Email Address: Nyder_1999@yahoo.co.uk

Website: http://www.geocities.com/scarevod

Feedback: Please, please, PLEASE give me feedback! It'll encourage me to write more!

Distribution: Anyone can have it as long as they let me know.

Spoilers: Well it’s set between Season four and five and has Willow and Tara. So spoilers for Season four!!!

Rating: 15 (UK) PG-13 (US)

Pairing: W/T obviously as well as any couples about after Season Four!

Disclaimer: Joss Whedon owns Buffy. You know that, I know that. But I have copyright on my characters in it so there!

Summary: Tara and Willow come to the aid of a young witch when a new breed of Demons arrive in Sunnydale. But can they help with the Slayer out of town?



Blessed Ones.



Prologue.



Harry ran, ran faster than he had ever done in his entire life. All he could hear the stomping of his feet to the ground and the beating of his heart; that and the snarling of the creature that was hunting him down like an animal. If he could only make it home, surely he would be safe; surely it couldn't reach him there? The next thing he knew he was crashing to the ground, a pain shot up his back. He tried to pick himself up, to escape, but it was too late.

He looked around, saw the tree root that had sealed his fate and saw the monstrous form of Chad Harris standing over him. Except, Harry knew, it couldn't be Chad; Chad had died of neck rupture about a month ago yet this thing looked almost like him. Except for the disfigured face, the inhuman snarls. And the teeth, the pointed, gleaming teeth that Harry knew would soon be sinking deep into him.



"No where to run Harry," Chad hissed. Harry tried, feebly, to crawl back away but it was no good, the creature reached down and lifted him up from the dirt and held him dangling in the air.

"Hey, put him down," Harry heard a stern female voice. God, some poor girl was going to try and help him, she was going to get herself killed! Chad threw him too the floor and turned to the direction from which the voice had originated.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" Chad hissed at the female. Harry tried to shift around and see who the girl was but pain shot up his bruised back and he found he couldn't move. He couldn't even bring himself to shout a warning, he was in shock, his breath had gone from his body. She was going to die and then Chad's attention would return to him, it was all over. He watched as Chad ran forward at the girl, he caught a glimpse as she dodged around him and ran back in the hedges. As Chad followed Harry heard footsteps behind him. He dragged himself around; kneeling down by him was a young, blonde girl, probably in her early twenties.



"It's alright," she whispered calmly, "Your all right now." She helped him too his feet and led him over to a park bench. "Wait here," she whispered before turning to head back towards Chad.

"Wait," Harry managed to say, "You can't, he's… he's a monster…"

"I know," the girl said soothingly, "But I'll be alright." Her voice seemed angelic to Harry, so calming and truthful; he couldn't help but believe her. As she started to head off again he called out.

"What's your name?" The girl turned to look at him and smiled.

"Tara," she spoke as she turned and ran to where Chad and the other girl had disappeared.



Tara ran quickly into position, she prayed that everything was going to plan. She hid within the bushes looking out into the children's play area. She was glad the boy had been all right but now she was concerned about the others.

As if on queue she spotted Xander sprinting into the park, jumping the fence, followed closely by the Vampire Chad. She watched as Xander climbed up the kids' rope pyramid and the creature began to follow. Now it was her turn. She stepped out of the vegetation and into the play area. She slowly recited the chant she had learnt, the words rolled easily off here tongue and within moments the spell was cast. She closed her eyes and grinned as the magiks flowed through her; she sensed the presence of Willow on the other side of the area doing the same, the moment they connected both their powers surged into life.



Xander jumped down off the climbing frame and landed with a thump. He turned to look up at the startled vampire. The ropes that formed the apparatus were beginning to twist and turn, entwining the demon within them. It hissed and spat but could do nothing to get free.

"Your, uh, looking a little tied up there," Xander called up to the demon, grinning.

"When I get the fuck out of this your dead!" the creature spat down at him.

"You're not getting down." Xander turned to see Willow and Tara walking forwards hand in hand, looking up at the furious creature. He still found it hard to believe they were together; he and Willow had been friends since forever. He wasn't in anyway against it but he knew it would take some getting used to.

"Fuck you," screamed the vamp, it was actually starting to panic.

Xander watched as the two witches smiled at each other before turning towards the bushes from which they had emerged. The vampire followed their gaze, puzzled; the vegetation was beginning to rustle.

"What the f…" his words were cut shorts as a jagged branch shot from the hedges and embedded it self into his chest. A look of extreme shock crossed his face moments before he collapsed into dust. As Willow and Tara let go of each other the ropes returned to normal and there was no sign of everything that had occurred.

"Well, that went well," he grinned.

"Thanks Xander," Willow smiled before turning to Tara, "Told you we could do it."

"You did," Tara nodded enthusiastically. Xander looked at them, Tara's face glowed red with glee, Willow's with pride. They were quite a couple, he had to admit that and… well he was only human. He blushed as he thought back to the dream he had when the First Slayer had invaded their minds.

"Xander," Willow's voice brought him out of his day dream, "Shall we go on to the Bronze?"

"Sure, why not." The three of them turned and headed off.

"Everything is turning out so dark"

Chapter One.



As the five of them looked down on her, Juliet realised that this truly was the end; nothing could stop the inevitable from happening. She clenched her teeth together tight in anticipation of the agony to come.

"Make the sacrifice," the lead demon hissed to its fellows. Her eyes opened wide at the site of the instrument that would soon be cutting into her flesh; she had often wondered if it was true that when nearing death your whole life flashed before you, now she wondered no more. She saw herself as a child, playing with dolls, herself at school bullied and alone. She saw her discovery of Wicca, her new found confidence in herself. She remembered the excitement of casting her first levitation spell, of becoming part of something much greater than herself. Then she saw her discovery of the darkness, of the vampires and demons; creatures thought of only as myth and legend by civilisation yet all too real.

The images stopped and her scream pierced the air as the demons cut deep down into her. It was all over, everything was fading to black; she only hoped someone could stop them before they claimed their next victim, the next virgin witch...



"Willow!" Tara jumped up and ran into the arms of her loved one. They held each other in a tight embrace for what seemed like forever before linking arms and heading back over too the rest of the group. Tara smiled at Xander and Anya, whose arms were also entwined, and then looked up at the movie poster.

"Are you sure you want to see this?" she asked Willow. It had seemed like a great idea for the lot of them to get together for a cinema trip; no vampires, no Adam, just a group of friends having a good time. But Xanders choice of film left something to be desired.

"As long as I'm with you I don't mind what we watch," she said smiling.

"I’m bored," Anya stated, "Let's just go in."

"Anya, we're not all here yet," Xander spoke softly trying to calm his girlfriend. Tara knew Willow was uneasy about Anya, after what Willow had told her she could see why, but she was trying and she really did care for Xander. She was really trying to keep a grasp of humanity and Tara found it quite an endearing quality.

Her musings were broken by Willows cries of joy.

"There they are!" Tara turned to look at the two figures approaching them. They were both dressed completely in black but she could sense the pure spirits they held. The boy (what had Willow said his name was?) was medium height and had jet black hair down to his shoulders. He wore dark lip stick and eye shadow and a pentagon necklace hung down from around his neck. The girl, however, wore relatively little make-up; she didn't really have to, her natural beauty was obvious. Slim features and flowing dark hair down to her waist with piercing blue eyes. The couple soon stood with them.

"Good to see you again Willow," the boy smiled. He turned to introduce the girl, "This is Orca; Orca, Willow, Xander and..." he stopped unsure of the identities of the unfamiliar faces. Willow took Orca's hand and shook it eagerly before turning to introduce them.

"That's Anya and this is Tara; Tara I'd like you to meet Michael," Tara gripped the young mans out stretched hand. Michael, of course, now she remembered. Willow had spoken of him a few times, of how he had been part of her Wicca group in Sunnydale High; a group that fell apart after some demon set off a witch-hunt.

"Good to see you again Michael," Xander gave him a slap on the back and placed his arms around the shoulders of the two new arrivals, "Now why not let's all go and watch the film?"

"Sure," Michael agreed, "What's on?"

"Well, it's a masterpiece of satirical cinema..." Xander began.

"Scary Movie," Anya stated bluntly.

"Oh," Michael replied.



The Predator watched the prey from a distance. Best to learn its ways, best to learn how it moves and thinks, makes it easier to anticipate its actions. The prey was with a larger group now, typical of animals to seek safety in numbers; still there was plenty of time and they were unaware of their destiny.

It glanced about, it was unwatched. The Predator crawled back down into sewer system to wait; wait for the time to be right. For the next sacrifice to be made.



"That w..was interesting," Tara tried. After their cinema trip the six of them had headed to the Expresso Pump where they had sat in silence for the next half an hour. Xander's choice of film had definitely had an effect on the group, the only person who had really had a good time was Anya who displayed a worrying tendency to support the killer.



Orca hadn't said much through out the day but the silence made her feel all the more awkward. When Tara spoke up she decided she'd try to get a conversation going.

"It wasn't the kind of thing I'd usually watch," she said, shifting to face the blonde Witch. The atmosphere relaxed almost immediately.

"It was a bit odd..." chuckled Tara and Willow smiled in agreement. Orca saw the grip tighten as they squeezed each others hands in comfort; it was weird to see this lesbian couple being even this open.

"Hey," Xander spoke up in his defence, "It's not my fault if your too close minded to experience a new part of our teenage culture. What would life be like if we weren't to broaden our minds and... never mind," he cut off as he took in the stares of all those around him. Orca found herself chuckling as were Willow and Tara. Even Michael, bless him, saw the amusing side of Xander's outburst.

"I liked it," Anya stated blankly.

"Thank you," Xander said putting his arm around his girlfriend.

"But there should have been more sex.," she said turning to look at Xander, "Like those Porn Films you have." Orca burst out laughing as Xander went a deep shade of red. Anya looked around at her, a slightly puzzled statement on her face.

"Michael," Willow began, desperate to change the subject, "What's it like in your college? Met any other Wiccans?"

"Well," her boyfriend began, "I, of course, met Orca there. She was fairly new to the ways but eager to learn." She smiled, thinking back to the hours he would spend helping her to develop her skills and learn more powerful magiks. She owed so much to him, without him she would probably still be trying to float a pencil an inch off the ground.

"Tara's been a witch her whole life," Willow chirped; she seemed eager to almost show off her girlfriend and a feeling of pride radiated from her.

"Willow, let him finish," her girlfriend spoke softly. Orca was becoming quite fascinated with the girl, she gave off an aura of natural power and positive energy. When she spoke Orca found herself clinging to every word. She definitely was something special, but still, how could someone like her end up with... No, that was wrong, she liked them both but two women together just felt so wrong to her. Look, she told herself, it's none of your business. Just enjoy yourself, everything's great.



"Shit!" screamed Karl angrily; he couldn't believe he'd lost Chad too. He knew the Slayer was out of town but those damn friends of hers were still making things hard for them. He'd lost three so far, it was just him, Kim and Tiger left; he had to take them out. Especially those fucking witches, they were the real power of the group. It was a plan he needed, a way to take them out of the picture and allow them free reign while the Slayer was away.

As he stepped through the hole in the wall into his lair he felt something was wrong. He looked around the dank basement and realised all his stuff was missing; all the furniture he'd stolen from those whose blood he had drained had vanished. He heard someone behind him and spun around.

"Karl!" yelped Kim. It was only her.

"What the hell's going on here?" he snarled angrily.

"We gotta go Karl," she hissed. She was obviously worried by something and that very fact made him slightly nervous.

"Why, what's going on?" he asked. "This our place here."

"Not anymore," she stammered. "When we got back here a bunch of demons had cleaned the place out. They've left now but they'll be back."

"Demons," he spat, "We can take them." He knew that wasn't really true at the moment, after all there were only three of them now. Best to play it safe. "How many of them?"

"We've seen four. And they were huge."

"Ok then, we'll leave. But we'll come back later." He started following her back through the wall and they headed off down through the sewer system. "We're not giving up our place without a fight." This was just fucking great, he thought; first the witches kill Chad and now they had lost their lair. Someone was going to pay and he intended it to be the Slayer's little friends.



The prey had gone into that building. A college, a place where the humans young learnt the ways of there world. The predator had seen it, it had gone with three others of its gender. The males had departed, gone to fetch them nutrition no doubt. The Predator could wait.



"Jelly donuts?" Xander asked him.

"Sure, why not?" Michael replied. He didn't really care for donuts but he knew Orca liked them.

"Jelly it is then," Xander said smacking his hands together. He turned to the salesman to order their pastries. Michael had never really known Xander that well; only as one of Willow's friends. He never really understood how he fitted into the Slayer's life; as a witch Willow was useful but what could Xander do? Surely he could get himself hurt being involved with forces of the night?

Michael remembered back to when he had first glimpsed the 'real' world, how it had terrified him. But soon he had learnt to embrace it, realised it gave him a way out of his normal, mundane life. And when he, Amy and Willow had come together things reached a peak They had some real power together; he missed that. Things had improved when he had met Orca of course but still, he often dreamed of the old days, days when he, Willow and Amy would meet up and practice improving their magikal skills. But that was all ruined when the demon started up Witch hunts and Amy was transformed into a rat. He hoped she could be returned to normal soon, she was missing so much of her life, it wasn't fair.

Michael watched as Xander finished picking out the donuts and turned to exit. Glancing out across the street he was sure he saw someone watching them from the shadows. But then this was Sunnydale, something was always watching you.



It watched as the males left the building. They would definitely try to protect the females; it would be safer to dispose of them now. That way, when the time came, the prey would be easier to capture. Yes, it would follow them a while and when the time was right it would strike. And tear the beating hearts from the animals chests...

"Everything is turning out so dark"

Chapter Two.



Tyson strolled casually from the shop and into the street. He turned and headed off down the road. He had done it; he smiled as he reached into his jacket and took out the bottle of whiskey. Free alcohol.

“Oi!” he turned to see the shopkeeper running out of the shop and towards him.

“Damn it”, he hissed to himself as he broke into a run. He darted left into an alley way and scaled the wall blocking his path. The guy was fast but not as fast as Tyson K. Mitchell! He relaxed and took his knife from his pocket. It slid easily into the cork of the bottle and moments later he was gulping the warm liquid down. He wasn’t quite sure where he was, all these alleys looked the same, but he was sure he could find his way home.

A noise. There was someone following him. If it was that store owner it wasn’t gonna be his lucky night. Tyson slid his knife out of its casing as he continued forward. He was definitely being followed and who ever it was, was getting closer.

Tyson spun around suddenly intending to take his stalker by surprise only to find himself being knocked to the floor by something heavy. As his head connected with the concrete paving a pain flowed over his body. He dragged himself up and looked up to see what ass whole was gonna get it. What he saw made him yell in terror.

Towering over him, nearly twice his height was the most nightmarish thing he had ever laid eyes on. It wore clothing like some medieval knight but was obviously far from human. Its deep purple skin was made up of nothing but scabs and blisters. Its jet black hair flowed to its waist and the eyes burned a intense blue. Tyson couldn’t scream, couldn’t cry for help; fear had lodged the sounds in his throat. He still couldn’t scream as the creature reached down and tore his spine out.



“Then she ripped his power centre right out!” Xander grinned enthusiastically. He never tired of telling the tale of how all four of them combined to defeat Adam; the feeling of being joined together in one being. A union of all their souls in order to save the world from being over run by demonic hybrids created by the Initiative; it was more intense than anything he had ever experienced.

“Sounds like its been busy,” Michael muttered. He had been patiently listening to Xander’s tales of the last year; something Xander was eager to exploit, going into all the details of what occurred.

“That still wasn’t the end of it though. Watcher guy forgot to mention the side effects.” Xander thought he heard Michael groan but wasn’t about to be put off. Gleefully he launched into his next story.



Near. Soon would be the time to strike, let them come a little deeper; away from eyes of the other humans. Isolated and vulnerable. It extended its claws and crouch into a suitable position to deliver an instant killing blow. Only another few steps.



Michael suddenly stopped. He felt something was wrong, he sensed it in the air around him.

“What is it?” he heard Xander ask. He beckoned for him to be silent as he reached out his mind, extended his senses into the world around him. Danger.

“Xander, get back!” he yelled as a demon pounced from within the undergrowth; screeching in its inhuman voice. Xander stumbled back and fell to the floor as the creature stood over him. Michael knew it wasn’t going to give up like that; it was here to kill them and it wouldn’t leave until it was successful.

“Xander, get away!” he cried as the creature lunged forward. Xander managed to roll out of its path in time and scrambled up. The demon swung around, its eyes shining pure evil, and advanced for the kill. Michael collected himself and began to chant slowly;

“Lord Thorn, I pray to thee…” he was cut short as something dug into his flesh. He cried out in pain and fell back into Xander’s arms. The demon had shot a long spine from its arm and it has pierced Michael’s leg. He was lucky, it could have been worse.

“We’re in trouble,” Xander mumbled as the creature extended another spine.



The blood smelt good as it oozed from the wound of the male Witch. This next blow would kill them both and leave its real prey ready to be taken.

Pain! Something had attacked it. A large knife protruding from its side. The prey was here; the others had come in search of their fellows.



Tara gripped Willow’s hand tight; she felt the magiks flowing through the two of them. The demon was confused at first but soon realised they were there.

“Willow, Anya!” Xander yelled, “Be careful, he’s dangerous!” He was right, Tara had never felt so much dark energy off a demon before; this creature was something special, something more powerful than anything she had ever encountered. She watched as it advanced on her position, eyes blazing. It drew out a large spine and shot it at the two Witches. Tara closed her eyes and concentrated; she felt Willow inside her, and felt herself inside Willow. The two were as one. The spin stopped in the air in front of them and fell to the ground. They heard the demon roar. Tara opened her eyes to see Orca and Michael preparing to cats a spell as well; the demon was out numbered. It glanced over them all, Tara felt its eyes burn into her, before settling on Orca. It snarled before turning and leaping back into the undergrowth and disappearing into the night.



“So,” asked Xander, “how did you know we were in trouble?”

“Orca knew,” Willow replied eagerly, “She sensed Michael was in danger.” When Orca had first bolted up from where she lay Willow had thought she was having a nightmare. But she was adamant Xander and Michael were in danger and she was right; what a bond the two of them must have to be able to sense that. She knew Michael was strong but not even she could manage that. Or at least she thought she couldn’t.

“Is that possible?” Xander asked, obviously fairly impressed.

“It’s not common,” Michael explained, “But some witches can develop strong mental bonds. If they are near each other they can sense certain emotions such as fear or panic.” Willow instantly wondered if that included love and passion also then blushed inside at thinking that. She looked at Tara and smiled. The smile was returned and Willow found herself lost in Tara’s deep, blue eyes; she could see the love Tara held for her as a physical force and hoped Tara could see the same.



The Prey was more intelligent and aware than it had anticipated. It would be harder to acquire. The plans would have to be thought up again, this time take into account the bonds they have. It would return to the others, they would discuss what they would do. The time was approaching, only one night until the sacrifice must be made. They would have to hurry, time was running out.



Xander and Anya had left earlier and Orca and Michael were on their way out which left Tara and her girlfriend alone. Except, of course, for Miss Kitty who was busy playing with a large ball of wool on the floor.

“You alright?” she heard Willow ask. She turned to the bed where Willow was sitting reading a large book on demonology she had found at Giles’.

“I’m fine,” smiled Tara from across the room.

“I’m sorry about the movie. It was Xanders turn to choose though but still..” she began.

“No, it was alright.” She walked over to the bed and sat down next to Willow. Tara thought how cute she looked, hunched over the book with her hair draped over her face. “What are you looking at?”

“I’m trying to find the demon that attacked us,” she sighed, “But I’m not having much luck.” The frustration in Willow’s voice was obvious.

“I’m sure you’ll find it sooner or later,” Tara reassured her with a smile. Willow turned and looked at Tara and there gazes met. Tara gently stroked Willows hair and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Why not later?”

“Why not?” Willow smiled. She leaned over and flicked off their lamp shade plunging the room into darkness.

"Everything is turning out so dark"

Oops... double posted....

"Everything is turning out so dark"

Edited by: Scarecrow at: 5/26/02 1:38:05 am

brillant, more coming soon right?

This has the promise of being one of those realy cool long epics. I sure hope I'm right Update again and soon.

"This may be the Hellmouth, but it's our Hellmouth"

--------Tara in "Left of Center"
-------- by: Jomarch

Chapter Three.



“Bloods kinda thin,” Kim moaned as she dropped the body of her meal to the floor. She turned over to look at Tiger who’s teeth were still buried deep in neck of his victim. She could tell he was definitely having a blast; he always was the one with the enthusiasm. He finished draining the mortal of its blood and turned to look at her.

“Tasted fine to me,” he hissed as he shoved the corpse to the dirt-ridden ground on which they stood. Kim chuckled to herself; Tiger would eat anything and anyone, he wasn’t picky. He picked up his jacket and swung it across his shoulders and strolled past her, heading to the woods.

“We better get back,” he said as he walked, “It’ll be getting light soon.” He was right and Karl would be waiting for them anyway. He’d stayed back at the lair working on his plan to kill the witches; she only hoped it was good because they were making life hard for vampires in Sunnydale.



Willow stretched out across the bed as the sun shone down awaking her from her sleep. She blinked and opened her eyes to the dazzling light beaming through the curtains of the room. She looked to her side to find an empty space; Tara was already up and about. Miss Kitty ran across to greet her good morning as Willow pulled herself up into a sitting position. The best thing about Summer, she thought, was being able to spend in morning in bed without worrying about missing classes. As she became more aware of her surroundings she noticed Tara had dressed already; she wondered where she might of gone. Her question was quickly answered as Tara strolled through the door holding a large tray of scrambled eggs and toast.

“I…I brought you breakfast,” she smiled nervously, “In bed.” She placed the tray down on Willow’s lap. Willow looked up at her and smiled.

“Tara, that’s so sweet,” she started to get up to give her a hug but quickly stopped as she felt the tray begin to slide off her. “Perhaps not a good idea, getting up,” she said with a chuckle; the chuckle soon turned into a grin as Tara gave Willow one of her most endearing smiles.

“I made lots,” she grinned, “In case you were very hungry.”

“I’ll never eat all this!” Willow whined as she took a close look at the amount presented before her.

“Th..that’s alright, you don’t have too.”

“I know,” Willow said as she looked up, “You’ll have to help me.” She reached over to Tara’s arm and pulled her down next to her on the bed causing a slice of toast to slide to the carpet to an awaiting Miss Kitty. The two giggled gently and Willow felt herself growing warmer inside; she loved being close to Tara, being able to touch and smell her. She loved everything about her.

“Toast is getting cold,” Tara pointed out, her face bright red from laughing. As Willow looked into her eyes she saw the love Tara held for her and couldn’t help but sigh in happiness; her life had finally come back together.



Orca looked up and stretched her arms as far as she could; she was still exhausted from the night before. The sun was shining down on her as she strolled through the streets of Sunnydale; letting the warm breeze blow over her in the hope of becoming more alert after awaking in daze. It wasn’t really working and she was still quite exhausted but it was still good to be able to get out and about. She’d told Michael to meet her at the Expresso Pump; they were going to be seeing Willow and Tara again today. She had to admit they were starting to fascinate her; there was definitely a strong magikal energy between them, she could sense it.

Lost in her thoughts she suddenly found herself hitting something. She looked up to see a young male, about her age, looking at her in worry.

“Sorry!” he quickly said as he picked up his folder that she had obviously caused him to drop. She quickly bent down to help.

“No,” Orca began, “I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

“Doesn’t matter,” he smiled, “Don’t recognise you, are you new around here?” Orca actually thought he was fairly attractive with his deep blue eyes and jet black hair cut short and brushed to the sides. Still, not the kind of person she would go for.

“Yeah,” she replied, “I’m just visiting with my boyfriend Michael. Came to see an old friend of his, Willow.”



This girl knows Willow. Harry had thought over all the events of the other night and eventually had picked up on a face he had recognised; Willow Rosenberg. She was one of those who had helped him escape Chad; Chad who had previously died. Harry knew something was going on in Sunnydale and he had resolved to discover what exactly it was, if he could get a link to those two he might get closer to the truth.

“Harry,” he said as he offered his hand to Orca. She took it lightly and shook; she seemed quite distracted at the moment, something was obviously bothering her. He didn’t want to mention anything unless he lost his chance to solve this puzzle; he needed allies if he was to…

With a start he realised where he was heading before bumping into her; he had to reach Steph’s before four! He quickly apologised for having to rush off and ran off down the road towards his friends home; he’d make sure to find her later, he wasn’t going to let this lie.



Orca watched as Harry ran off. She shrugged her shoulders and carried on the way she had been walking.

“Odd guy,” she sighed to herself.



“Found them!” Xander yelled across the public library. Tara and Willow turned simultaneously to look at him; he was now the centre of attention of everyone. He simply grinned nervously and sat back down into his seat and put his finger to his lips to indicate silence. Tara couldn’t help but laugh ,as could Willow, as they walked over to the table he was sat at with Michael.

“What have you got Xander?” Willow asked quietly. He turned the book towards them and Tara saw an illustration of the demon that had attacked them the other day; it was standing on top a heap of skulls lunging out of the page. Tara felt her skin craw just looking at it; it was of the nastiest looking creatures she had seen and she really didn’t want to face it again too soon.

“What does it say?” Willow asked in interest as she hunched over the book. Xander pulled back towards him and looked down across the writing; his face suddenly turned to a look of worry.

“Uh oh,” he said as he looked up to face the rest of them; seeing the group gathered together Orca came over to join them as well.

“Uh oh what?” she asked. Tara noticed Orca glancing over at her a few times; she seemed to be doing that a lot all morning.

“It says here these are called Shani’zaki demons, is that Russian?” he questioned before Willows gaze told him to carry on, “They have to offer sacrifices to their god at certain points of year. The sacrifice must be… a female virgin witch,” he said as he shut the book and looked up at them.

Tara knew what this had to mean; the demons were after one of them and would attack again soon. It wasn’t over and they were going have to solve this situation.

“So..so who were they after,” Orca stuttered as fear began to creep across her face; Tara could tell she thought it was her. And why shouldn’t she, after all, she and Willow were not virgins and Michael was male. That only left one possible answer and that was their intended victim was Orca; Orca who stood there before them with tears beginning to run down her cheeks. Tara walked towards her and gripped her in a comforting hug; she knew they had to protect her, they had to make sure nothing would harm her.

"Everything is turning out so dark"

great update! so sweet - Tara bringing Willow breakfast in bed

can't wait for the next update !



*Hannah*

**********************
I'm on the outside , i'm looking in , i can see through you , see your true colours , cause inside you're ugly , you're ugly like me - STAIND-Outside

Chapter Four.



Willow passed the rope over to Tara who used it to fasten the windows of the old building down; they had found a disused vampire nest and decided to hide out there. Tara, Willow and Orca were making the place secure whilst Xander and Michael went to the magic shop for supplies. She hoped they would hurry; the demon was big enough as it was but the text said they always came in groups. She really wished Buffy was here but she was off away from the Hellmouth that was Sunnydale; it was up to her and the others to protect Orca.

“Do you think that’s enough?” asked her girlfriend as she attached the final length of rope. Orca, who was standing a few feet away wandered over and nodded a silent yes; Willow could tell she was freaked, she knew it was difficult at first but to be a target; she couldn’t imagine what that felt like. They had spent a long time trying to comfort her; Tara seemed to get through to her more but she was still quite distressed.

“I’m sure they’ll be back soon,” Tara said with a smile as she seemed to sense Orca’s worry. Orca smiled back and looked up at first Tara and then Willow.

“Yes,” she sighed, “I’m sure they will.”



It smelt something familiar, blood, but the blood of a specific being; there, walking towards past, the males that were with the Prey. The one that bled, the warlock, it was strong; so were the other females. But without the males and with help from its fellow Predators it knew it could make the capture tonight; this would allow them a day to prepare for the annual sacrifice. It turned to face another of its kind and indicated that they should go; now was the time to take the sacrifice and prepare the way for the eventual return of the Old Ones.



Orca rocked back and forth an old wooden chair that she’d found propping shut a door. She had known about all the other worldly stuff before, came with being a witch, but being the specific target of these creatures was beyond terrifying; all her emotions had built up and all she could do was cry. She was feeling better now though, Tara, Michael, Xander and Willow were all here for her; they would protect her, she knew it. She thought back to being held close by Tara, to her whispering that they would let nothing happen to her; so soft, calm and reassuring. All the entrances bar one were sealed and that was watched by the others; she was safe here, nothing could get to her.

“Hey,” she heard a voice call from behind; turning she saw Willow approaching her. “How are you doing?” asked the red haired witch.

“Alright,” Orca whispered allowing herself a small smile, “I’m coping. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before though and it’s scary.”

“I know,” Willow said as she rested a comforting hand on Orca’s shoulder, “It’s difficult but we’ll get through it.” Orca knew the girl was trying to help but for some reason she just wasn’t as comforting as Tara. Tara seemed to sense what was wrong in her, she seemed able to understand the fear; she wondered how such a wonderful person could be with another…

Orca cut off her train of thought; No, she thought, that was wrong and she had no right to criticise. They were both trying to help her and she was thankful, without them she had no idea what her chances would be.

“I can manage,” she said with a smile, “You’ve all helped a lot.”

“That’s what we’re here for,” Willow chirped as she went over and picked up a packet of chips. She tore them open and offered them to Orca. She shook her head in answer to the offer and watched as Willow took out a large handful and began to munch on them.



Tara looked out into the night and sighed; this waiting was worrying her. She didn’t want to be attacked by demons but sometimes nothing at all happening was worse, it was like they were preparing. She felt a shiver of fear run up her spine, she knew she was safe here; Willow was one of the Scoobies, a cool demon fighter. Tara often wondered how Willow and the others would react to the truth about her….

“Want some chips,” a voice came from behind. Tara jumped in fright and turned to see Willow walking towards her holding a large bag of potato chips. She gave her girlfriend a smile as she dispelled all the thoughts she was having from her mind.

“Willow,” she whined, “You made me jump.” Willow mocked hurt at the comment as she approached Tara. Tara grinned and they both started giggling.

“You can’t resist by puppy dog eyes,” Willow chuckled as she gave her girlfriend a tight hug. Tara felt the red head holding her tight and could feel her breath on her neck. They broke the hug and both turned to look out into the night.

“They’re not back yet,” sighed Tara.

“They won’t be much longer,” said Willow as she gave Tara’s hand a squeeze. Suddenly a ear piercing screech rang out through the building jolting the two Wicca’s to attention.

“Orca!” Willow yeld as she turned and ran towards the next room; Tara quickly ran to follow her.



Willow ran straight into Orca and realised her eyes were filled with fear. She was about to ask what was wrong when she saw two of the Shan’zaki demons standing in the room behind her; hunched over as they were too tall for the ceiling. Tara came up behind her in a panic.

“Willow,” she shouted, “Another ones come in the front way!” Willow looked back to see another of the creatures brandishing a large, curved blade. She realised they were trapped.



The Prey was there, they had nearly captured it. As soon as the other two witches were killed they would return to the lair and prepare themselves for tomorrow nights sacrifice. The Predator gestured to its fellow to advance. They stepped forward slowly, breathing in the fear the creatures gave off; soon they would be dead.



“What are we going to do,” screeched Orca tearfully. She couldn’t let them get here; she didn’t want to die, not now and not like this! She felt Tara holding her hand, telling her to concentrate; Willow gripped her other hand tight. She felt the magiks begin to flow through her and realised they were trying to cast a spell; she needed to concentrate, needed to help.

“It’s working,” Orca heard Willow say as her sobs grew quieter. As her eyes cleared of tears she saw a dark mist rising up and through the room, blocking all line of sight; however she also saw the demons begun to charge forward in anger at the spells being cast.

“Run!” yelled Willow and she felt Tara pull her forward into the mist. She stumbled forward and fell; she lost her grip and so lost Tara. She managed to stand up and suddenly realised there was nothing but silence. She stood alone, surrounded by mist, and listened; the demons could be anywhere. A creek came from behind her and she spun around to face a rodent running across the room. Slowly she stepped forward hoping to be able to reach an exit before the effects of the spell wore off. She heard an inhuman breathing begin to permeate the air and realised one of the creatures had to be close.

“No!” she heard a voice screech through the air and then she found herself flying back to the floor. The fog was clearing and she saw the three demons running from the building carrying a limp figure between them. Her head hurt from where she had struck the ground and when she put her hands to it she found blood.

“Orca!” Michael ran over and helped her up; he was followed by Willow and Xander. They all looked concerned.

“What happened?” she asked meekly.

“We thought they had you,” Michael said, “We were sure we saw them take someone.” Orca had seen them with someone, she knew it, and there was only one person who was missing from the group crowded around her.

“Tara,” she moaned as she looked up at Willow, “Where’s Tara?”

“She’s…” Willow began before realising the blond witch was not to be seen. The mist had cleared and there was no one except them I the room.

“I saw them,” Orca whispered, “I saw them take her.” They hadn’t been after her at all, Orca realised, it was Tara all the time; yet that didn’t make it any better. The others seemed to be reaching the same conclusion and Orca saw Willow turn to look out into the night. Tara was gone.

"Everything is turning out so dark"

Chapter Five.



Willow had hardly said a word over the past few hours; Michael guessed she was still in a deep shock. They had tried to chase after the demons but they just couldn’t find them, they had vanished into the night. They had returned to the Hostel that Michael and Orca had been staying at and decided to get some rest before working out what to do next; Willow had reluctantly agreed to this but didn’t seem to have slept.

After a quick breakfast they had got Xander and Anya to come over and collect some research material on their way and now they were all sitting around the room shifting through dusty, arcane texts. They hadn’t come across anything new yet, just information about the demons that they already knew.

“Why Tara?”

Michael looked up; that was one of the first things Willow had said in a while. She looked up and around at everyone in a room, her eyes demanding an answer.

“We don’t know yet,” Michael sighed, “We have to keep looking.”

“She wasn’t… you know…” she sighed, “They shouldn’t have taken her.” Xander got up from the floor and walked over to her; he placed his arm around Willow’s shoulders and held her close.

“Wil,” he said softly, “I don’t want to appear… Well, these demons, do you think they’d except that you two…” He tailed off as Willow looked up at him, partly in anger and partly in confusion. Anya wandered over to Xander’s side.

“They are very old,” she said in as sympathetic way as she could manage.

“I’ve got it!” Michael turned to see his girlfriend jump up and run over holding a large volume in her hands.

“Got what?” he asked.

“Xander is right,” she said as she glanced over the text, “The whole virgin witch thing is an error of translation.” Willow looked up at her baffled.

“What do you mean,” she asked.

“The demons native language is very old and quite difficult to translate,” she explained, “It says here that it has often been misinterpreted. The actual sacrifice is of a witch who has not been with a man; at the time the other piece was translated they took that to mean virgin.”

“You mean,” Xander jumped in, “The big purple guys see her as a acceptable sacrifice because she’s never done the horizontal limbo with a guy?”

“But that’s…” Willow’s voice rose in anger, “I mean didn’t these demons ever hear of Gay Pride?” She paused briefly and Michael got the impression she was thinking something over. “But,” she began again, “Spells and stuff need proper virgins; surely the sacrifice wouldn’t work?”

“There isn’t anything that needs ‘working’,” Orca said as she looked back down at the pages of the book. Now even Michael was confused.

“What do you mean Orca?” She offered the book to him and he took it; as he read down he realised what she was getting at.

“What is it?” Xander inquired.

“This sacrifice, it isn’t magikal,” he read; noticing the confused expressions on the faces of the others he continued, “The sacrifice is a religious event for the demons; it is there belief that for every sacrifice made the time until the return of the Old Ones is reduced. It isn’t anything like magik, no different to a murder; they see Tara as acceptable and that’s all they care about.” He closed the book and chucked it down on the table; looking at Willow he could see she was hiding quite a lot of rage inside.

“This isn’t right,” she hissed, “How can they just judge her as pure because she hasn’t… she’s my girlfriend and my lover and that counts for something.” She stormed over to the nearest shelf and pulled off a leather bound spell book; she then turned to everyone else in the room. “We are so going to kick their homophobic asses.”

Michael, along with Xander and everyone else, just gaped at her open mouthed. After a few minutes Xander turned to them.

“She’s pissed,” he said.



The vampire collapsed to dust just moments before it could bite her. Orca looked up to see Michael standing there holding a jagged piece of wood in his hands; he reached down and helped her up.

“Another place down,” she sighed. They had spent the day searching all over Sunnydale trying to find the demons; about half an hour ago the sun had set and they were attacked by a couple of vampires. Luckily they were only young ones and Orca and Michael didn’t have too much trouble in disposing of the undead beasts. They hadn’t had any luck and nor had Willow and Anya; things were not looking good. This was the night the sacrifice was taking place and if they didn’t find Tara soon it would be too late.

They had arranged to meet up with Willow outside the old High School, Anya wouldn’t be there as she was going to meet Xander when he got back from work. Orca couldn’t get Tara out of her head and the idea that she could soon be killed was horrible; she almost blamed herself for this, after all they were trying to protect her when Tara was the real target.

“I don’t see Willow,” Michael said as they reached the green outside the burnt out cinder of Sunnydale High. He was right, she wasn’t here yet; Orca desperately hoped nothing had happened.

“Hey!” they spun around to see Willow running up from the ruins, “I thought I’d check it out in there whilst I waited for you. Any luck?” When Orca replied in the negative Willows supposed chirpiness quickly dissolved to show her real emotions underneath; she was suffering. Badly.

“We still have time,” Michael tried to reassure her, “Something will come up.” Willow managed a small smile and shook her head in reluctant agreement. Orca could see tears beginning to form; she was trying to be strong but it wasn’t holding up under the pressure.

“When I think she could be… hurt,” Willow sobbed, “If anything happens to her… I might as well be dead.”

“Yeah, you might as well be,” hissed a voice from behind. All three suddenly turned to face the snarling fangs of a vampire. In his had he held a huge battle axe, stained with blood, and a shot gun hung over his shoulder. “Hi,” he said, “I’m Tiger and I’m going to be killing you now.” With that he swung the axe forward in a mighty arc towards Willow.



When the Prey first awoke it had begged; it had wanted mercy and freedom. It didn’t understand its role, the important part it was too play in the return of the Old Ones. Still, the Predator’s knew and that is all what mattered; the sacrifice would be made at the point between the days and they would be blessed. Yes, the preparations were being made and soon it would be the time.



Tiger snarled as the witch dodged his blow. As Karl had guessed the three of them fled towards the ruined School; probably expecting to lose him in the maze of broken timber and ashes. They didn’t realise this was exactly what he wanted them to do, the trap was set and the humans were running straight into it. Tiger snarled in anticipation of the kill and began to stroll across the grounds after them.



Willow couldn’t handle this; she needed to concentrate on rescuing Tara and now this vampire with a shot gun was after them. She needed to think up a plan but her mind was to full of commotion and turmoil; she didn’t even have enough emotional control to try a spell at this point.

“I think we lost him,” Michael said as he stopped suddenly. Willow looked back but there was know sign of their pursuer.

“You’re probably right,” she sighed with relief; she really didn’t need this at the moment. However, before she could properly relax herself she heard a noise from above. As she looked up two vampires dropped down on them knocking Michael and Orca to the ground. The female looked up at Willow.

“Guess again,” she hissed; Willow saw the vampire called Tiger coming up from behind and realised they were trapped.

“No where to run little witch,” Tiger hissed as he advanced on the group.

"Everything is turning out so dark"