The Last Champion

[intricate mirage]

Title: The Last Champion

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

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

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

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

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

Pairing: W/T

Rating: R for now, NC 17 eventually.

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

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



***



PROLOGUE



Shadows steeped across the pavement. Tara sighed, it was nearly dark. Please let there be a drunk wandering the streets. She thought grimly. Her hunger stirring from deep within her as she ran her tongue across her fangs, missing the warm taste of blood that used to bathe her lips.



Born into a world where many others like her roamed the streets filled with dark desires and hunger. They were indeed one of a kind.



Centuries have passed since her birth into a world tinged with elusive darkness. Now, she was the last one.



The last vampire to exist in this plane of existence. Wandering the streets of a town that proclaims itself to be a place charged with innate goodness. Tara slinked quietly through the darkness as she spotted her prey.



She had come in search of a companion.



She had come to the town of Sunnydale.



***



Tara's senses made out a drunk. She shifted slightly. Waiting for the man to edge closer.



He stumbled as he approached her unknowingly. Tara knew that she wouldn't have the strength to fight him if he put up a struggle, she had to make this a quick kill.



The man wandered past her hiding place. Quick as flash Tara grabbed him, wrapping her hand around his mouth and pulling him kicking into the alley.



There was a muffled scream. Seconds later, all that remained under the eerie glow of the street lamp was a man sprawled on the ground, blood seeping from two small puncture wounds. His eyes staring up at the sky, glazed. His mouth open. His hands splayed open.



Beer tinged the man's blood. The sweet aroma of the after kill.



Tara wiped her mouth. She smiled.



Blood drunk.



Hunting time was over.



***



Willow Rosenberg stared up at the ceiling. Her best friend Buffy Summers lay sleeping in the next bed. College girls in a normal college life, Willow thought. She was restless. She sighed as she turned over, she had to try and get some sleep, there were classes early next morning.



Willow's eyes gradually fluttered to a close as she dozed off into a fitful sleep



*flash*



A horse and carriage making it's way through the cobbled streets...



*flash*



Blood dripping from the door, screams.



*flash*



People running with burning torches screaming, "Death to the vampyrs**."



*flash*



Sound of footsteps pounding the hallways. Doors slamming. Buildings burning.



*flash*



The sweet after taste of beer.



*flash*



The copper tang of blood dripping off thin white fangs.



*flash*



Twin pools of dark cobalt blue eyes.



Willow's eyes flashed open, her heart racing. Sitting up, eyes searching the room frantically, her knuckles white from clenching her bed sheets.



She was alone, in her dorm, with the sound of her friend Buffy snoring.



She pushed the covers off, kicking her legs as she disentangled herself from the covers.



Breathing only one word.



"Tara."



***



Willow padded quietly but quickly to the bathroom, not wanting to wake Buffy.



Lost in her own thoughts where there was only one name. It was like a chant was in her head.



Tara. Tara. Tara...



She flicked on the light with instantaneous regret as the cold harsh light pierced her eyesight. Blinking a couple of times. She rubbed her eyes frantically as she forced herself to not to envision all that she had just seen.



It was just a dream.



Yet why could she still taste the coppery sweetness of warm blood on her lips...



Willow turned on the cold water tap, splashing her face with some water, she groped for a towel. Wiping her face, she peered up at the mirror.



A girl with long blonde hair was staring at her. The same pair of dark cobalt blue eyes from her dream.



Willow had never seen this girl before, yet she felt a certain affinity between them. She could feel the electricity charging through the atmosphere as the girl drifted nearer towards her.



The figure moved closer, gradually taking her place behind Willow. A leather gloved hand touched her cheek, then chin.



As Willow took in the dizzying sensations of the girl's hand against her cheek and felt the dark cobalt eyes pierced into the dark recesses of her emerald greens.



A word slipped past her lips. "Tara..."



"Yes my love I'm here." Tara whispered, "No more pain." She smiled, her fangs glinting in the harsh glow of the bathroom light.



A crash shattered through the quiet of the night. Heart beating fast, Willow turned to her right to spot the shampoo bottle that had fallen over.



Turning her head to glance at the bathroom mirror again.



All Willow saw was her own reflection.



Tara was gone.



***



Like it, hate it? Feedback anyone?

Cassie





Ask me if I loved you yesterday. I'll say 'Yes'

Ask me if I love you today. I'll say 'Yes'

Ask me if I'll love you tomorrow. I'll say 'Always'

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 11/27/03 1:40 am

[allykat]

Very interesting start!!

I'm looking forward to reading more! I don't think I've read many VampTara stories...This looks cool!

[wolfwynd]

ooooooooooh, very interesting start! Gimmie more, now!!



Wolfy

[pacou]

Wow... this was soo cool, you two!



Interesting start, veeery interesting... hope we get more soon



I liked how you've described the scene in the bathroom, damn shampoo



Thanks for sharing, more soon please



-Viv-

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

[WTfan4ever]

Hey there!

Very cool start, interesting so far.

Looking forward to more!

Please update soon?

-kelz

[Tempest Duer]

*gasps* Vamp Tara! Yay!

I believe in the madness called "now."

[Draco119]

Hey!



This was a really cool start! Tara is a vampire and Willow is having dreams and seeing her even though they've never met. Hmm...you have got me very intrigued. I can't wait for the next update.

[StrangeQuark]

This is some good stuff indeed. Very skillful, full of potent emotion and vivid imagery.



I may have found my next favorite FanFic



Please continue.

[fairydust]

I like it alot please continue...soon!

I LOVE MY KARE-BEAR

[WintersDreamer]

Never enough Vamp Tara!



Flash back of the horse and carrige is interesting, is that a possible hint of how old Tara is?



Update soon!.....umm please!

[intricate mirage]

Yay! There's feedback



Ok, firstly here's a big thanks to all the kittens who have been reading and next here's the individual replies



allykat Yup, I personally haven't read many VampTara stories too, so excited to be working on this fic Glad you like it



wolfwynd

Quote:

---

Gimmie more, now!!

---

Wish granted



pacou Viv! Hehe dislike the shampoo bottle much? Thanks for reading hun here's more coming up right now.



WTfan4ever Hey kelz! Thanks for the feedback. Greatly appreciated Thanks for reading



Tempest Duer I had the exact same reaction when Rachael pitched the idea. Just like you, I gave a good cheer and said 'Yay!' Hope you enjoy the rest of the upcoming updates.



Draco119 Got you intrigued? Hehe, good good, intrigue is good. Thanks for reading!



StrangeQuark SQ! You read the fic! You may have found your next favourite fanfic Well, hope we don't disappoint



fairydust Continuing in the next update Thanks for reading!



WintersDreamer Oh yeah, same sentiments here, never enough of VampTara. How old's Tara? Ah well, you'll have your answers in the next update coming up!



Ok, replies done, update coming right up. But first here's a big to my lovely co-author the vamp nurd You've been wonderful hun! It's such a joy to be working with ya *hug*



Ok, update now!



***



Title: The Last Champion

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

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

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

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

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

Pairing: W/T

Rating: R for now, NC 17 eventually.

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

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



Some thoughts are in < ... >



Chapter 1



Tara opened her eyes, the sunlight stung. She yawned, stretching. She looked around. The finely furnished hotel room greeted her. The Sunnydale Plaza may not be the Savoy but it will do. She thought.



She pushed the covers off, examining herself in the mirror. Long blonde hair, blue eyes and a good body. She thought. ‘Sure don’t look like a 500 year old vampire don’t you Tara Maclay?’ She commented amusedly as she raised a questioning eyebrow at herself.



Taking a gentle sniff. Urgh beer smell. She thought as she cringed. Time to check the bathroom out.



***



Willow grumbled and buried her head deeper in the covers as she heard the alarm clock ringing. She opened an eye and looked around, Buffy was gone. She was so the early riser. Getting up early to train before heading off to classes. She pushed the covers off, kicking her feet slightly. She sat on her bed, flexing her toes. She thought about her day. Classes until 5, then dinner, then meeting the Scooby gang at the Bronze. Just another ordinary day in the life of Willow Rosenberg. She sighed as she got up and shuffled to the bathroom.



Just as Willow approached the bathroom, a sudden realization hit her. Tara.



Tara had been here the night before, in this very bathroom, right behind her. Willow had felt her hand on her cheek. There was the clash of the shampoo bottle. Next thing she knew, Tara was gone. The scene played out hazily in Willow’s mind, almost like a dream. Yet Willow knew it was no dream, she could still vividly feel the static charge that have existed between them.



The affinity she felt with Tara was something so powerful, so strong and solid that it almost felt as though they were… Soulmates.



“Soulmates…” Willow quietly whispered to the four walls of the bathroom.



Willow spun around, hurriedly dashed back out into the room, armed with a resolved face.



***



Mmm. Tara hummed in approval to the warm torrents of water pouring down her back. Tara licked her lips as she sighed happily, enjoying the sensation of having the warm water run down her body, feeling it ease the tension in her aching muscle, awaking her senses to a lovely morning.



Hmm, this is odd. Tara thought as her face creased into a frown. She expected the taste of blood with the slight tinge of beer, but there was a different taste on her lips.



It was delicate, fresh, tinged with pure goodness. Almost sugary sweet. Tara paused, wiped her fingers across her lips. Nothing.



Funny. Why is the taste so strong? It’s almost as though… as though I fed on something else other than blood last night. Tara wondered aloud as she grabbed a bar of soap and slowly slid it across her arms. But I didn’t, I know I didn’t. I came straight home after the kill. I did. Didn’t I?



Tara stood under the shower head, allowing the water to wash the soap off her body. Suddenly her body shuddered. Hunger pangs. Wait, how can this be? It’s impossible. I fed last night and that ought to last me a couple of days. Why do I have hunger pangs now?



She turned off the shower and stepped out wrapping a towel around herself. She walked towards the fogged up mirror, reaching her hand out to wipe away the steam that had gathered.



*flash*



After kill. Walking away from the eerie glow of the lamp. Walking past a school campus. Feeling herself drawn towards a particular room amidst the campus. Slinking through the darkness, find herself in front of the dorm room. Transforming herself into a dark mist, Tara drifted beneath the doors. Watching a girl stumble towards the bathroom. Drifting. Transforming. Moving towards her. Reaching out to touch her cheek, her chin. Those eyes. Emerald green.



As the misty mirror started to clear, Tara saw a pair of dark emerald greens gazing at her.



“Willow…” Tara gasped.



The redhead in the mirror smiled back in return.



Whirling around, Tara found herself face to face with the smiling redhead. Taking in the appearance of Willow clad in a set of frumpy pink pajamas with printings of tiny bunnies on it, Tara couldn’t resist quirking her lips into a half smile as she raised her eyebrows in a questioning gaze.



“What?” Willow inquired.



Following Tara’s gaze, she looked down at her choice of outfit.



“Opps.” Willow felt a blush invading her cheeks. “I don’t always turn up like this, usually I’ll spend a minute of my time throwing on a T-shirt and a pair of pants, cause you know T-shirt and pants are clothes, and people need to wear clothes to get out if not they’ll be naked and being naked out in the public is just not an acceptable form of action and… and I’ll just be shutting up now.”



“Willowbabble.” Tara smiled reassuringly at the redhead. “I like it.”



Willow let out a sigh of relief and smiled shyly at the blonde. “You don’t seem surprise to see me here.”



“It’s a neat trick Willow, no I’m not surprised, but nonetheless, a neat trick.”



Willow look crestfallen for a second. “Why not?”



“Because sweetie, my mom was a witch too and I’ve learnt a fair bit from her. I’m guessing a bit of astral projection here with a touch of manifestation?”







“Willow?” Tara’s voice interrupted her internal ramble.



“Opps sorry. Kinda noisy up there.” Willow commented as she lifted her finger to tap her head. “Oh yeah, you’re right, astral projection with a touch of manifestation. Cool isn’t it?” Asked Willow eagerly, bouncing on the tip of her toes.



Tara grinned. “Yeah, it is.”



Taking a deep breath, Willow took a step closer to Tara. “Tara, about last night. I don’t know what happened and I don’t know how you got there and how you did the whole disappearing act. But I remembered it all this morning and I felt a need to see you again, hence the reason why I’m here. It’s odd really, how I managed to find you when I don’t even know you. But I could feel your essence, even from where I’m at, it’s so strong, so powerful and I feel connected to you somehow, as though there’s an affinity between us. I know all this sounds really weird and so stalker-ish, I mean hello? Which silly witch would go in search of a vampire that she had known nor met.” Willow looked up to see Tara looking at with a sense of befuddled amusement. Shooting Tara a apologetic grin, “Ok, thing is, Tara… I really want to see you again. Not in the astral projection-manifestation type of way, but you know…For real.” Willow’s words trailed off silently as she looked up into Tara’s eyes, hoping to gather from its calming blue Tara’s reaction.



“I’d love to.”



Letting go of a breath that she didn’t even realize she was holding, Willow grinned ecstatically at Tara. “Really?”



“Really.” Tara’s lips quirked from a half smile to a full one.



“Yay! How about tonight? Does tonight sound good? Or is tonight too big a rush cause you know it’ll be bad if I was pushing too hard, I don’t want to come on as too pushy, am I coming on as too pushy right now?”



A soft chuckle escaped Tara’s lips. Willow was truly precious at times. “Tonight’s good Willow.”



“Ok, goody, everything’s just fine now, finey mcfine. Oh shoots! What time is it now?” Glancing frantically around, Willow caught the time on the bathroom clock. “Damn, I’m going to be late for class. See you tonight Tara!”



“Wait, aren’t you the least bit curious as to whether I’ll be able to find you? Considering you did not give me a location, or time as a matter of fact?”



“Nope, not the least bit curious.” Willow’s image vanished into thin air. Voice penetrating through the quiet air that surrounded the bathroom, Tara heard Willow whisper, “You found me last night Tara. You’ll find me again. I know you always will.”



***



Hurriedly collecting the candles from the tiled floor, “Damn, late, gonna be late, gonna be late for classes.” Willow muttered under her breath. Shoving the candles into her drawer and quickly changing out of her pajamas, Willow grabbed her bag as she dashed out of the room, leaving in the hallway only the echo of the door that had just slammed shut.



***



"Tara..."



Spinning around on her heels to face the empty bathroom, Tara called out hesitantly, "Willow?"



"Tara... Child... Beware... They're coming..."



***



to be continued

Cassie





Ask me if I loved you yesterday. I'll say 'Yes'

Ask me if I love you today. I'll say 'Yes'

Ask me if I'll love you tomorrow. I'll say 'Always'

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 11/27/03 1:42 am

[StrangeQuark]

I really like the duality with Tara in this. I also like the astral projection thing. Very strange and lovely at the same time. The connection between Willow and Tara is palpabale and their dialogue is spot-on. You've succeeded in building a world for them that begs for further exploration.



Keep up the good work with this fascinating story.



-SQ

[allykat]

Great update!

I really liked the astral projection bit, and Willow babble, too cute!!

Keep up the good work!

[Tempest Duer]

The Willowbabble was totally cute, as usual, but of course we all know that.



Who's coming? I must know... I love all of the mystery surrounding everything in the fic, but I wanna know!

I believe in the madness called "now."

[intricate mirage]

Hey Kittens



Here are the individual replies first -



StrangeQuark - I'm glad the connection between Willow and Tara has been made palpable and their dialogue spot-on. Was worried for a bit that it wouldn't be. Thanks for dropping by to read and for the great feedback SQ



allykat Hey! Thank you for reading Glad you love the astral projection bit. Hope you enjoy the next chapter just as much



Tempest Duer - Oh yes, lots of mystery surrounding this fic. Even more coming up in future chapters All will be revealed in good time *evil grin* Thanks for reading!



Hey Rachael Thanks for being such a sweetie



Ok, here's the update. A long one too. Do enjoy



***



Title: The Last Champion

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

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

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

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

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

Pairing: W/T

Rating: R for now, NC 17 eventually.

Setting: AU fic. Tara is the last of the breed of vampires.

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



Some thoughts are in < ... >



***



Chapter 2



The day passed relatively swiftly and to Willow’s utter disappointment, her last class was cancelled as her professor was ill, leaving her with a great amount of time to spare before meeting up with the Scooby gang at the Bronze.



Willow grinned dopily to herself as she settled down on the bench to be lost in her own Tara thoughts.



“Hey you…”



Rudely snapped out of her reverie, Willow shot her gaze upward to open her mouth to shoot a retort at the person intruding into her Tara thoughts. The retort however, failed to make its way through Willow’s mouth as her jaw dropped and her eyes bulged wide open.



Standing in front of her was Tara, clad in a white skirt that swung low around her ankles and a loosely fitted light blue top which was not laced up all the way, revealing the creamy white flesh of the area around Tara’s collarbone. Tara had let down her hair and now as strands of her fringe fell forwards, partially covering her face, with Tara’s figure standing against the setting sun, all Willow could think was that she had just seen an angel.



“You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”



Willow’s mouth opened a couple of times before she managed to gain some form of control of her voice-box that had just been rendered speechless. “No, actually, I’ve just seen an angel.”



A blush slowly crept onto Tara’s face as the reality of what Willow had just said sunk in.



“So... I see sultry Tara has a shy side too!” Willow voiced out cheekily before she hurriedly covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh god…” groaned Willow, “Please don’t tell me I just said that out loud.”



Tara laughed in response as she tilted her head slightly to one side, giving Willow with what seemed to be an adoring gaze. “Think you just did. But I’ll take that as a compliment.”



Willow flashed Tara a grin, before a frown forced its way unceremoniously onto her face. “Wait, I know the sun is setting, but it’s still daylight Tara. And I don’t mean to sound rude, but you are a vampire, so why aren’t you turning into dust, oh say, right about now? Wait, you are a vampire right?”



“Yeah… I am…” Tara answered hesitantly.



"So where's your fangs and bumpy forehead?"



Tara cocked her head to one side, “How would you…”



“Well, you’ve got your secrets, I’ve got mine. Just like how you’ve got your own disappearing act, I’ve got my own nifty appearing act, as you have personally witnessed this morning.” Willow replied Tara simply with a wink. “So, where’s your fangs and forehead?”



Tara looked slightly bewildered but answered, "I have fangs, but not the bumpy forehead."



Willow blinked, "Wait, if you don’t have the bumpy forehead, doesn’t that mean you aren’t a vampire? Wait a minute, you aren’t a demon are you?"



Tara looked at her, raising her eyebrows in question, "Do I look like a demon?"



"You look like an angel."



Tara blushed again, but she continued, "No, not a demon. My family members were human."



"So you were sired then?"



Tara's nose crinkled in disgust, "I'm not an animal."



Willow blinked, "Don't like vampires then?"



“No.” Was Tara’s flat reply. “I kill them.”



“Why?”



“Because they hurt my companion." Tara replied softly, almost inaudibly.



“Your companion? They hurt your companion? Wait Tara, let me run through this again. You are a vampire, yes? So why are you killing your own kind? And why are they hurting your companion whom I presume is just like you, meaning she is one of them too? And like the vampire, you have fangs. But unlike them, you have no ugly bumpy forehead. And unlike them once again, you weren’t sired, so how did you come about with vampiric qualities? And Tara, once again I’m asking, why in the world is the big ball of sunshine in the sky having no effect on you whatsoever if you are indeed a vampire?” Willow shot Tara a helpless gaze as her fingers gestured wildly to emphasize on the fact that she hadn’t the foggiest idea what Tara was.



“Oh.” Realization dawning upon Tara that in both her encounters with Willow, she had yet to explain to Willow the nature of her existence. Even though Willow did not question her intentions, she still deserved a right to know. “Sorry, my bad. Not giving you a proper explanation for any of these events that have happened.”



As Willow stood up, laying her hand against Tara’s arm, “Well, I could get mad at you for that. But if you bring me down to the Expresso Pump and get me sugared up on some mocha-y goodness while you clue me in on everything, I may consider forgiving you.” Wiggling her eyebrows at Tara as she flashed her a hopeful grin.



Tara simply stared at Willow in awe, not able to believe all that she had just heard. Tara barely whispered an audible “Ok…” before she allowed herself to be tugged along out of the park by Willow’s hand.







***



Tara sat uncomfortably on the chair while Willow went to get some mochas.



Lost in her own train of thoughts, Tara didn’t even notice Willow returning until she had placed the two cups of mocha down on the table, "I assume that you've had coffee before?"



"Yes. I am old enough to have drunk coffee before." Tara rolled her eyes then continued, "But I prefer tea, caffeine doesn't sit well with me." Tara replied looking at Willow.



Forcing herself out of her internal ramble, armed with a resolved face, Willow questioned, "So where's your fangs?"



Tara blinked, "My fangs?"



Willow regarded her with a look. Tara hadn't seen that look before.



Tara sighed, then she smiled, showing Willow that she did have fangs. Willow’s reaction was mere indifference.







"So is that your fang wear?" Willow asked coolly.



"Yes. If you can call it that." Tara replied, becoming exceedingly uncomfortable.



Seeing the multitude of expressions play across Tara’s face, Willow realized how she must have been made Tara feel and her expression immediately softened. Reaching her hand out to lay it on Tara’s, "Hey, it's OK. I guess I'm hassling you because you aren't like any vampire I've seen before." Willow paused. Giving Tara’s hand a gentle squeeze, “I’m sorry.”



Tara felt her discomfort fade away as Willow gently gave her hand a reassuring squeeze that nothing much has changed even with Tara’s revelation as a vampire, their magical connection was still there.



Tara mused to herself. A realization hit Tara.



A comfortable silence hung in the atmosphere as Willow found herself gently caressing Tara’s hand with her thumb, relieved that Tara made no attempt to pull away. Not letting go of Tara’s hand, Willow smiled and ventured with another question, gently this time, "So you have fangs, you appear to be human. Not afraid of crosses holy water or sharp wooden objects?"



"No, we are baptized when we are born as Dhmpires, holy water doesn't do anything for us, and a stake doesn't make us turn to dust."



“So what happens instead?” Willow inquired curiously.



“Like any normal human being, we bleed and die the slow natural death.” Chuckling to herself as she watched the immense horror flash past Willow face as she envisioned the images of the gory and bloody death.



"Good lord.” Desperately willing the horrific images to quickly pass from her memory. Groaning, “I am starting to sound so like Giles…"



"Giles?" Tara asked, "Is that your..."



"No." Willow added quickly, "He's a watcher."



Tara blinked then licked her lips, Willow's eyes went to Tara's lips,



"A watcher? Like Slayer's watcher?" Tara asked softly. She had heard about the Slayer legend, she had even encountered a Slayer back when she was still human, her mother had been tending to her. But Slayers still frightened her, even though they were no threat to her.



"Tara? Are you ok?” Willow questioned the woman in front of her with a concerned gaze.



Tara paused for a second, choosing her words carefully, "I was 16 at that time. My mother was a witch, one night a slayer came to us. She was bleeding heavily, her watcher had turned her over to a vampire. His name was Cassius. He killed her watcher, the man was stupid enough to believe that the vampire - Cassius - would just kill his slayer but he killed him then went for the Slayer, she had only just been called, so she wasn't ready for him. Luckily enough, she managed to injure him, then threw the torch she had been carrying at him, he burned to death. The Slayer was only 14 maybe even 15. She was so young. My mother tended to her, then she made her a dhmpire like me."



"Wait your mother killed a slayer?" Willow asked.



"Not killed, re-born. A dhmpire is re-born we are not killed nor sired like an ordinary vampire. There is a ritual for us to go through."



"Tara…" Gazing into Tara’s eyes now currently filled with a shadow of fear, Willow gave Tara’s hand a gentle squeeze, hoping that Tara would be able to gain from this mere action, the courage to go on.



Tara closed her eyes, reliving the memory that had been embedded in her mind for the longest time, letting out a sigh, her words coming out heavy, "Jana. She, urm, was a gypsy. She knew of slayers and demons, vampires and other creatures of the night. A slayer came to their camp. She accused the leader of the clan of hiding a vampire. The vampire in question was another dhmpire, my father's brother actually. He traveled with the clan, hunting out anything that might attack them. Not all dhmpires were good, but the ones who lived in peace with the humans survived longer than the ones who didn't. When the elder refused to give my uncle up. The slayer killed him. Jana was the only witness, she was four years old at the time. The Slayer to her was a monster. I may never have had a bad experience with a slayer, but I know they can be just as monstrous as their prey, and that the possibility of one killing me eventually is very high. They are just as skillful and just as swift as us creatures of the night, and from what I’ve learnt, sometimes just as vicious as the vampires they stake and kill and that… That makes me scared." Tara concluded quietly, feeling the pain well up from within as her thoughts continued drifting from Jana, to Faith, to her family, all long gone, perished.



This was by far, the most Tara had said ever since they first met. Willow had grown used to her being the one babbling while Tara remained mostly silent, answering Willow’s questions as best as she can. Was it trust that Willow saw in Tara’s eyes? She wasn’t sure, but along with it, she was sure she saw a deep sorrow hidden within, one hidden behind the cold and distant exterior that Tara had created. Was Tara actually letting down her barriers? Was Tara actually letting Willow in? So many questions. So few answers. Yet Willow wasn’t bothered. Those can be saved for later. Right now, sitting in front of her was a woman, not a vampire, and not just any woman, the woman was Tara. And as far as she was concerned, Tara was hurting. All she wanted to do was make her feel better, to let know her that she understood. It wasn’t sympathy. But a longing that surfaced from deep within to ease her pain, because Willow knew, there was something between them. Something unexplainable but something so real, and if Tara ever hurt again, she was going to be there to make it better. And she knew, Tara was going to be there for her too.



Never once letting go of Tara’s hand, Willow stood up from her seat slowly as she made her way towards Tara and eventually behind her. Pressing her body tightly against Tara’s back, she enveloped Tara in a warm embrace, feeling the jolt of electricity pass between them as they connected. Bodies and minds melded together. Their souls intermingled as one.



“Willow…” Tara gasped as she felt the powerful connection between her and the woman standing behind her. Her eyes suffused with tears, rising from a deep well, long concealed.



“It’s ok Tara, it’s ok… I’m here…” Allowing her chin to fall upon Tara’s shoulder, Willow tightened her grip around her body as she felt her own heart breaking from Tara’s pain, whispering quiet and tender words to her as she continued cradling Tara in her arms.



“Willow…” Tara repeated as grief shattered through her like torrents of water rushing through a broken dam. Losing all inhibitions, she finally let the barriers down, allowing grief to sweep through her body like a flood.



The world shut off, Willow held Tara feeling the dhmpire's warmth. "Shh, shh. It's ok… shh." Willow stroked Tara's hair lovingly.



Losing herself in Willow’s soothing words, Tara finally found the release she has sought for so long.







***



to be continued



Feedback junkie here hehe so feedback anyone?

Cassie





I don't mind being alone

I just don't want to be alone without you

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 11/24/03 7:20 am

[StrangeQuark]

Geez, this is poignant. I feel really sorry for Tara.



The exposition is very thorough and clever, giving just enough information and back-story without being too flashback-ey. Exposition can be a difficult thing, and you've handled it well.



I'm eager to discover more about this warm-blooded, fanged Tara

Edited by: StrangeQuark at: 11/24/03 7:48 am

[sabina]

Hi there



I'm absolutely intrigued by this story...



So Tara is a vampire, but the sun, holy water and stakes don't do anything to her...

She has warm blood and apparently considers herself to be human



I feel sorry for her, she must had had such a lonely existence... she doesn't really belong with humans but she doesn't belong with vampires either.



I'm glad that she has found Willow



I'm curious to see what will happen Willow and Tara



More soon?

---

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

The in between is mine.

I am mine!" - Pearl Jam

[wolfwynd]

I missed 2 updates! Anyway, I've caught up and I'm glad to say that its still as captivating and intriguing as the prolouged so **coughs** gimmie more now!



Wolfy

[willowsgirl]

hey cassie!

Wow I just caught up with this fic, its so good! Im normally a bit wary of vamp tara/vamp willow fics, but this is completely different, so intriguing and interesting.

No I have amillion questions, but the most prevalent to me is...why the heck havent I seen any fics from u b4? u can write, girl!

More soon please



willowsgirl/stacey xx

[Tempest Duer]

I love the way you're developing this, it's unusual but pretty clear. Just one question. How do you pronounce "dhmpire"?

I believe in the madness called "now."

[intricate mirage]

Hello kittens



Individual replies first -



StrangeQuark - Eager to discover more about warm-blooded, fanged Tara? Well you won't be disappointed, much will be revealed about her in the upcoming updates.



sabina - I know there's a lot of questions swimming around in your head regarding the nature of Tara's existence, but I promise, all will be revealed soon about that. Yes I'm glad she's found Willow too Thanks for reading!



wolfwynd - Give you more now? Well, here you go, update time!



willowsgirl - Hey Stacey You read the fic! I'm really glad this fic has caught your attention considering you're usually slightly wary of Vamp Willow/Tara fics. Thanks for the compliment, I've had help from my co-author. (I tell you she's absolutely brimming with great ideas! ) Well I am working on another fic presently, but I'm a dork and extremely worried that it'll turn out sucky, so hence it's taking just about eternity to make its way onto the Pens board.



Tempest Duer - Ok let's see, according to my co-author, dhmpire can be pronounced as "D-hmp-ire" or "Dh-amp-ire" She got the term meaning half vampire half human from a computer game that she likes playing



Big thanks for everyone for reading and big thanks going out to Rachael too!



Ok, here's the update, another long one Enjoy!



***



Title: The Last Champion

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

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

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

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

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

Pairing: W/T

Rating: R for now, NC 17 eventually.

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

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



Some thoughts are in < ... >

Song lyrics are in italics. Taken from "How Soon Is Now" and "What Would Happen" (Meredith Brooks)



***



Chapter 3



The Bronze seemed busier than usual, in fact it was nearly packed to the brim. Willow reflected, she had just left Tara about an hour ago, not that she really wanted to, but Tara had told her that she needed some quiet time alone. How long she had stood behind Tara holding her, Willow didn’t know, all she knew was that as long as Tara needed her, she was going to be there. Bronzing time be damned. Willow hadn’t been very eager about leaving Tara alone at such a vulnerable moment, yet Tara had assured her that she will be fine and promised to come find her, maybe tomorrow, possibly even tonight. With that, she quietly faded away into the descending darkness.



Willow fidgeted, looking at her watch for what had seemed to be the hundredth time. 7.30. Where on earth were the others?



An image of Tara flashed across her eyes.



Willow tugged on her collar. Throwing a flippant glance over to the crowded dance floor. Flicking her wrist to give her watch yet another glance, Willow could feel the gradual growth of impatience, that is until she felt the hairs on the back of her neck standing up as a cold rush of air hit her.



There was a soft murmur in her ear, "Dance with me Willow."



Turning around swiftly, there stood Tara in leather trousers, a white button down shirt, matched with a long leather jacket that reached her calves, almost a paradox from what she had been wearing before earlier in the afternoon. Tara offered Willow her hand. With a shy smile, Willow took it as she followed Tara into the dance crowd just as the music started to changed



I am the son and the heir

Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar

I am the son and heir of nothing in particular



Tara gently pulled Willow closer. Gently molding their bodies together. They were lost in their own world. The talking and the people around them just seemed to fade into the background all Willow could here was the song as their bodies moved sensually against each other.



Tara smiled as she moved with Willow, "You look beautiful." She whispered, inhaling the scent of Willow, she had never smelt anything so sweet.



Willow blushed, "You saw me before..."



"Even more beautiful." Tara softly whispered holding Willow to her.



You shut your mouth

How can you say I go about things the wrong way

I am human and I need to be loved

Just like everybody else does



Willow felt Tara slightly stiffen. Yet instead of saying something, Willow simply rested her head against the crook of Tara’s shoulders, running her fingers lightly across Tara’s back.



There’s a club if you’d like to go

You could meet somebody who really loves you

So you go, and you stand on your own

And you leave on your own

And you go home, and you cry

And you want to die



Her breath falling like a gentle mist upon Tara’s neck, “I’m here Tara, I’m here…”



When you say it’s gonna happen “now”

Well when exactly do you mean?

See I’ve already waited too long

And all my hope is gone



Willow closed her eyes as she leaned in closer towards Tara’s neck and slowly pressed a soft gentle kiss against her skin.



I am human and I need to be loved

Just like everybody else does



As the song faded, giving way to another, Willow thought she felt Tara’s body become slightly more relaxed, yet next thing she knew, it had suddenly grown tense once more and Willow soon found Tara hastily pulled herself away from her embrace. “Willow. I-I’m sorry. I have to go.” Avoiding Willow’s gaze, Tara barely managed to choke out those words.







Reaching out with lightning speed to grasp hold of Tara’s hand, Willow only had one word to say, “No.”



“N-no?”



“You’re staying. Here. With me.”



“B-but…”



“Please Tara…” Linking her fingers through Tara’s, “Dance with me…” Willow silently begged.



Electricity, eye to eye

Hey don't I know you

I can't speak



Willow didn’t know, but Tara had heard her silent plea. It was one of her abilities as a dhmpire.



Stripped my senses

On the spot

I've never been defenseless

I can't even make sense of this

You speak and I don't hear a word



Tara felt her resolve to pull away dissolve as she wordlessly allowed Willow to pull her back into her embrace.



What would happen if we kissed

Would your tongue slip past my lips

Would you run away, would you stay

Or would I melt into you

Mouth to mouth, lust to lust

Spontaneously combust



Unknown to Willow, Tara’s emotional turmoil was slowly, but surely tearing her up from inside. Nothing changes the fact that she was a dhmpire, a creature of the night, one who hunts and kills. It doesn’t matter that she was part human, able to live a normal life in the daytime, nothing changes the fact that she was a dhmpire, and always will be until somebody drove a stake through her heart and killed her.



Feeling the soft caresses of Willow’s fingers against her, taking in the sweet scent that was so essentially Willow, Tara was unable to control it any longer as she suddenly blurted out those words, “Aren’t you afraid of me Willow?”



Lifting her head to look up at Tara’s worried gaze, a part of her so desperately wanted to speak of many words, to convince and assure Tara that she wasn’t, yet in that moment, only one word surfaced, “No.”



And it was enough.



Pressing her forehead against Willow’s, feeling the tips of their noses touch, looking deep into Willow’s reassuring gaze, Tara found herself quietly lifting the veil from her eyes.



Never once tearing her eyes away from Tara’s, Willow felt her heart pick up speed.



Tara gently reached down and kissed Willow's neck. Pausing a while to check Willow’s reaction.



Willow smiled, “I trust you.” Three words that fell like a sweet sweet song on Tara’s ears.



Tara kissed Willow's neck again, and pushed her nose into the crook of Willow's neck. Both could feel their grips on one another tighten as the world surrounding them faded away once more.



I struggle with myself again

Quickly the walls are crumbling

Don't know if I can turn away



Raising her lips to Willow’s ear, Tara whispered softly, "I've waited a long time for someone like you."



“And I finally found you.” Was Willow’s quiet response.



No further words needed to be spoken. Both women knew it to be true. They finally found each other after having waited for so long and that was all that mattered.



What would happen if we kissed

Would your tongue slip past my lips

Would you run away, would you stay

Or would I melt into you

Mouth to mouth, lust to lust

Spontaneously combust



The song began to fade... Willow thought.



Tara made a silent promise. Raising her palm to Willow’s cheek, caressing it ever so gently, Tara slid her fingers under her chin, tilting Willow’s head ever so slightly towards her, Tara leaned in for a gentle kiss on Willow’s lips.



So chaste, so pure. There was no hunger in the kiss.



Feeling her heart pound and a warm heat envelop her entire being, Willow opened her eyes to find Tara gone.



Raising her fingers to her lips, Willow smiled as she still felt the lingering taste of Tara’s lips.



***



Willow wandered back to her table, slightly dazed, still reeling from Tara's kiss.



Not long before she had settled down onto her seat, Buffy showed up beside her.



"Hey Will! Who’s the chick?”



“Who… What… Huh? How did you…”



“Saw the both of you dancing, must have been some dance huh?”



“Why would you say that?”



“Cause you’re all dazey eyed in front of me right now.” Buffy replied with a cheeky wink.



“Oh.” Feeling a blush sneak up upon her cheeks, Willow barely managed a weak smile under Buffy’s teasing, “So Buff, been out on patrol?”



“Yeah, the cemeteries are dead.” She paused, “Deader than usual I mean. There was no movement at all. Zero. Zilch.”



Willow frowned, "No commandos in sight?"



Buffy shook her head, "No, Giles is getting a little wiggy because of that too. Keeps insisting that something evil is brewing."



Willow grinned good naturedly, “Good old Giles.”



Grabbing a sip from Willow’s drink, Buffy settled down comfortably by Willow’s side, wiggling her eyebrows, “Yeap, so Will. Tell me about this new chick. She’s kinda hot.”



Flushing a deep shade of red and giving a quiet sigh, “Buffy…”



***



Anya was annoyed, Xander had dragged her to the Bronze for a 'scooby’ night.



“Xander…” Whining for just about the tenth time in the past five minutes.



“Anh. Please? I promised Buffy and Willow we’ll come.” Xander patiently coaxed his girlfriend as he subtly maneuvered her through the Bronze’s main entrance.



Just as Anya grouchily allowed herself to be steered into the Bronze, a blonde walked out through the door, past the couple. Anya paused to take a glance at her. The blonde looked both ways, before settling her eyes upon Anya’s gaze.



*flash*



London 1668.



Anyanka being threatened.



*flash*



London 1881.



The two figures watching the burning house.



Anya blinked. The girl cocked her head to one side and smiled. Anya saw a flash of fangs, next thing she knew, the blonde was gone.



Anya thought fractically as she walked into the Bronze.



"Hey guys." Xander called.



Willow and Buffy looked up, "Hey Xander. Hi Anya." Willow replied, looking slightly uncomfortable.



me many, many orgasms.>



"Willow's got an admirer." Buffy proclaimed as she poked Willow teasingly, "A girl. A hot one too."



Xander's eyes were on Willow almost instantly, "A girl?"



"I want to go home." Anya interrupted loudly.



To her indignation, Xander ignored her, "So what does she look like?"



Buffy grinned wickedly, "Blonde, blue eyes, about 5”4. All clad in leather."



Anya shot an alarmed look at the Scooby gang that went unnoticed.



Buffy grinned again, "They were dirty dancing when I saw them."



Willow narrowed her eyes at Buffy and gave a scowl, "Tara's just a friend."



Anya studied Willow, who was presently flushed in the face and flashing an extremely embarrassed smile.



"So where did you meet Tara?" Buffy probed relentlessly.



"At college." Willow lied convincingly, directly avoiding anybody’s gaze.



Anya thought triumphantly. “Xander…” Tugging on her boyfriend’s arm, Anya pleaded softly, “Please, can we go home?”



Noting the slight change in his girlfriend’s demeanor, he turned to face her, concerned. “Anh, you OK?”



“I am, I’m just feeling unwell. Can we go?”



“Sure Anh, we’ll go ok? I’ll bring you home now.”



“Thank you.” Anya whispered gratefully.



Turning to Buffy and Willow, Xander shot them an apologetic smile, “Hey guys…”



“It’s ok Xander, no need to apologise, just take care of Anya, she looks really pale.” Buffy replied quickly before Xander could get another word out. Out of the corner of her eye, Buffy saw Willow yawn. “Besides, Willow looks as though she could do with some rest.”



“Opps. Hehe, sorry Buffy. Didn’t mean for you to see that. You just got here, just wanted to spend some best friend bonding time with you.”



Patting Willow’s arm, “No it’s ok. I’ll just drop you off at the dorms first.”



“Going somewhere Buff?” Xander asked concerned.



“Relax Xander, I’m just going over to my mother’s tonight. I think I ought to spend some time with her tonight, college life hasn’t given me much time to be with her. You ok with that Will?”



“Of course I am Buffy. It’s good that you’re going home tonight, Joyce will be really delighted. It’s been quite some time since you last spent quality mother-daughter time with her hasn’t it?”



“Yeah, it has…”



“So go.”



“Ok. Thanks Will. You’re the best!” Leaning over to give her best friend a hug.



Clapping his hands together, Xander asked, “So I guess we’re all set and ready to go now?” Seeing no objections and his girlfriend’s strong agreement with the frantic nodding of her head. “Ok… let’s all go home now.”



***



Xander brought a seemingly shaken up Anya home and spent the rest of the night attempting to make her feel better by being a loving boyfriend, only to have his kisses and advances rejected one too many times, causing him much worry. Anya had gone to bed extremely quiet and he decided that she would be better when they woke up in the morning.



Buffy had gone home, to the great delight of Joyce. Both mother and daughter shared a loving hug, before going to the kitchen to catch up on each other’s lives over a huge tub of ice cream.



Willow had gone back to the dorm, washed up, changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top, wondering where Tara was as she tucked herself into bed, dreamily thinking of their first kiss.



Tara had roamed the streets of Sunnydale for a good hour or so, occasionally raising her fingers to her lips, losing herself in thoughts of Willow’s lips and their first kiss, before heading on home to the hotel to get a good night’s rest.



So that was how the night ended, and by the wee hours of the morning, everyone was soundly asleep.



Almost everyone.



***



"She's here mother."



"Last location?"



"Bronze. With the witch."



"Witch? Will she pose a problem?"



"No mother. She can be easily taken care of."



"Good work Adam. Be a good boy now. Retrieve that dhmpire for me. Take Riley, Graham along with you and as many men as you require, do not forget she is a powerful one."



"Yes mother." Turning to walk out of the door of Maggie Walsh’s office, Adam paused as he turned back to ask, “Dead or alive mother?”



“Alive Adam. I want her alive.” A sinister smile contorting her facial features, “But Adam, a dhmpire dragged in badly battered and almost dead would still mean she’s alive would it my boy?”



With a smile to match the one on Maggie Walsh’s face, Adam gaily replied, “Oh yes mother. Oh yes.”



“Good boy. Now retrieve her and make your mother proud.”



***



to be continued



Feedback anyone?



Edited because of spelling mistakes.

Cassie





I don't mind being alone

I just don't want to be alone without you

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 11/27/03 7:26 am

[sabina]

This was a great chapter



I loved the way Willow and Tara's interaction on the bronze. Willow's stating her trust and Tara finally believing it.

And the "I found you" line always touches me and this time was no exception



Now I'm just intrigued by Anya's reaction

She thought Tara was there to kill them all... I wonder what has happened between them.



Oh and I was a little worried by these lines:

Quote:

---

The song began to fade... Willow thought.

Tara made a silent promise.

---

Having a vampire, well in this case a dhmpire, saying things like forever most of times isn't good news

Tara isn't thinking about turning Willow, is she?



I'm curious to see what will happen next...

Update soon?

---

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

The in between is mine.

I am mine!" - Pearl Jam

[StrangeQuark]

Very sweet in the beginning, very interesting in the middle, and really clever at the end. I like the evolution of the story that you're telling here. There's always that undercurrent of mystery.



Anya knows a lot of demons, doesn't she? I guess that 'cause she's over 1000 years old. I wonder if Giles knows anything about the beautiful creature that just kissed Willow. Would he recognize a Dhmpire if he saw one? Maggie Walsh sure can.



Oh yeah, the Initiative angle is really clever. I've got to admit that I never liked them in the TV series, but in all of these fanfics, they always get put to good use by the authors. I wonder why the writers of the show had such trouble with that? Maybe it was the low budget.



Great update, as always. Looking forward to more.



-SQ

[willowsgirl]

Ohh, update!! This part was really great, as others have said in their comments, I loved it when Willow assured Tara she trusts her. And I loved the first kiss, so sweet. Of course, I loved the image of Tara in leather trousers too, so hot!!

Im a little worried about Anya's reaction to Tara though, it seems that maybe she's not all she seems.

And the initiativc part was just darn creepy! Gives me chills.

Anyways, loved this one, Cassie, and Im

looking forward to reading more.



Stacey xx

[Tempest Duer]

Initiative



I'm glad we've got a good villain here... stoopid Initiative, sending Adam out to ruin everything...



Is Tara thinking of turning Willow? If I were in Willow's shoes, I'd go for it... more than a lifetime with Tara... And hey, at least dhmpires have souls and aren't evil and stuff.

Edited by: Warduke at: 11/27/03 8:37 pm

[bluewillowwitch]

Cassie and Rachel ,

Really loving the fic! It is a great idea. and just keep finding each other no mater where they go. This little plot twist is really inspired. Oh no, Walsh got Adam up and running and now he is going after ! isn't going to like this very much. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[intricate mirage]

Title: The Last Champion

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

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

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

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

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

Pairing: W/T

Rating: NC-17

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

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



Thoughts in < ... >



***



Chapter 4



Click.



The door slid back into its lock with a soft quiet click. Aroused from her light slumber, Willow tried to clear her hazy thoughts. Raising her head ever so slightly to ask Buffy why she was back, but to her surprise, it wasn’t Buffy that greeted her eyes, but Tara.



Tara, still clad in her attire earlier in the evening at the Bronze was walking towards here, never saying a single word. Moving ever so slowly, inching her way unhurriedly towards Willow. There was something about the way she moved. Like a perfect creature of the night, she was sleek like a cat prowling its prey with silent anticipation.



Willow blinked as Tara got onto the bed, crawling towards her on fours, eventually straddling her hips. Taking Willow’s hands in hers. interlinking their fingers, Tara held her under a watchful gaze as she pinned Willow’s hands above her head.



"Tara." Willow whispered as Tara leaned forward slightly, placing additional weight on Willow’s hands.



Tara smiled down at Willow, the moonlight illuminating her features, her fangs glinting in the moonlight.



Willow’s eyes widened ever so slightly in quiet shock, taking in a sharp breath of air as realization hit her on what Tara was going to do to her. Yet instead of resisting, Willow lay motionless in Tara’s grasp, giving herself fully to Tara, quietly she said, “I trust you.”



Willow gave a soft sigh as Tara's head ducked down to her neck.



Leaning in close towards Willow’s neck, Tara paused, staring at the main vein in Willow’s neck, listening to the pulsating rhythm of the blood flowing through the vein. Listening to Willow’s silent thoughts, Tara lifted her head slightly to see Willow’s presently closed eyes. Tara lowered her head, her fangs retracted. Tara gazed at the vein, watching it pulse,



Willow laid there with her eyes close, readying herself for the painful sting of the bite, but all she felt was a soft kiss on her pulse point. Then she felt a soft kiss against her ear, followed by a faint voice, "I don't want to hurt you Willow. I never have."



Pressing her body gently and fully against Willow’s, Tara’s began placing soft kisses on Willow’s neck. Feeling the quicker pace of Willow’s pulsating blood in her vein, Tara’s tongue snaked past her teeth as she gave Willow’s neck a lick and a soft nip before closing her lips upon Willow’s pulse point, sucking on it gently.



Willow’s flew open briefly, taking in the new wave of pleasure running through her body. Eyes fluttering to a close, Willow let out a soft moan.



Letting go of Willow’s hands, Tara wrapped her arms around Willow, pulling her body tightly against hers, sucking more forcefully on Willow’s pulse point.



Threading her fingers through Tara’s hair, Willow pulled her head deeper against the crook of her neck, urging Tara on in her present ministrations.



“Tara…”



Hearing Willow’s quiet call for her, Tara gently pulled away, looking towards her lover, concern evident in her eyes. “Willow?”



Forcing her eyes open, Willow look up at the blonde. Seeing the concern in her eyes, Willow felt her eyes welling up with tears. “I love you Tara.”



Pressing a tender kiss against Willow’s forehead, Tara murmured softly, “I love you too Willow.”



Capturing Tara’s lips in a kiss, Willow felt her lips melting against Tara’s. Cupping Tara’s face in her hands, Willow felt her tongue sipping past, seeking entrance into Tara’s mouth, only to be granted safe passage there. Sliding her tongue against Tara’s in the warm crevices of their mouths, Willow found her hands gradually wandering to Tara’s back, beginning a slow caress.



Far too lost in Willow’s kisses, Tara unconsciously began a slow and steady of grinding her warm core against Willow’s body, letting out a soft moan that was quickly lost in Willow’s heated and insistent kisses.



Bringing her hands to Tara’s waist, Willow slid her fingers under the hem of her button-down shirt, feeling Tara shudder slightly in her arms. Placing her palms flat against Tara’s shoulders, Willow pushed Tara away ever so slightly. A confused look clouded Tara’s face. Sensing Tara’s worried thoughts, Willow quirked her lips into a half smile, shaking her head, “No, I still want you Tara.” Through heavily lidded eyes, she leveled a lustful gaze at Tara, “I want to see you. All of you.”



Smiling, Tara straightened up, shucking the leather coat of her shoulders, flinging it to a far corner of the room. Taking Willow’s hands in hers, Tara placed them against her breasts. Taking cue from Tara, Willow slowly began undoing the buttons of Tara’s shirts, never once taking her eyes off Tara’s dark cobalt eyes, now heavily laden with yearning and want. Spreading Tara’s shirt wide open, Willow slid the flimsy material off Tara’s shoulders, trailing her fingers up her belly until she reached the swell of Tara’s breasts. Cupping them in her hands, Willow squeezed them gently, Tara swayed forward, biting her lip. Tara brought her own hands up to cover Willow’s, feeling Willow’s fingers roll her nipples gently between them.



“Willow…”



Urged on by Tara’s hands, Willow wanted more as her passion increased with heightened urgency. Bringing one of her hands to Tara’s back, unsnapping and removing Tara's bra with one quick movement, Willow found herself staring at two milky white globes. Licking her lips in anticipation, Willow felt a growing hunger.



Looping her arms around Tara’s neck, Willow pulled her close towards her once more, kissing her collarbone, flicking her tongue over the smooth milky flesh, taking in the sweet taste that was so essentially Tara. Her lips reaching the soft swell of Tara’s breasts, Willow trailed small kisses over each, through the valley between her breasts, down to Tara’s stomach and up again until her lips rested, slightly parted, over one swollen nipple. Breath catching in her throat, Willow finally lowered her lips to Tara’s nipple and sucked it hungrily into her mouth. Hearing Tara inhale sharply, a small, inarticulate sound coming from deep in her throat, Willow sucked even harder, sliding one hand down to Tara’s other breast, rolling the nipple between her fingers, giving them an occasional pinch.



Tara choked back a small cry, one hand placed against the bed to balance herself, the other pulling Willow’s head closer, as if wanting Willow to take all of her within her mouth. Willow circled her tongue, again and again, around the engorged nipple, pausing only to utter a small groan before pulling it deep within her mouth again.



Spurred on by a deep passion and longing deep within her, Tara pulled herself away from Willow’s mouth, eliciting a whimper from Willow, only to pull Willow in for a heated kiss, plunging her tongue deep into Willow, before latching her lips upon Willow’s bottom lip, sucking on it hungrily.



Letting out a throaty growl, Tara placed her fingers under Willow’s tank top, sliding it up her body and pulling it over her head while capturing one of Willow’s breasts in the process roughly, devouring it as though it was her first meal in many days, sucking it hard before transferring her mouth to the other unattended breast and doing the same, repeating her ministrations on Willow’s breasts as she ran her fingers down her body, hooking them on the waistband of Willow’s shorts. Pausing a moment to search Willow’s eyes for any signs of rejection.



A warm glow envelop Willow as she watched Tara look to her with a watchful gaze, always respecting Willow’s decisions, never once letting her own needs override the love and concern she had for her lover.



Raising her palm to caress Tara’s cheek, Willow whispered softly, “I love you Tara.”



Tara's eyes softened, taking in her lover.



Capturing Willow’s lips in a tender kiss, running her tongue along her lips, Tara slowly slid Willow’s shorts off her hips, down past her thighs, her knees and off her ankles, leaving behind a hot trail of feather-like touches as her body followed and slid down the length of Willow’s lower body. Breathing in a warm musky scent, Tara allowed a soft moan to slip past her lips. Planting kisses on Willow’s calves as she lightly ran her fingers in lazy circles against Willow’s inner thighs, eliciting a soft moan from above. Threading her fingers through Tara’s hair, Willow gently pushed Tara’s head towards her warm center, slowly arching her hips off the bed against Tara’s lips, silently praying for Tara not to tease. Lips quirking into a teasing grin, Tara lifted herself off Willow’s body, much to her dismay and moved up to straddle Willow’s hips once again. “Look at me Willow…”



Gazing up at twin sapphires of deep blue filled with desire and passion, Willow gasped one word, “Clothes.” Seeing Tara raise an eyebrow, eyes twinkling. Willow’s mind hazily groped its way through its sea of incoherent thoughts and with much difficulty, managed to form a logical sentence, “You still have them.”



Reaching down to caress Willow’s breasts, running her fingers lightly across the two hardened peaks, Tara dipped her head down to Willow’s ear, Tara huskily whispered, “So what do you suggest I do?”



“Off…” Willow breathily replied.



“My hands are full at the moment. How now Willow? Should I stop?” Punctuating her last few words with a sharp pinch of Willow’s nipples.



“Goddess no Tara. Don’t stop. Feels… so good…”



Tara’s tongue flickered up the side of Willow’s neck, nestling just under ear lobe, sucking on it ever so slowly before licking her way down to Willow’s throbbing pulse point, drawing the flesh deep into her mouth, marking Willow as hers.



Willow’s entire body exploded into being with delirious dizzying sensations, her pulse banging in her eardrums, Willow nails dug into Tara’s back, her fingers imprinting themselves into the faint dip of the blonde’s spine.



Nails raking down Tara’s back, Willow reached down to Tara’s leather pants, tearing at the button, wrenching the zipper free. Withdrawing her legs towards Tara’s waist, Willow used her feet to drag Tara’s pants down her legs, kicking them off the bed. “Commando eh?” Willow whispered huskily.



Shooting Willow a look through the haze of lust with a sexy half smile, “Speak for yourself Willow.”



Giving Tara a sly wink, “I’m sure you liked it.”



Nuzzling Willow’s neck, “Mmm. That’s where you’re wrong, I didn’t like it. I loved it.” Using her knees to slowly edge Willow’s thighs apart, placing one knee between Willow’s thighs, against her heated core, only to have it instantly drench in Willow’s slick wetness. Letting out a groan, “So wet…”



The groan emitted by Tara sent a plucking chord of desire flying into Willow’s loins. Willow was aware of the heat emanating from her very center, thrusting her hips upwards, she parted her legs even wider to allow Tara’s knee to push more firmly against her warm core.



Willow pulled Tara down towards her, capturing her lips in an urgent and passionate kiss. Willow felt like her blood was on fire. Nails raking over Tara's skin. Her loud moans giving way to short gasps as she continued rocking her hips rhythmically against Tara’s knee, whispering Tara’s name as if it were a sweet song…



Crash!



Startled out of the dreamscape she had forged with Tara’s connection, Willow sat up in her bed, confused. Throwing a glance around her room, Willow realized that everything was as it is, not an object was out of place. Settling herself into a cross legged sitting position, Willow steadied her breathing as she tried to regain the lost connection with Tara once more.



***



A soft rapping noise could be heard at Giles’s door.



It paused for a second, before it became a frantic knocking, which soon escalated into a furious banging.



Throwing on his robe, silently cursing under his breath for having been disturbed from his sleep, Giles strode over to his main door, flinging it wide open, only to find a very breathless ex-vengeance demon.



***



Willow had started her silent begging minutes ago when Tara failed to picked up their dropped connection. Clearing her mind once more to start all over again, a very exasperated and worried Willow started stalking up and down her dorm room. Eyes widening in fear. Sitting down on her bed, Willow closed her eyes as she focused on trying to regain connection with Tara once again.



***



“Anya! What in the bloody heavens are you doing here at this time of the night?”



Pushing against him back into the house, kicking the door shut with her foot.



“Anya!” Giles blustered, “What on earth are you doing? Could you not be more gentle with that door? I just had it fixed mind you.”



“Shut up Giles!”



Putting on an indignant face, “Why, I resent that.”



“Giles!”



“What!”



Placing her hand on her chest, pausing a minute to take a deep breath, Anya regarded Giles with a serious gaze, “Giles, have you ever heard of the last champion of the dhmpires?”



Taking off his glass and reaching for a handkerchief on his nearby table to wipe its lens, Giles replied quietly, “Yes, I have heard of her. Fearful creature I must say, she who has killed hundreds. Humans, vampires, demons, just about anything. She even managed to take out Angelus and his entire group…”



Cutting in abruptly while placing her hand on Giles’s one to stop him from cleaning his lens, “Giles…”



Opening his mouth to retort Anya for having rudely interrupted him, Giles finally took in the pale and shaken appearance of Anya, concerned he asked, “What’s wrong Anya? Why have you come to me at this obscene hour to ask me this?”



“Giles…” Dread evident in her eyes, “She’s here.”



***



Jolted out of the connection she had made with Willow over an hour ago, Tara leapt out of her bed with a troubled gaze, the crash had sounded as though it came from the hallway outside her room. She thought grimly, reaching over for her coat which was on the chair next to her, throwing it on. Looking out the window, she saw lightning streak across the sky as thunder rolled in a distance. Tara had only taken her first step when a hollow voice echoed throughout the room.



“Tara… They’re here…”



Shifting into fighting stance, “Who are you? Show yourself!”



Yet instead, Tara was greeted with a slow singing voice, “Hush now… Sweet child… Don’t you cry…”



Recognizing the song as one that her mother had always sung to her before bedtime, Tara felt a pang in her heart, “Mother…?”



“Yes child….”



Tears welling up in Tara’s eyes, “Where are you? Why can’t I see you? I want to see you. Mother, I miss you.”



“I miss you too my child, but now’s not the time, they are here love, run love, run for your life. Mother can’t protect you this time.”



“Who? Who’s here?”



“Soldiers, scientists, belonging to a secret government. You are the last of us. Our champion. And they want you…”



Tara stuck out her jaw defiantly, “Then I’ll fight them.”



“You can’t… Their soldiers are trained specially to hunt you down. The Initiative has a weapon, one called Adam… Be good now child, mother will come again… But for now, please… Run if you can…”



Feeling a rising panic at her mother’s words, “What do you mean if I can?”



“Just promise me you’ll turn away and run Tara.”



“But…”



“Please!” The voice punctuating the night with a strong forceful tone.



Fangs elongating, ears picking up footsteps, Tara spun around to face the door where she knew her enemies were right now, she whispered, “I promise mother.”



Saying that, she watched as the door came crashing down, revealing not a few men, but an army of them, heavily armed with metal rods and a huge net between them. Catching her breath in her throat, a silent fear invading her eyes, Tara braced herself up for the fight.



***



to be continued



I'm not sure if the ending qualifies as a cliffhanger Or does it? *evil grin*



Feedback, anyone?

Cassie





I don't mind being alone

I just don't want to be alone without you

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 12/1/03 10:30 am

[intricate mirage]

Hey Kittens!



Individual replies first, then update next



sabina - Intrigued to find out more about Anya's reaction? Much will be revealed about the reason behind her reaction soon, promise! (not in the next update though )

Quote:

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Tara isn't thinking about turning Willow, is she?

---

Wellll....... *evil grin* Read on to find out



StrangeQuark - Yeap, this fic is very much surrounded by mystery mixed with a touch of sweet romance

Quote:

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I wonder why the writers of the show had such trouble with that? Maybe it was the low budget.

---

Yeah, maybe it was the low budget dude That really cracked me up by the way



willowsgirl - Stacey!! Glad to see you loving the fic so far, it's making my day! Oh yes, the Initiative is definitely a creepy bunch, creepy and evil. Thanks for reading and keep on reading! *whispers* Don't let my avatar distract you from reading ok? *cheeky wink*



Tempest Duer - Yup the Initiative definitely deserves a trashing, glad to see you're getting on it? Want to start forming a club to trash the Initiative up?

Quote:

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Is Tara thinking of turning Willow? If I were in Willow's shoes, I'd go for it... more than a lifetime with Tara...

---

*keeps lips zipped up tight*



bluewillowwitch - Yup I agree, Willow and Tara will just keep finding each other no matter where they go. They are forever Hehe getting sappy now Yeah, sucks huh, Adam is up and running about, he's one evil villain Thanks for the feedback goodness Hope you'll enjoy the next update just as much!



Many thanks to all Kittens who have been reading too! And many thanks to my lovely co-author, Rachael!



Update's coming up in the next post. Enjoy!

Cassie





I don't mind being alone

I just don't want to be alone without you

[Washi]

Ok, you can't just leave it there, that's mean! I'll be waiting for the rest, it's all great.

That is indeed a cliffhanger, and a good one at that. Great job.

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



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



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



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

[sabina]

Yeah, I think the end does qualify as an evil cliffhanger



I loved this update

It was hot and sweet at the same time...



Anya's descripton of Tara was a little unsettling... And left me wondering what had happened to make the last dmphire kill so many creatures.



More soon?

---

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

The in between is mine.

I am mine!" - Pearl Jam