoping it would be over soon



She stood, paralysed with fear. Why was he doing this? She couldn’t understand it. He was her dad, she was her mom, they had been so happy. Did he just not love her mother anymore? Why not? She wondered whether her mother was in as much pain as she was at that moment. She knew that this was a pain that wouldn’t dull over time. It was a pain that would always be there. She’d never be able to escape these memories and she new that every time she thought about it the pain would be fresh and ten times worse than before. She wondered if she would ever stop being afraid.



Bruises fade father but the pain remains the same

And I still remember how you kept me so afraid

Strength is my mother for all the love she gave

And every morning that I wake I look back at yesterday



She tried not to let it show. How much she was hurting. She’d made that mistake before and paid the price her mother was paying over and over again in front of her. No, she wouldn’t let it show. She wouldn’t be weak.



And I’m okay



She heard her mother cry out again as her father’s hand came down again, harder than before. Was this her fault? Was she the reason for this? Her mother had told her that she wasn’t, but why did she feel like it was? Her father always blamed her. She heard a crack and then the sound of her mother’s pain again. Her father’s fist came down more often and her mother could do nothing. The girl’s face was streaked with tears as she slumped down to sit on the step she was standing on.



I often wonder why I carry all this guilt

When it’s you that helped me put up all these walls I’ve built

Shadows stir at night through a crack in the door

Echoes of a broken child screaming please no more



The sobs shook her body as she watched, knowing there was nothing she could do.



Girl: Stop…. Please…. No more….



Her father paid no attention to her, he just kept hitting her mother. She could smell the alcohol on his breath from where she was sitting, mixing with the smell of cigarettes. It made her feel sick. The memories of what was happing would stay with her forever as well as the guilt for not doing anything about it, even thought she knew she couldn’t.



Daddy don’t you understand the damage you have done

For you it’s just a memory but for me it still lives on



She heard her mother begin pleading with her father, begging him to stop, but it was like he didn’t even hear her. He grabbed her hair roughly and dragged her up off the floor.



Father: You disgust me! You’re worthless! Just like your daughter! You sicken me.



His fist came down again and her mother was forced back to the floor by the blow. The girl was getting a headache from the tears. Her vision was blurred and she couldn’t see properly. The storm still raged outside, she could hear it throwing things around and banging things against the windows. She wondered if he mother was as scared as she was.



Bruises fade father but the pain remains the same

And I still remember how you kept me so afraid

The strength is my mother for me all the love she gave

Every morning that I pray I look back to yesterday



Her father threw another punch and then stopped. He seemed bored with what he was doing and turned to his daughter. Seeing this, her mother managed to get to her feet to try and stop him, but he pushed her back to the floor and turned back to the girl.



Father: Come here.



Scared of what he might to do her, or her mother, if she didn’t, she obeyed him.



Father: Look at your mother. Cowering on the floor like a child. You’re stronger than that, aren’t you? You’re not pathetic like her, are you? You’re not a coward like her, are you?



She didn’t say anything.



Father: Answer me!



She did, but her answer was barely a whisper.



Father: Speak up!

Girl: You’re the coward!



Her voice drowned out the sound of thunder, gaining strength from somewhere. His eyes darkened and she knew he was angrier than before. He grabbed her shoulders and threw her back to the stairs. She hit her head and cried out in pain, as the tears began to fall again.



It’s not easy to forget, all the marks you left along her neck

When I was thrown against cold stairs

And everyday afraid to come home in fear of what I might see, next



Her mother got up again and rushed to her side, cradling her daughter in her arms.



Mother: If you ever touch her again….



Her father must have become bored after that, because he left them alone. Finally. The girl wrapped her arms around her mother waist tightly, fearing that if she let go, she’d lose her. Her mother gently brushed the hair from her daughters face and wiped the tears from her face. She kissed the girls forehead and closed her eyes, gently rocking them back and forth on the step.



Bruises fade father but the pain remains the same

And I still remember how you kept me so afraid

The strength is my mother for all the love you gave

Every morning that I wake I look back to yesterday



The storm began to die down and her father was gone for now. She stayed in her mother’s embrace, for the simple reason that she felt safe there. It was the only place she could feel safe.



And I’m okay

I’m okay



Faith and Tara’s apartment



Faith woke from the dream sweating and her head was spinning. A wave of nausea washed over her and she jumped out of bed, making a dash for the door. She stumbled out of her bedroom and into the toilet. Falling to the floor, she leaned over the bowl and vomited over and over. The pain in her head didn’t dull and she knew the pain in her heart never would.



Later



Willow had woken up to find her girlfriend missing. Frowning, she threw the covers off herself and climbed out of bed. She rubbed her eyes and opened Tara’s bedroom door. She couldn’t smell pancakes. Tara always made pancakes in the morning. Now she knew something was wrong.



Willow: Tara?



Willow didn’t get an answer and began to worry. She walked toward Faith’s bedroom and pushed to door open to see if Tara was in there talking to them. Buffy was lying sprawled out on her stomach and Faith was next to her, only the brunette was curled up to her side. Frowning again, Willow closed the door.



Willow: Tara, are you here?



She heard a noise coming from the bathroom and quickly made her way there. Slowly, she opened the door.



Willow: Tara?



As she entered, she found her girlfriend sitting on the floor against the wall of the bathroom. Her face was pale and she was sweating. It didn’t take a genius to work out what had happened. Willow rushed to her girlfriend’s side and sat next to her, taking the blonde in her arms.



Willow: Tara? Tara what’s wrong?



The other girl’s eyes were still closed when she answered, shaking her head.



Tara: I-I don’t feel to good.

Willow: Come on, we’re getting you back to bed.

Tara: No, I’ll-I’ll be fine…. In a minute or two.

Willow: Tara you’re going back to bed.

Tara: I c-can’t. I have c-class.

Willow: Class is just going to have to cope without you, because you’re going back to bed.



Getting to her feet, Willow carefully picked Tara up off the floor and wrapped an arm around her waist to support her. They slowly made their way back to Tara’s bedroom and Willow laid her girlfriend back in bed, pulling the covers over her and tucking her in. She leaned down and placed a kiss on Tara’s forehead.



Willow: Get some rest. I’m gonna call a doctor and see if one can get out to see you today.



Willow turned to leave, but felt Tara’s hand on her arm, stopping her.



Tara: Willow, don’t. I’ll be f-fine. Really. I just need to lie down for a while. Please?

Willow: Are you sure?



Tara nodded.



Willow: Okay, but if you get worse, then I’m calling a doctor.



Tara managed a smile and Willow left the room. She walked into the kitchen and found Faith sitting at the table.



Willow: I thought you were asleep.

Faith: Nope. Haven’t slept much at all.

Willow: Restless night?

Faith: You could say that. Is Tara not up yet?

Willow: I found her in the toilet throwing up. I just put her back to bed.



Faith turned to look at her best friend.



Faith: Is she okay?

Willow: She says she will be and wouldn’t let me call a doctor.

Faith: Huh.



The redhead frowned.



Willow: What?

Faith: Oh, nothing. I just, I had a trip to the bathroom this morning myself with the same results.

Willow: You’re okay now though?

Faith: Yeah, I have a headache and I’m craving those little chocolate doughnuts, but I’m fine.



Willow glanced over at the clock.



Willow: I have class in half an hour.



She sat down at the table across from Faith and it took the brunette a moment to realise that she didn’t plan on moving.



Faith: You’re not going?

Willow: I’m gonna stay home and look after Tara.

Faith: You know, I can do that if you want.

Willow: I thought you were going job hunting.

Faith: That can wait. Do you want me to look after Tara until you get back?

Willow: Well, I only have two classes so I won’t be gone long…. Would you mind? I’d stay home, but the psyche teacher has set an exam for next week and I’m guessing that everything we do this week is going to be on it, but you don’t have to. I can stay with Tara, really, she’s my girlfriend and I’m only going to worry if I go to class anyway and-

Faith: Will, breathe. I’ll stay and look after Tara. Take my cell phone, I’ll call you if anything happens.

Willow: Are you sure?

Faith: Yes. Now go, get ready. You’re going to late.



Willow smiled and scurried away to get changed, leaving Faith alone in the kitchen with her thoughts.



Tara’s bedroom: Noon



The blonde’s eyes fluttered open and she looked around. She didn’t know how long she’d been sleeping for, but whatever she had earlier was gone now. Sighing, she sat up and threw the covers off herself. A sudden wave of dizziness hit her as she stood up and she pressed her hand against the wall to steady herself.



Tara: Whoa….



She shook her head and used her hand to push herself forward. Grabbing her robe off the back of the door, she walked out into the kitchen and flicked the switch on the kettle. Tara grabbed a mug out of the cupboard and looked around for a tea bag, hoping Faith wouldn’t mind her taking one. The switch on the kettle flicked itself outward, letting the blonde know the water was boiled and she took it off its stand, pouring the water into the mug. She poured some milk in after that and then picked it up off the top, walking into the living room. Tara almost jumped out of her skin when she found Faith stretched out across the couch in front of the TV. The brunette glanced up at her and smiled apologetically.



Faith: Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.

Tara: It’s okay, I-I didn’t think anyone was home.



Tara sat down on the end of the coffee table in front of Faith and looked at the TV.



Tara: You know, you’re the last person I expected to be into this show.

Faith: I like Amber and Aly. They’re the cutest couple on the show. Get the best lines, too. Funny, sexy, cute and sometimes just a little bit naughty.



They grinned at each other.



Faith: Plus, they’re totally hot.

Tara: You better not let Buffy hear you say that.

Faith: Oh my god, did you see last weeks episode?



Tara shook her head. She and Willow had been…. Busy at the time.



Faith: Amber almost got shot.

Tara: What? No way! What happened?



Faith moved herself slightly so she could look at Tara properly.



Faith: Well, Joan found out that Warren, Andrew and Jonathon were planning on robbing some bank or something, so she went to stop them. She got Johnny boy and Andrew, but Warren flew off on his jetpack.



Tara raised an eyebrow.



Faith: Yeah, lame, I know. Anyway, Warren turned up at Joan’s house the next day with a gun. Meanwhile, Amber and Aly were in the bedroom getting dressed after their three day, none stop, make up session. Warren went off on one, pissed because Joan had foiled his big plan and shot her. Back in the bedroom, Aly suddenly got her version of spider sense and pushed Amber away from the window, throwing them both to the floor. Then, as Warren was running from the house, he fires the gun again and it goes straight through the girls’ window.

Tara: Wow.

Faith: Yeah, I swear I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I’ll just have to wait for the next episode to see what happens with Joan.



They sat in silence for a moment before Tara spoke again.



Tara: Hey, I thought you were going job-hunting again today.

Faith: I was, but then Will told me you were sick. She wanted to stay home and take care of you, but I knew she had class, so I offered to stay home and look after you myself.



Tara smiled. Faith could put up her tough girl act all she wanted, but the blonde knew she was one of the most caring people she had ever met.



Tara: You didn’t have to.

Faith: I know, but I wanted to make sure you were okay.

Tara: Thank you, Faith.



The brunette smiled at Tara.



Faith: Anytime. How are you feeling now?

Tara: Not too bad actually. Got a little dizzy when I woke up, though.

Faith: You do look a little pale.

Tara: I’ll be okay.



Tara finished off her tea and stood up.



Tara: I’m gonna get dressed and go and meet Will. Surprise her when she comes out of class.



Faith’s brow knitted together and she frowned.



Faith: You sure you’re up to it?

Tara: I’m fine, Faith.

Faith: If you’re sure….

Tara: I am. Don’t worry.



Tara smiled again, before going back to her bedroom to get dressed.



Sunnydale UC



Willow tapped her pencil repeatedly on her desk and sighed for the fifteenth time since she’d walked into her psych class. It seemed like the lecture was going on forever and she was seconds away from screaming and walking out. All she wanted to do was get out of there and go and check on Tara. Even thought Faith was there with the blonde and she’d promised to call if anything happened, Willow was still worried.



If something bad had happened, Faith would have called. So, Tara’s probably fine.



The redhead tried to calm herself, but it wasn’t working all that well. Finally, the professor dismissed the class. Willow grabbed her books, gathered them in her arms and practically ran out of the lecture hall. Once she was out of the class, she was met with the hustle and bustle of the college hallway. It took her a moment or two to realise that everyone was moving in the same direction, towards a group that had gather in the hallway a little way in front of her. Frowning, Willow made her way down the hallway, toward the group of people. As she got closer, it became apparent that the group was gathered around someone. A girl from her American History class walked up behind Willow.



Haley: Hey.



Willow turned to look at Haley, smiling briefly.



Willow: Hi. What-what’s going on?

Haley: Some girl just collapsed.

Willow: What?

Haley: Yeah. Paul was here when it happened. Once minute she was walking, then she got kind of dizzy and the next thing anyone knows, she’s on the floor.

Willow: Oh my god, is she okay?

Haley: I don’t know, I haven’t been able to get close enough to see.

Willow: I’m gonna go check.



Determined to see if the girl was okay, Willow pushed her way through the crowd. As she got closer, she could hear people talking more clearly. They seemed to be trying to remember the girl’s name.



Boy: Tessa?

Girl: No, but it began with a “T”.



Willow continued to get closer. In between people, she was able to catch glimpses of different things. A black coat. Willow got closer. She could smell jasmine. Her thoughts shifted to her girlfriend. Tara always smelt of jasmine and Willow always knew when the other girl was around because of it. She got closer to the group. Peachy skin. She was almost there now. Blonde hair.



Oh god.



Willow finally pushed her way through the crowd and reached the girl. Her books dropped to the floor. Tara. She fell to her knees beside the blonde and looked her over. Panicked, Willow took off her jacket, folded it and placed it under her girlfriend’s head. She then took her Tara’s hand and placed her own hand against the blonde’s forehead. She was cold, but sweating slightly at the same time.



Willow: Tara?



She heard a few people talking behind her.



Boy: Ah, right, that’s her name.

Girl: I told you it began with a “T”.



Willow’s head snapped around, her eyes almost glowing with rage.



Willow: This is not some sideshow! Now, if you’re all done staring and not doing anything to help, go!



Everyone started backing away at that point and Willow turned her attention back to Tara.



Willow: Tara, baby, open your eyes.



There was no response. Leaning down, Willow placed a soft kiss on Tara’s forehead and squeezed her hand.



Willow: Please, Tara. Come back to me.



The redhead blinked back the tears that were threatening to spill out and waited. Waited for something, anything that would tell her Tara was okay.



Willow: Come on, Tara. Open your eyes. Do it for me. Please, baby.



Slowly, almost painfully slowly, she felt Tara squeeze her hand and then the blonde’s eyes fluttered open. She looked confused for a moment. The last thing she remembered was walking towards Willow’s psych class to meet the redhead, what was she doing here? Why was Willow looking at her like she was?



Tara: Willow? W-w-what….

Willow: Shh, don’t talk.

Tara: W-what happened?

Willow: You collapsed. Come on, I’m taking you home.



Tara was still confused when she felt Willow’s arms around her and suddenly, she was picked up off the floor and was being taken out of the college. Then, everything went dark again.



Faith and Tara’s apartment.



A loud banging on the apartment door roused Buffy from her thoughts and quickly, she got to her feet to answer it. Willow rushed in, still carrying Tara, and walked straight into the bedroom to lay the blonde down. Buffy followed her, concern clouding her face.



Buffy: What happened?

Willow: She collapsed.

Buffy: What?

Willow: Can-can you get me something cold? For her forehead, she’s burning up.



Buffy walked out of the room and returned moments later with a flannel she’d held under the cold water tap and folded up. Willow took it off her and placed it on Tara’s forehead, wiping it over once before hand.



Buffy: She just collapsed?

Willow: Yes.

Buffy: That’s weird….



Willow turned to look at her friend.



Buffy: The same thing happened with Faith. I came round earlier, we said hello, I went to grab something to eat and when I came back, she was blacked out on the floor. I’ve never been so scared in my life.

Willow: I think we should both get them to see a doctor. Like, as soon as possible.

Buffy: Well, I don’t have class tomorrow, if they’re okay, we could take them then.



Willow nodded.



Buffy: Look, I’m gonna go and sit with Faith until she wakes up. Let me knows if anything happens.

Willow: You too.



Buffy left and Willow turned her attention back to Tara. The other girl’s breathing was shallow, but she was less pale now. Carefully, Willow crawled onto the bed and lay down next to Tara.



She’s gonna be okay. She is.



Willow repeated it over and over in her head, until she fell into slumber next to her girlfriend.



Later



She couldn’t figure out whether she was still dreaming or not. She seemed to be on the border of the two. Not quite awake, but not quite asleep either. She was aware that there was a body lying next to her, she could feel the warmness, that and her arm was defiantly wrapped around something. She could feel herself slipping away from the land of sleep and back into the land of the living. Slowly, her eyes opened. She blinked a few times, before focusing on the pools of blue in front of her. There were no words to describe the shade of blue, none apart from breathtaking. They were amazing. It took her a second to realise that she was looking into a pair of eyes, and that obviously, the eyes belonged to a face. That face, in turn, would be attached to a neck and that neck would belong to a body and then she remembered who she’d fallen asleep next to.



Willow: You’re awake.



The lop sided grin she’d fallen in love with the first time she had seen it appeared on her girlfriend’s face.



Tara: Nothing gets past you.



Willow smiled and prodded her lover’s belly, lightly. Concern masked her face as she woke up properly and remembered what had happened.



Willow: How are you feeling?

Tara: I um, I’m feeling kind of woozy right now, but I think I’m okay.

Willow: Tara, you collapsed in the college hallway, you’re in no way okay.



Tara frowned, she couldn’t remember collapsing.



Tara: I w-what?

Willow: You collapsed. In the hallway. What were you doing at the college anyway? I told Faith to make sure you rested.

Tara: I got up and I was feeling fine, so I wanted to surprise you by meeting you outside of class.



Willow smiled.



Willow: As sweet as that was, my idea of meeting you outside of class isn’t walking out and finding you collapsed in the hallway.

Tara: Well, it’s not like I planned on doing it.

Willow: I know that.



Willow giggled and kissed her girlfriend softly on the lips.



Willow: Look, the same thing happened to Faith. Buffy came over here and Faith just blacked out. We’re going to take you to the doctors tomorrow.



Tara began shaking her head.



Tara: W-Willow, I’ll be fine. I just need some rest and-



The redhead pressed a finger to her girlfriend’s lip, silencing her.



Willow: Baby, I know you don’t like going to the doctors, I know you don’t like anything to do with them, but I’m worried about you. Will you do this for me? Please?



Tara sighed and nodded her head. She couldn’t say no to Willow.



Two days later



Despite both girls hating the idea of going, Buffy and Willow had managed to get Tara and Faith into the doctor’s surgery. They’d all sat down, deciding it was best that they go together seeing as how they’d had the same symptoms, dizziness, sickness, fainting, and explained everything to him. He fiddled around with his computer for a moment, then took some tests and told them they would be ready tomorrow and to go back and see him then. As soon as Faith had woken up that morning, she was straight in the toilet again. It was the same with Tara and apparently, it had happened a few days before as well, but they hadn’t thought anything of it so never said anything. Both their girlfriend’s had been there to rub their backs and hold their hair back and had exchanged worried glances afterwards that morning. Eventually, they all got dressed and made their way back to the doctor’s surgery, just like he’d told them. They sat down in front of him and waited for him to speak.



Doctor: The results for the tests we took yesterday came back this morning and I was quite shocked to see that the results were the same. Of course, giving the symptoms, I suspected this from the beginning, but we have to make sure of these things. First of all, are you all family?



They seemed a little confused at the question, but Willow answered it without a second thought.



Willow: Yes.



It was the truth, they were all like family. Best friends, girlfriends, they were bound closer together than even blood could bring them. A smile appeared on the doctor’s face as he handed Tara and Faith their results.



Doctor: Well, I can safely say then that there are going to be two new additions to this family.



Willow shook her head, confused.



Willow: Sorry?

Doctor: Tara, Faith, congratulations. You’re pregnant.



TBC..............

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

Hmm.... did i just add a hell of alot more fuel to the confusion fire?

Hope you liked!



~ Jen

“Sleep well baby?” Willow asked, a little more pep in her voice now that she had a dose of morning caffeine.




“Like a log until my pillow got up and left.” Tara smirked and playfully slapped Willow across the shoulder. ~ All You Wanted - Nath

[Grimlock72]

Heh, if figured something like that... but both pregnant at exactly the same time ? Having black-outs and being sick at the same time ? That's a bit too much coincidence, except perhaps on a HellMouth



The dream was very descriptive, which is why I hated reading it. Didn't like both women so helpless, stupid drunk father... bwah. Really didn't like that.



Willow being worried about Tara while in class... so sweet Of course there was no way Tara could avoid a docters visit after fainting in that hallway, heh. It *was* suprise to Willow no doubt .



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

[peggy of sunnydale]

that is so interesting so both at the same time have to agree with grimlock72 that is weird but this being the helmouth not to suprising looking foward to the next update







thank you

[snuggle79]

Can i love this story any more than i already do?? Oh yes, i think i can and i think i do. Cause it get's better every time and you are always surprising us with something new!



..wow, while reading this i was kinda thinking about the possibility of pregnancy ...but just for a little second...but i was like:"nuh...no no...never ever.." but then..wow again, they are really pregnant...oh my god...how...who/what...when? I can see two cute faces already...lol



Faith's dream was very descriptive, yeah. Made me sad and angry at the same whilst reading it. poor girl.

Awesome update as always!

snuggle

__________________

"I got so lost"

"I found you, i will always find you"

Edited by: snuggle79 at: 11/5/02 12:08:04 pm

[littlecrazy80]

Both pregnant? But how?

This story gets really interesting.



*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[MissQuirky]

Ok all caught up w/ the last 2 updates!! WOW Faith AND Tara... pregnant!! Definitely can't wait to find out what the hell thats all about!! More soon??



~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.

Tara: I said quirky.

[Ginner WTluv]

Just dropping in to reply to your wonderful feedback



Grimmy - Ah yes, the wonder of coincidences It is all a bit odd, but will become clearer in the next update. The dream was very hard for me to write, i almost left it out completely, but it is an improtant part of the story, so i couldn't bring myself to write it out.



Peggy - Glad you find this interesting (and that i didn't bore everyong to death )



Snuggle - Aww, glad you like the story The pregnancy thing? all will be explained



lil' c - It is indeed confusing and if i wasn't writing this fic i wouldn't have a clue but i am, and everything will be explained.



Quirky - Glad you're liking this And hopefully i'll have an update posted in the next couple of days



Thanks for reading



~ Jen



Edit to add: Go me!! I'm Willowhand!! *does backflips*

“Sleep well baby?” Willow asked, a little more pep in her voice now that she had a dose of morning caffeine.




“Like a log until my pillow got up and left.” Tara smirked and playfully slapped Willow across the shoulder. ~ All You Wanted - Nath

Edited by: Ginner WTluv at: 11/5/02 3:36:17 pm

[LiangFeng]

I KNEW IT!



Does this mean we'll have little Faith/Buffies and Willow/Taras running around?...Or is it demon children that used Faith and Tara as hosts? What the hell am I talking about?! You're not Joss...!

Unfortunately, all my Barbies are out working. --"Kiss of the Dragon"

[pikescoob]

Loved the update Ginner I was really surprised with them being pregnant cuz I hadn't a clue I guess I'm a bit slow on the uptake sometimes, hehe Now the question is, how is this happening? Which I'm sure you will answer in good time. Can't wait to see what happens next



--Michelle

[Ginner WTluv]

Hey all, dropping by again



Liang - I'm not Joss.... you know, that's probably the nicest thing anyone has every said to me Will they be little demon spawn? All will be revealed.



Michelle - Glad you liked the update And yes, all with be answered



I should have an update posted in a couple of days, hopeully anyway



~ Jen

“Sleep well baby?” Willow asked, a little more pep in her voice now that she had a dose of morning caffeine.




“Like a log until my pillow got up and left.” Tara smirked and playfully slapped Willow across the shoulder. ~ All You Wanted - Nath

[Ginner WTluv]

I'm going to appologize again for the lateness of this update. RL seems to be getting on top of me at the moment, but i'm determind to continue with this fic There's probably only going to be a few more parts after this and then my trilogy is complete.... but knowing me, it'll probably be more than that because i seem to have trouble ending my fics. Anyway, here's part 21. Hope you like.

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

Part Twenty-One



The apartment door flew open and a confused Willow strode in, Buffy, Tara and Faith following closely behind. The redhead paced back and forth as Faith closed the door and took a seat next to Tara. Buffy had sat in a chair opposite the two girls and was currently looking at her hands. Willow held her hand to her mouth and pulled it away as if to say something, but replaced it and continued pacing. Faith and Tara wore matching frowns and both weren’t sure where to look, lost in their own thoughts. Willow’s voice broke the silence.



Willow: Pregnant?



The three girls looked up and rested their eyes on the distraught looking redhead.



Willow: Pregnant?!

Tara: Will-

Willow: Tara, don’t. Okay? Just don’t.



She let out a shaky breath and finally stopped pacing. Her head was spinning and she didn’t know what to think. How? How had this happened? She wasn’t a fool, she knew how these things happened, but it didn’t make sense. Tara wouldn’t, would she?



Willow: I don’t know what the heck is going on, but whatever it is….



Willow just shook her head.



Willow: I can’t even believe I’m about to say this…. Tara, did you-?

Tara: No.



Tara answered before the redhead had a chance to finish. She knew the question was coming, she just couldn’t bare to hear it come from her lover’s mouth. The blonde looked up at her girlfriend.



Tara: Do you think I’d do that? I would never do something like that. God, Will, I can’t even believe you were going to ask me…. I love you. I’m not about to go and get friendly with some guy!

Willow: I had to ask! Tara, you’re pregnant. I went through sex ed, I know how that happens.

Tara: I know how it happens too, I’m not stupid, but the doctor must have made a mistake, because I was never with any guy.



Buffy spoke up for the first time since they’d left the hospital.



Buffy: Faith-

Faith: Buffy, don’t ask me that. I don’t want to believe you’d ask me something like that and I want to keep it that way.



Faith’s head had lolled forward and she was looking at her hands again. The blonde felt a wave of guilt wash over her, but she had to know.



Buffy: I have to know, Faith….

Faith: No. Never. I would never…. I thought you knew that.

Buffy: Oh, Faith, I do, I just-

Faith: Obviously you don’t.



Willow shook her head.



Willow: You both have to understand the position we’re in here…. Finding out our girlfriends are pregnant came as a bit of a shock to the system.



Buffy nodded, but never took her eyes off Faith.



Faith: And you have to understand the position we’re in.

Tara: Finding out we were pregnant was probably a bigger shock to us than it was to you, especially since we know we didn’t cheat on our girlfriends. I mean, hello, gay now.

Faith: The fact that you jumped at us and asked us that straight away…. You’ve got to understand that it hurt….



Their upset was evident in both their voices.



Willow: I know that.

Buffy: We both do. We really do.

Willow: But we had to ask….

Wesley: And I think I have some explaining to do.



They all turned to find their mentor standing in the doorway. Faith’s eyes instantly narrowed and she got to her feet.



Faith: Don’t tell me you had something to do with this, it would be best for us both.

Wesley: Of course I didn’t have anything to this, but I might be able to explain.

Willow: We’re waiting.



Wesley moved to sit on one of the chairs by the table.



Tara: How? How has this happened?



His answer was simple.



Wesley: You’re love for each other.

Faith: What?



The elder man sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.



Wesley: This isn’t the first time this has happened.

Willow: You knew something like this could happen and you didn’t think to tell us?



Her voice was angry.



Wesley: Let me explain…. It’s only happened once and there was a lot of confusion over it, no one ever expected it to happen again. Kaitlyn and Sydney were two of The Called many years ago, they fell in love and Sydney somehow became pregnant. As you can expect, there was much mystification over it and Sydney and Kaitlyn almost split, but then someone came forward. No one knew her name, no one knew where she came from, but she came forward to explain. The love that Kaitlyn and Sydney shared was so strong it had called out to her, it had drawn her to them. So, she stayed and watched them. Watched how they reacted towards one another, watched how their love grew and when she revealed herself, she told them that the reason for Sydney’s pregnancy was their love. It had been so strong, so consuming, she had blessed them with a new life. A child that would carry the essence of both girls, a child that would be born out of pure love, a child that would be destined for great things. They named their son Hunter and he was indeed destined for great things.

Faith: What did he do?

Wesley: Almost completely whipped out the werewolf race.



The girls were stunned into silence.



Wesley: The reason I never told you was because I didn’t think it would happen again. No one did, but it has, and I’m betting it’s for the same reasons. When I first met you, your love for each other was…. Amazing and since then it has grown even more. She has blessed you in the same way she blessed Sydney and Kaitlyn. Your children will be born out of pure love and will carry the essence of both their parents. They will be destined for great things, just as Hunter was.



None of them knew what to say. How were they supposed to react to this? Silence blanketed the room for a long while after Wesley had explained. Each of them lost in their own thoughts, trying to understand. Faith and Tara were both pregnant, their children were going to be born out of love, carry the essence of both them and their partners, and were going to be destined for great things. It was a lot to take in.



Tara: How….



Tara shook her head and trailed off, sighing.



Wesley: I understand that this is a lot for you to comprehend, but what’s done is done. This was meant to be. You are bringing a new life into the world, a life that will be born out of pure love. That love is in the way you look at each other, it’s in the way you touch each other and it’s in the way you care for each other. It is the love of soul mates.

Faith: Soul mates?

Wesley: You were destined to be together, to be with the person you are now. To share a love that will be unbreakable, a love that will last beyond death and outlast time. Soul mates.



A smiled worked its way onto the girl’s faces and they each reached for their girlfriend’s hand simultaneously. They all felt amazing reassured and somewhat peaceful. Whoever that woman was who had blessed Sydney and Kaitlyn so long ago was, she had chosen to bless them because their love was pure, because they were soul mates. She had chosen their children to be one the people to have an affect on the world, one way or another, and knowing that gave them the most wonderful feeling, but it also scared them beyond belief.



Faith: How are we expected to cope? Willow, Tara and Buffy are all in college and I’m planning on getting a job…. I’ve been living off my aunt for the last few years, but I’m guessing she won’t want to be doing that for much longer, how are we supposed to manage?

Willow: Yeah. I mean, my parents might want to help, it’s not like they’re poor, but try explaining you’re pregnant when you only introduced your girlfriend too them a little while ago.

Buffy: I know my mom will want to help. She’s always talking about grandkids, but I’m with Will on this one, how do we explain? They’re going to find out sooner or later, aren’t they?

Wesley: We must take all of this into account, I understand, but even though we never thought this would happen again, we were not definite. Because of that, we had to take precautions. As for your parents…



He trailed off, not knowing quite how to explain.



Wesley: We shall come to that bridge when we cross it. For now, the main focus is still the werewolves.

Willow: About that…. How are we supposed to fight werewolves when the babies come?

Faith: And how are we supposed to fight them once Tara and me are heavily pregnant and having extreme mood swings?

Wesley: As I said before, all of this will be taken into account. I’ll inform the council of the situation-

Faith: The council?



Wesley got that “I knew there was something I forgot to tell them” look on his face and cleared his throat.



Wesley: Ah, yes. The council. You see, when the very first four were Called, they had no mentor and it went on like this for hundreds of years. One group of Called refused to accept their destiny, so a small group of people, who knew of these goings on, created what we know called The Council. They are there to make sure each Called group accept their destiny and carry it out. If they don’t, they are also there to punish them. They deal with any problems that may occur and help as much as they can.

Willow: And why didn’t you tell us this?



The elder man looked sheepish to say the least.



Wesley: It, um, it must have slipped my mind.



The girls couldn’t help but grin. Now they understood, they felt better about the situation, but the worries were still there of course. As was the inevitable confusion. Wesley seemed to sense their worries and confusion and spoke up again.



Wesley: I know this is a shock, but everything will be okay. Trust me. For now, you’ll be able to continue with your usual routine.

Willow: Get up, have breakfast, go to college, enjoy Tara smoochies, come home, enjoy more Tara smoochies, eat dinner, more Tara smoochies, go out and fight evil werewolves, come home, enjoy more smoochies and go to bed.

Faith: Yup, that pretty much sums it up for me, too.



Buffy glanced over at Faith, arching an eyebrow.



Faith: Oh, but uh, replace Tara with Buffy and college with job hunting.



Wesley’s mood seemed to change and he looked at the girls, determination shining in his eyes.



Wesley: I want you all to know that I’m here for you, in any way you may need. I’m here for you.



Tara smiled.



Tara: Thank you, Wesley

Wesley: It’s the least I can do.



Training House: A week later



Wesley had told them he had something to take care of, so he’d left the girls to train. He had gone through the basics with them, taught then the fighting techniques, the different defence techniques, and how to use the weapons. So, Wesley was pretty sure he could leave the girls alone for a few hours and when he got back the place wouldn’t be in ruins.



Faith: I broke the bookshelf.



Of course, he couldn’t be right all the time. Faith stuck her head around the side of her training area and was met by the eyes of the three other girls.



Willow: What happened now?

Faith: Okay, this time it wasn’t my fault. I was beating up that padded post thing Xander made for us when I hit it a little too hard. The top part broke off and flew into the bookshelf.



The brunette smiled, sheepishly.



Faith: Do we have any glue?

Buffy: I’ll get Xander to fix it. For now, don’t hit so hard.

Faith: I though you like aggressively butch me.

Buffy: I do, but Wesley isn’t going to be pleased if you break anything else.

Faith: I’ll just train quietly then.

Buffy: That’s my girl.



They were all still trying to get used to the “pregnant” situation, but after Wesley had explained, a few hundred times, they felt a little more at ease. It was still very confusing for them, and the worries were still there, but they were going to get through it. Together.

An hour later, Wesley returned to the training house carrying a number of bags, to find the girls resting after their long training session. Faith raised an eyebrow and nodded towards all the bags.



Faith: been shopping?

Wesley: I just had to pick up a few things.

Buffy: A few?

Wesley: They’re for you, but if you want me to take them back…



He trailed off and turned to leave. The girls shot up from where they were sitting and rushed over to him, grabbing the bags.



Willow: They’re for us?

Tara: What are they?

Buffy: Ooh, clothes!



Wesley smiled.



Wesley: Yes, clothes. I figured you may want something to fight in, like uniforms, but I wasn’t sure what you like when it comes to style…. So I got you all one of everything.

Faith: How the heck did you pay for all this?

Wesley: It came out of The Council’s funds. They’re always happy to help out. Now, pick out the things you like and try them on.

Buffy: Did you only get black clothes?



Buffy rummaged around in the bag, looking for something that wasn’t black.



Wesley: Black seemed appropriate. You’re going to be fighting at night and you can’t afford to be seen, so you’ll have to blend in.

Faith: And as much as you love your colours, B, I think someone would notice us if we were to prance around in pastel-pink fighting gear.



Buffy pouted.



Buffy: What about sky blue?

Faith: No.



They all picked up their bags and disappeared into one of the training rooms to change. Wesley smiled again, glad that they were pleased, and walked to the bigger changing room at the back.



Wesley: What happened to the table? And the chair?! And what the heck happened to my bookshelf?!

Faith: None of those were my fault!



TBC..........

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

Thanks for reading



~ Jen

I'd like to take a moment to talk about something that's happened lately. I'm also in love. It's a very special thing and I'm really rather proud of it. Yes, I'm in love with my own breasts. I feel no personal shame about this; in fact, I think this is the one. It's going to last. ~ Ruth

[littlecrazy80]

Yay an update!!!

So Faith and Tara are pregnant? Still trying to imagine them hunting werewolves when they are "heavily pregnant".



*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[Grimlock72]

Hmm... I'm slighlty allergic to the word 'council' so forgive me for not trusting them. At all.



Making sure people accept their destiny...riiiiight... if it truly WERE their destiny they wouldn't help accepting it now would they ? Nah, it sounds waaay to controlling to my paranoid mind.



How did those two other called women managed to get a SON of them being together ?? A daughter would be logical (chromosomes and such) but a son ??



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

[Ginner WTluv]

Hello again Just dropping in to give some feedback.



lil' c - Well, they won't be fighting when they're heavily pregnant. Buffy and Willow will have to take care of that.... as well as Faith and Tara's extream moodswings Glad you liked it.



Grimlock - I wouldn't trust The Watcher's Council as far as i could throw them.... which wouldn't be very far, but my guys are different. As for Sydney and Kaitlyn, pregnancy by being blessed from someone they don't know can be a funny thing I know it would have been more logical for them to have a daughter.... but this is me, and everyone knows i'm not logic's biggest fan



Thanks for reading



~ Jen

I'd like to take a moment to talk about something that's happened lately. I'm also in love. It's a very special thing and I'm really rather proud of it. Yes, I'm in love with my own breasts. I feel no personal shame about this; in fact, I think this is the one. It's going to last. ~ Ruth

[pikescoob]

Cool update Jen Awww...they're pregnant cuz they're soulmates...very sweet Should be interesting to see how the fighting goes as their pregnancies go along. Lookin' forward to more



--Michelle

[snuggle79]

Update! yay

The reason for their pregnancies is really lovely.

I think this is going to be very interesting with being heavily pregnant and the fighting and all.

Awesome update!

snuggle79

__________________

"I got so lost"

"I found you, i will always find you"

[Ginner WTluv]

Hello again First off, replies.



Michelle - Glad you liked it, Michelle Hopefully, if i can update regularly, you won't have to wait to long to find out



Snuggle - Aww, i'm pleased you liked the reason they got pregnant And i won't make you wait much longer for an update.... cuz, well, here it is



I had to put this together pretty quickly, so appologies if it isn't that good.... hopefully you won't all stop reading it :tongue Hope you like.

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

Part Twenty-Two



The cold night air seemed foreign to him. The darkness that surrounded him seemed almost fake. There was something about the town he had arrived in that morning that struck fear into heart, but he wasn’t unnerved by it. Fear didn’t scare him. Not anymore. He had seen fear and what it could do to people. He wouldn’t let that happen to him. He had been standing in the same spot for the last hour, just looking. Observing. He had never been in a town quite like this before and he was intrigued. The town gave off a certain vibe and he was sure it had drawn him there. He was a traveller. A loner. He didn’t trust people, but he had his reasons.

The clouds shifted overhead and he gazed towards the sky, looking at the moon and sighing heavily.



I may have trouble with people…. I may not trust them as far as my old man could throw them…. But in order for my plan to work, I need to at least be civil to the people that are involved in it.



He needed to get them to trust him, but this being Sunnydale, he had a feeling that getting people to trust him might be a problem.



Then again, I always did enjoy a challenge.



He smiled to himself and disappeared into the shadows.



Sunnydale Park



Willow grunted as she was viciously thrown against the tree.



Willow: Faith!

Faith: I’m on it!



They didn’t know what had happened. One minute they were taking a leisurely stroll in the park, the next they were being attacked by not one, not two, but three werewolves. Although they had fought werewolves before, they had never been up against three at the same time and to be honest, they weren’t doing well. Buffy and Tara were dealing with the first of the wolves, while Faith and Willow were battling with the second and third a little way away. Faith lunged forward and grabbed the scruff of the wolf’s neck, yanking it away from Willow.



Faith: Good dogs don’t bite.



Willow fell to the floor and rolled out of the way as Faith slammed the wolf hard into the tree. It let out a load yelp and fell to the floor. Something clicked in Willow’s brain and she cried out.



Willow: Faith, get down!



Faith hit the floor, just as the third wolf jumped at her, but fortunately it sailed over her head thanks to Willow’s early warning, and hit the tree opposite them. They all heard a very loud snapping noise and looked up to find the wolf the other girls had been fighting slumped at Tara’s feet. It took them a moment to realise that the clicking noise had been the wolf’s neck snapping. Tara glanced down at the now very dead werewolf and put her hands back at her sides.



Tara: One down…



Buffy and Tara moved forward to help Willow and Faith with the two remaining wolves.



Faith: B, you and Tara-



She didn’t get to finish her sentence. The wolf she had slammed against the tree unexpected got up and spun around, lashing our and pelting Faith half way across the park, into the trunk of one of the many trees that lined the outside of the park.



Faith: Son of a….



She got to her feet and made her way back towards the action. Buffy, Tara and Willow were trying to close in on the two werewolves in the hope that they’d be able to finally finish this and escape major injury. The wolves however, had a slightly different plan. The larger of the two growled and locked eyes with Buffy, before breaking out in a run and charging at her. Faith, who had quite reached them yet, saw this and yelled out.



Faith: Buffy!



She too broke into a run, but was too late. The wolf lunged at the seemingly unsuspecting blonde, pushing her to the floor and raised its claw, ready to strike. Faith’s eyes immediately clouded over, as did the sky overhead. Her eyes turned completely black, but she continued to run towards her girlfriend.



Faith: Not on my watch.



A huge clap of thunder sounded and the wind picked up. The trees around them shook with the force and for a moment, looked as if they were going to be ripped right out of the ground. The wolf that was still hovering over Buffy slowly placed its paw back on the ground. It turned its head in Faith’s direction and as soon as they locked eyes, the wind speed up even more and the wolf was thrown at least thirty feet away from Buffy thanks to the extreme force of it. It hit the wooden bridge that ran over the lake, crashing through it landing in an unpleasant position, which involved its head almost being turned at a two hundred and seventy degree angle, against a stone statue of the Mayor, Richard Wilkins III. It sank to the ground, dead, and leaving the Called Ones with one remaining wolf to fight. This one, having seeing what happened to the rest of its pack, seemed determined not to fail. It leapt forward, past Willow and Tara, pressed its paws against the front of the tree and pushed itself out of the girls’ reach, landing a little way away from where Buffy was. Faith reached the blonde and helped her up. They could see that they might have a problem with this wolf, but it was a problem they could sort out. They were sure of that. Subconsciously, they all stood next to each other in a line, Buffy, Faith, Willow then Tara, and watched the wolf pace around in front of them, turning around once and then seemingly sizing them up. They were wearing the stuff Wesley had gotten them and looked almost identical. Clad from head to toe in black, the girls were wearing baggy combat pants, with the exception of Faith who had opted for the leather. Buffy had picked out the plain black t-shirt, Faith had decided on a black shirt, Willow took a liking to the long sleeved t-shirt with a lightening bolt along the left sleeve and Tara was wearing a t-shirt similar to Buffy’s, except hers had a ying and yang sign on the front, around half way down. Over that, the four of them were wearing ankle length, black leather jackets and had identical black boots on their feet. Tucked into the side of Faith’s right boot was a dagger, something she thought may come in useful.

Willow, after having thorough training sessions with Wesley, had more control over her powers now and as she monitors the beast’s actions, she began to anticipate its next move.



Willow: Okay, guys-

Faith: Jesus, Will! Knock next time!

Willow: Well, I didn’t think you’d mind this time, seeing as how we’re about to be eaten by a very pissed looking werewolf!

Tara: Eaten?

Faith: Why can’t we just talk out loud?

Willow: Because this way, it won’t be able to suss out our next move.

Faith: Oh.

Willow: Look, it’s gonna go after Buffy first-

Buffy: Why is it always me? I mean, for once, why can’t it go after a cat or chase its tail?

Willow: Buffy, wolf.



Buffy refocused her attention on the wolf, which was now speeding towards them.



Willow: It’s gonna jump.



Just as the werewolf’s paws left the ground, Buffy jumped, pushing herself high into the air and threw her leg out. Her foot connected with the wolf’s jaw and it fell back to the ground, as the blonde landed on the grass. The girls had begun to move in on it again. The beast recovered quickly and lashed out at the nearest object, which was unfortunately Tara’s leg. The blonde slumped to the floor and bit her bottom lip to stop herself from crying out. Willow lunged forward when she saw this, but the wolf was ready, and it caught the redhead off guard by lifting one of its front paws. The force of the blow sent Willow back to the floor. Seeing her chance, Faith kneeled down, pulled the dagger out of her boot and thrust her hand forward, watching as the dagger sank into the werewolf’s side. It stumbled backwards and howled in pain. Faith got to her feet and held her hand out for Willow, but before the redhead had chance to take it, the wolf had recovered and was heading for Tara again.



Willow: Tara!



Hearing Willow’s shout, the wolf picked up its speed and pounced, landing on Tara before the blonde could get up. It dug its claws deep into her chest and growled loudly. Tara’s scream was blood curdling and she could do nothing but lay there, wounded, as she wept in pain.



Willow: No!



White-hot bolts of pain shot through Willow’s body, as she felt what Tara was feeling. It felt as if her whole body was on fire. Faith pulled her hand out of Willow’s grasp as she her own hand burn from the contact. She held her hand close to her chest and looked at Willow. The redhead’s eyes were completely black and she was breathing extremely heavily. Willow arched her back as the transformation began and she screamed again. Faith backed away and she watched. It seemed to be happening in slow motion, but really only took a few seconds. Willow’s hand slammed into the ground beside her and it began to change. One minute it had been just like any other human hand, the next, it had formed claws and was covered in thick black fur. Tara tried vainly to push the beast off her, but because of her injuries that proved to be a difficult task. Then suddenly, the werewolf was gone. Tara opened her eyes and glanced down at her chest. There was blood everywhere.



Oh god….



It then occurred to her that there must have been a reason for the werewolf not being there anymore and she looked over at Buffy and Faith. Willow was nowhere to be seen and the two girls were looking past Tara at something.



Tara: W-where’s Willow?



They didn’t say anything and just kept looking straight past Tara. Frowning, the blonde turned her head and her eyes fell upon a somewhat horrific sight. A little more than five meters away from her, the werewolf that had attacked her was engaged in a fierce battle with another wolf. Tara couldn’t understand where it had come from. It hadn’t been there a moment ago. It was bigger than the other wolf, darker too, but there was one thing that made it different the most. Running down its back was a thick, white line in the shape of a lightning bolt. It was certainly interesting. Tara’s frown suddenly faded as she realised something.



Willow….



The wolf was Willow. Faith appeared at her side and helped the blonde to her feet.



Tara: W-when…?

Faith: When the werewolf attacked you, she lost it. Wolfed out….



Tara looked over at the wolves that were still battling, concern clouding her face.



Tara: Shouldn’t w-we stop them?

Faith: Do you wanna get in the middle of that?



The blonde didn’t seem to hear Faith’s question, her eyes were fixed on the scene that was taking place in front of her. The Willow-wolf had the other wolf pinned against the floor and was swinging it’s paws at it. Bloody gashes appeared on the wolf and it howled in pain. Somehow, it managed to push the Willow-wolf off and tried to make a run for it, but Willow was close behind and she tackled it, sinking her teeth deep into its neck. It let out another howl of pain before the Willow-wolf started shaking its head violently from side to side. There was a loud snapping sound and the wolf went limp. Willow released her hold on it and it slumped to the floor. She went down after it and her body began to shake.



Tara: Willow….



Tara tried to run forward, but Faith grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back.



Faith: She’s still a wolf, she might be dangerous.

Tara: No, she-she won’t, she isn’t.

Faith: You don’t know-

Tara: Yes I do!



She broke free of the brunette’s grip and rushed towards Willow. Kneeling down beside the half wolf, half human Willow, panic struck her as she saw the pain in the green eyes. Dread filled her body as she realised some was deadly wrong.



Tara: S-something’s wrong.

Faith: She’s changing…. Wesley said it would hurt.

Tara: No! Something’s wrong! I know.

Buffy: What-

Tara: Get Wesley.

Faith: We don’t know where he is.

Tara: Find him!



Tara turned to look at the other girls, her own eyes pleading with them.



Tara: Please.



Faith didn’t need anymore. She spun around and broke into a run, heading for the exit of the park, trying to think of where Wesley could possibly be.

Among the tress, off to the side, hidden in the shadows, stood a man. His eyes watched as the brunette sped off and the two blondes were left with the wolf. A smug, sadistic smile spread across his face slowly and he turned, heading further into the wood.



TBC............

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



~ Jen

I'd like to take a moment to talk about something that's happened lately. I'm also in love. It's a very special thing and I'm really rather proud of it. Yes, I'm in love with my own breasts. I feel no personal shame about this; in fact, I think this is the one. It's going to last. ~ Ruth

[Grimlock72]

Hmm, question; why didn't either of the four girls spot/detect/sense that man ?



They really should train on actually using their powers a lot more, kung-fu vs. werewolf is not a good idea. Waiting till there is extreme danger before using your powers is also not a smart idea, pre-emptive striking is better.



Now, whats going on with Willow ? The wolfing-out in itself shouldn't be a problem, so whats wrong according to Tara ? Any man smiling sadisticly at Willow while she's in pain is by definition bad, just what does he want ?



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

[littlecrazy80]

Great update!

But who´s that guy? Why is he smiling while Willow is in pain?



*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[snuggle79]

oooh, exciting as hell!!

What is happening with poor Willow?

And who is that mysterious guy who is laughing at that painful sight??

Very curious person here...!

Can't wait for more!

Great update!

snuggle79

__________________

"I got so lost"

"I found you, i will always find you"

[pikescoob]

Hey Jen!! Thanks for the great update! I hope Willow's gonna be okay And I'm soo not liking this dude with the sadistic smile, but I'm guessing that's how I'm supposed to feel Lookin' forward to more!



--Michelle

[sheila wt]

Oh Goddess... Willow's in trouble...



I wonder if the smiling guy used some magic to make Willow not turn completely back? She would be feeling the pain of the transformation non-stop and something really bad could happen to her body because of that. Ok, please, please, tell me this is not going to happen!



I know I have this very, very bad side which, in theory, kinda enjoy seeing Willow getting a little hurt, as far as it's nothing really serious, because then Tara goes all "mama-bear" protecting and taking care of her and this is just SO terribly cute... uh, yeah, but, after confessing this terrible sin, what I was going to say is that I hope Wesley gets there fast and figures out what's happening. Afterall, he seems to know everything. Too bad he just says something *after* the events happened...

Sheila

[Ange]

I loved it Ginner. I hope Willow will be ok.

Can't wait for next part.



Ange.

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

"Things are not always what they seem to be...." Shakespeare

Willow & Tara Stuff (Videos and caps of new episodes)

[disasterarea42]

Hey dude this is a really stonkin fic, I is really enjoying it and it s distracting me from my uni wrk, I should be plotting a gsussian curve rite now, but I REALLY dont mind.

Been meaning to add my two cents worth but been really busy in Liverpool, and could u bug ur sister bout coming to c me after xmas (its Vicki by the way) cause Ive only had one flying visit.

[Ginner WTluv]

Hey all. Well, i'm going to apologize (again) for the lack of updating. Real life has decided to take a turn for the worst and dump a pile of crap right on my head. *angry sigh* Anyway, i managed to get an update for y'all (i now seem to be saying "y'all" incessantly after reading Debra's fic "W/T season 3" heh). Here it is. Hope you like it. I really want to have a christmas theam with my next update.... hopefully i'll be able to work something out.

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

Part Twenty-three



Faith burst into her apartment, the door almost flying off its hinges, and made a grab for the phone. Just as she was about to dial her mentor’s number, a voice surfaced.



Wesley: Faith?



The brunette spun around and found Wesley sitting in one of the chairs in the living room.



Faith: You’re here. Why are you never at your own apartment?!



She almost screamed at him, panic lining her voice. He stood up and walked towards her, frowning.



Wesley: What’s wrong?

Faith: It’s Willow. We-we were fighting and one of the wolves attacked Tara. Willow lost it and wolfed out, and now something’s wrong.

Wesley: Wrong? What do you mean?

Faith: Wesley, if I knew what was wrong, I wouldn’t be here asking you for help. Tara knows something’s wrong.

Wesley: How?



Wesley looked around for his jacket and quickly slipped it on when he found it.



Faith: You know as well as the rest of us that they have some sort of connection. When Willow hurts, Tara feels it and vice versa. Now, come on!



They flew out of the apartment.



Wesley: Get in the car, we’ll get there quicker.



The Park



Tara was crying now. She could feel the pain Willow was going through and it was killing her. She couldn’t understand what was going on. After what Wesley had told them, she knew Willow should have changed back by now, but she hadn’t. Willow had sort of begun to change and then was suddenly unable to go any further, so she was lying on the floor, writhing in pain, in a half wolf, half human stage. Tara could see the panic and pain in Willow’s eyes and she sent a silent prayer to any gods that might have been listening, pleading with them, begging them to let Willow be okay. A partially clawed hand reached out for Tara’s arm and took hold of her hand. The blonde never took her eyes off Willow. Still unable to talk because of the transformation, the redhead used what strength she had left to get a message to Tara telepathically.



Willow: Tara....

Tara: Don’t try to-

Willow: I’m sorry. Maybe I should have tried to keep control…. But I wasn’t going to let that thing kill you…. I’m sorry….

Tara: Stop it. Stop apologising. This isn’t your fault. There’s a reason why you’re not changing back and when Wesley gets here, he can fix it and you’ll be okay.

Willow: I don’t think I’m gonna make it, Tara…. Whatever’s happening to me…. Oh god, the pain…. I don’t think I’m gonna make it….

Tara: Stop talking like that!

Willow: I love you…. Don’t ever forget that….

Tara: I won’t forget it, because you’re going to be there to tell me like you have been for the last two years!



She heard Willow let out a breath and watched as green eyes disappeared behind eyelids.



Tara: Open your eyes! Willow, open your eyes!



Buffy rushed forward and knelt by Tara’s side, a look of sorrow and disbelief clouding her face.



Tara: Don’t do this to me! Don’t you dare leave me! I need you, Willow! Open your eyes!



Buffy put her hand on Tara’s shoulder.



Buffy: Come on. Wesley will be here in a minute.



Tara shrugged Buffy’s hand off and turned her attention back to Willow, tears streaming down her face.



Tara: Willow, baby, come on. Open your eyes. Please, for me.



Buffy heard the sound of feet approaching and let out a relieved sigh as Faith and Wesley ran towards them. The brunette immediately fell to her best friend’s side and glanced at Tara. The blonde’s eyes were red and puffy from crying, and her brow was furrowed. She looked back at Willow.



Tara: Don’t leave me, Willow….



As Buffy pulled a sobbing, distraught Tara aside, Wesley kneeled down beside Willow. Suddenly, her figure changed and she was back to human form. Wesley pressed two fingers to the girl’s neck to check her pulse. Faith kept glancing back and forth between Willow and Wesley, she could hear her own heart beating in her ears.



Faith: Is she…?

Wesley: Not quite, but her pulse is extremely weak. We need to get her to a hospital.



Carefully, Faith picked Willow up and carried her to the car as quick as she could. Tara sat in the back and Faith passed Willow to her. The blonde clutched her girlfriend close and gently rocked back and forth, placing kissing on Willow’s forehead.



Tara: Hang on, baby. You’re gonna be okay, just hang on.



Faith got into next to her and Buffy and Wesley in the front. Wesley started the car up and sped off in the direction of the hospital. Tara held Willow as close as possible, whispering ‘I love you’ over and over again.



The Hospital



Wesley couldn’t understand it. Nothing like this had ever happened before. He had taken it into account that there may be some problems with Willow’s power, but he never predicted anything like this. Faith had to explain to him what had happened because Tara was so distraught. The brunette had told him how Willow had lost control after the wolf turned on Tara and changed. She then told him about the fight between the Willow-wolf and the werewolf, how the Willow-wolf had killed it and then began changing, but stopped.



Wesley: And there was nothing else? Nothing else at all?



Faith frowned for a moment, thinking. She shook her head and wiped the tears from her eyes.



Faith: Not that I can think of, but I did leave to find you. Maybe Buffy noticed something else.

Wesley: Indeed. Well, thank you anyway, Faith.



The elder man smiled at her as best he could. Even before he met the girls, he’d watched them. Watched where they went, who they talked to, how they interacted with the others. In a way, he felt close to them then, and now he had met them, spent time with them, gotten to know them, they had become the closest thing he had to a family, and the thought that one of them could have died that night, that Willow was lying unconscious in some hospital bed, sent chills down his spine and made him was to scream in anger. However, Wesley wouldn’t let himself fall apart, he couldn’t. He had to appear to be the ‘stronger’ one. He had to be the one to hold the group together. Not because that was part of his job, but because he wanted to.

The waiting room door opened and Buffy walked in, wiping her eyes. They looked red and sore, much like everyone else’s.



Wesley: Buffy, I know this probably isn’t the best time to go over this, but I need to talk about what happened.



Buffy took a deep breath and sat down next to her mentor.



Wesley: Faith told me everything up until she left to find me, do you feel up to filling in the blanks?

Buffy: Um, yeah. Sure.



The blonde ran her fingers through her hair and tried to focus.



Buffy: Well, after Faith left things just kind of got worse. Willow…. God, she was in so much pain…. A-and Tara could feel it. She felt everything Willow felt….



Buffy trailed off, blinking back the tears and choking back the sobs. Wesley urged her on.



Buffy: Willow…. She just kept getting worse. Her body, the wolf, started shaking and Tara tried to hold her down to stop it, but she couldn’t. I could see it in Willow’s eyes…. She was so afraid, and the same fear was reflected in Tara’s…. and I just stood there, frozen, because I didn’t know what to do. I should have done something….

Wesley: There was nothing you could have done.

Buffy: I should have done something instead of just standing there. I could have gone with Faith to help her look for you.

Wesley: Tara would have been on her own, you stayed with her.

Buffy: But I still did nothing. I couldn’t. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t even think.

Wesley: You froze, Buffy. It happens to all of us.

Buffy: It shouldn’t happen to me, Wesley. I’m part of The Called. What if we’re fighting werewolves the next time I freeze?

Wesley: You won’t-

Buffy: But what if I do? I’d be putting all of us in danger.



Buffy stopped when she heard someone clear their throat. Buffy and Wesley looked up and found a man wearing a long white coat looking down at them. Faith shot up out of her seat and walked over to where he was.



Doctor: Are you with Miss Rosenberg?

Faith: Yes, all of us. Is she okay?

Doctor: Let me introduce myself first. I’m Doctor Monroe, I’ve been monitoring Miss Rosenberg’s condition. When you brought her in, we found some strange lacerations on her chest and legs…. Do you have any idea how they got there?



Panic. Red flashing lights. That’s all they could see, until Buffy spoke up.



Buffy: She-she got into a fight. At a bar.

Doctor: I see. Well, Miss Rosenberg suffered some serious head trauma…. It’s not clear why, but the brain tissue has been damaged.



Wesley took off his glasses and held his hands to his face, while Buffy and Faith sat listening to what the doctor had to say, hoping that the news would get better.



Doctor: Fortunately, she will have a full recovery.



Sighs of relief came from everyone in the waiting room.



Doctor: But, she is still unconscious and she could stay that way for a week or more while the tissue repairs itself.

Faith: But she’s going to be okay?



Doctor Monroe smiled and nodded.



Wesley: Can we see her?

Doctor: As you already know, Miss Maclay is sitting by her bedside at the moment, she claimed to be Miss Rosenberg’s next of kin. Is she her sister?

Faith: She’s her everything….



Faith trailed off. She could only imagine part of what Tara must have been going through. Willow was her best friend, but Tara was her sole mate. Buffy entwined her fingers with Faith’s and looked up at the doctor.



Buffy: She’s Willow’s girlfriend.

Doctor: Ah, I see.



He wrote something down on the paper that was attached to his clipboard.



Doctor: Is there a number we can reach Miss Rosenberg’s parents at?

Faith: Yes, but they’re away on business.

Doctor: Okay. What about Miss Maclay?



Everyone looked at each other, memories of Tara’s dad came flooding back. Faith was the one who answered again.



Faith: He’s dead. We’re Tara’s family, now.

Doctor: Mmhmm, well, if you’ll follow me, I’ll take to her room.



They left the waiting room and the doctor stopped outside.



Doctor: I need someone to fill in this form and provide some details about them both.

Wesley: I’ll do that. Buffy, Faith, you go and see Tara and Willow. I’ll follow you in later.



Willow’s Hospital Room.



Tara was sat at the redhead’s bedside, holding onto Willow’s hand tightly. Her eyes had never left the motionless body lying in the hospital bed since she’d first walked into the room. She’d also tried to reach Willow telepathically, in her unconsciousness, but it hadn’t work. So, she had resorted to simply holding the redhead’s hand, brushing her thumb over knuckles, and whispering softly. Pleading Willow to wake up, because she knew that on some level, the redhead could hear her. They were connected, their souls were connected, they felt everything the other felt and if Willow could hear her, feel the pain Tara was feeling and the love she felt for Willow, she knew that the redhead would find the strength to wake.

Tara couldn’t help thinking how peaceful Willow looked while she was sleeping, she also couldn’t help thinking how she looked too peaceful, so peaceful anyone could tell that she wasn’t just sleeping, that something was wrong.

The door of the room opened and Buffy and Faith quietly made their way in. Noticing that the blonde at Willow’s bedside hadn’t yet taken eyes off the redhead, they glanced at each other, before sitting down on the end of the hospital bed. Everything was silent for a while and then Tara spoke, still looking directly at Willow.



Tara: You know, when I found out about the baby I was so scared. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, be happy or sad or feel like someone had just placed one heck of a burden on my shoulders…. But Willow…. she helped me see past all that, helped me realise that this baby really was a blessing. She said that because we had made it, that it held parts of us both, that only good could come of it. She said that because I was the one that had been chosen to carry it and give birth to the baby…. There was no way that it could be bad, because I’m goodness personified.



Tara let out a half-hearted laugh.



Tara: Those were her exact words. She told me that.



Faith looked over at the sleeping beauty and allowed herself to smile.



Faith: She always did have a way with words. It may have been a quirky way, but it was her way.

Buffy: Willow’s way.

Tara: The best way.



They sat there, sharing a moment, knowing that everything was going to be okay. No matter how bad it got, things would be okay in the end.



Outside the hospital



He watched from a distance, careful not to let himself be seen. Hidden within the small wood-like gathering of trees across from Willow’s hospital room window, he smiled, but it was not one of joy or happiness. It was one of evil, one that had a plan. One that was going to end things for the four Called ones.



TBC.................

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

Hope you liked. Hopefully the next one will be a bit longer.... very sorry again for the lack of updates. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things :-)



~ Jen

I'd like to take a moment to talk about something that's happened lately. I'm also in love. It's a very special thing and I'm really rather proud of it. Yes, I'm in love with my own breasts. I feel no personal shame about this; in fact, I think this is the one. It's going to last. ~ Ruth

Edited by: Ginner WTluv at: 12/19/02 11:22:31 am

[littlecrazy80]

Willow will be OK!

But who´s that guy?



*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[Ginner WTluv]

Just dropping in to say a few things.



lil' c - Glad you took the time to read the update Yup, Willow's going to be fine, and the guy? All will be revealed.



Hopefully i'll have another update typed up and posted in the next couple of days.... unless RL decided to kick me in the shins again.



~ Jen

I'd like to take a moment to talk about something that's happened lately. I'm also in love. It's a very special thing and I'm really rather proud of it. Yes, I'm in love with my own breasts. I feel no personal shame about this; in fact, I think this is the one. It's going to last. ~ Ruth