Title: To Those Who Wield

Author: CN Winters and Susan Carr

Fandom: Buffy fanfiction, Willow fanfiction, Buffy slash fanfiction, Willow Tara fanfiction

Disclaimers: Joss owns ‘em. I’m just borrowing ‘em.

Rating: NC-17 for grown up stuff like sex, language and violence.

Paring: Will and Tara; Vamp Will and Vamp Tara

Feedback: CN Winters (cnwinters71@yahoo.com) or Susan Carr (skeeter451@mysticmuse.net)

Synopsis: Takes place during season six after Tara and Willow’s break up and Willow’s recovery. We took the liberty of letting Vamp Willow live when she returned to her world just because we can. Anyway, seems Vamp Willow has returned to ‘Buffy’s Sunnydale’ again, this time with her new lover, Tara Maclay, to wreck a little havoc.

Special thanks: To Chris Cook for the ultra-cool banner

Part 8

"Can I come in?"

Willow looked up to find Tara standing in the doorway of her bedroom. She could tell the blonde had been deep in thought.

"What’s wrong?" she asked.

"I…I just w-wanted to talk to you if that’s okay?"

"Oh yeah, sorry," Willow said remembering her manners and moving to sit on the end of her bed. "Have a seat," she motioned. She watched Tara close the bedroom door and then lock it, confused by the privacy Tara was seeking. She knew whatever it was that chances are what Tara had to say was bad.

"What is it Tara?" she prompted again.

Tara paused a moment to collect her thoughts. Finally she whispered, "I’m scared Will."

"Is it me? Did I do something to worry you again because if I did..."

"No," Tara shook her head. "It’s not you Willow. It’s Spike. What he said tonight about the vamps…I’ve been pouring over the books and I’ve found something but…I don’t know if I can pull it off and our lives depend on it."

"Oh," Willow said closing the History of Civilization textbook she’d been reading. "Well if anyone can pull it off, I know it’s you."

When she turned around to face Tara again she found that the woman had moved and was now standing about a foot in front of her. Nervously she licked her lips and cleared her throat, unsure of what to say next. When she felt Tara reach down and stroke her face every nerve endings seemed to crackle instantly at the contact.

"Uh, Tara?" she asked again, nervous that she might do something inappropriate by having the woman so close to her. "Not that I’m complaining but…what are you doing?"

"Panicking."

What did she just say? "Panic-?"

The reply was lost as Tara descended upon Willow, both of their bodies crashing to the bed, their lips locked against each other’s. As Tara pulled back slightly she planted a few light kisses on Willow’s ear. The redhead kept her hands on Tara’s hips not daring to move them for fear of chasing her off.

"Please…don’t refuse me," Tara begged softly in Willow’s ear. "I never stopped wanting you."

This wasn’t right. Of course it felt wonderful but maybe it was the stress and the blonde wasn’t thinking clearly. She didn’t want Tara to have morning after regret, knocking them a few strides back after they had come so far in the past week.

"Baby, no," Willow said, pulling Tara up to come eye to eye with her. "God I can’t believe I’m saying this but…not now. Not yet."

"Now," Tara whispered, taking Willow’s hands and pinning them to the bed. "Don’t deny me. I need you," she added as she began to nuzzle Willow’s neck.. "So warm. So soft," she sighed. "I’d forgotten how soft you feel."

"Oh god Tara. You’re not making this easy."

"Love never is easy Will. You know that. Give me tonight. Give me the strength to see this through."

"Tara?"

"Shh…"

Tara silenced her with a kiss and then another and then another. She began to nibble on Willow’s earlobe. "God I’ve missed your body," the blonde sighed.

All pretense of being chivalrous left and Willow found herself unable to deny Tara. If having her is truly what Tara wanted she’d give her that, the consequences be damned. With much strength and determination Willow broke free and rolled Tara over until she was on top.

"You want me Baby?" Willow asked one final time.

Tara smirked as she gently pushed Willow’s hair behind her ear. "Oh yes," she sighed.

Willow couldn’t help but grin as she allowed her pent up desire to slowly release. The grin faded and a look of intent crossed her face. If the woman wanted her she’d have her.

It only took a few moments but suddenly they were both naked – squeezing and suckling each other’s flesh in a heated frenzy. Willow closed her eyes as she felt Tara’s hand snake down to her sex, giving her the friction she craved.

"Oh God," Tara moaned. "You’re so wet Willow. So ready."

"You have no idea," Willow replied with a half-chuckle.

Suddenly Tara’s fingertips were on her clit, making a circular motion and Willow felt her hips rise off the bed in response. It was only a matter of a few minutes but Willow felt the waves rising higher and higher.

"Oh God Tara," she sighed. "I’m so close Baby."

"That’s it Will," her lover replied as she led her down to touch her too.

Willow didn’t need much prompting. She was more than willing to take what was being offered and she too let her fingertips dance across Tara’s sex.

"Oh Will," Tara sighed in her ear. "Willow…Willow. Hey Willow!"

The redhead darted up in bed to find she was totally alone, no Tara, no naked goodness – just alone. Confused she looked over to the door to see Buffy standing there.

"We gotta get an early start today," the slayer told her. "Rise and shine while I wake up Tara and Dawn."

She watched Buffy walk back out and all she could do was fall back against the mattress. Willow sighed in frustration and her body still humming from the dream. She’d been on the edge of orgasm and without release anytime soon it was destined to be a very long day.

"Couldn’t give me five more minutes, could you?" Willow asked to no one in particular as she angrily tore the covers from her body and made her way to the bathroom.

XXXXX

Tara knew she was dreaming. The thought kept running through her mind, but it brought her no comfort. She was trapped – helpless within the confines of her subconscious and powerless to wake up. She was standing in Willow’s room, the redhead smiling before her, her white shirt shining through the darkness. Outside the windows gray storm clouds roiled through the sky, filling the air with the acrid smell of ozone that reminded Tara of blood.

Power, Willow said in her mind. It all comes down to power, Tara. You have it…I want it…and I’ll take it.

No! Tara cried. Her throat constricted in fear. Willow! Please, you have to listen.

Listen? Willow laughed. I’ve been listening to you for years now. On and on and on. Magic is pure. Magic is sacred. Yada yada yada…Why not make it simple? Just give me your power…I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life. You’ll never have to worry again.

Tara let out a sarcastic laugh even though the fear was threatening to overwhelm her. How? By making me your slave? Is that what you want, Willow? A mindless automaton that caters to your every need? Why don’t you just have that Warren guy build you your own Tarabot, complete with various attachments? ‘Cause that’s not me, Willow.

Willow smiled and Tara gasped when her ex-lover’s face turned even paler in the darkness and her eyes and hair blackened until it seemed the whole world had turned black. I don’t need that, Tara. I have you.

No! Tara said again and turned to run from the room.

Run all night, Tara, Willow purred. I’ll still find…

Tara turned the corner of the hallway, cutting off the rest of Willow’s words. Instead of finding the top of the stairs, she suddenly was running in the woods, stumbling over roots and other obstacles that threatened to trip her. Behind her she could hear Willow making her slow, but steady way towards her.

Tara! Willow called in a singsong voice. Come on, Tara…I just wanna play.

Tara tried to focus on staying upright, but she felt the rush of Willow’s power surround her and she tripped.

Sweat dripped down her forehead and into eyes already stinging with tears. She tried to rise but she felt a boot push her back to the ground and she rolled over to see Willow standing over her. Instinctively she began to back up, crawling on the palms of her hands and soles of her feet, refusing to turn her back on the witch. As Willow stalked toward her, a vision of darkness with her black hair, black eyes and black clothing, Tara thought for a moment that her heart would stop. Oh goddess, no…please. Tara silently thought to herself. This is only a dream. Willow would never…

Wanna bet, Tara? Willow smiled as she stopped in front of her. It’s all about power, you know. Give me your power now…or I’ll just take it. Either way, you’re mine. The vamps? Ha, they’re nothing. Just bit players in their own power game. They came here for our power…but we can take theirs. And we’ll be together forever. You know you want it.

Willow, please! I want forever but not like this, Tara begged. You don’t want this either. You’re…you’re not a bad person. And what about your friends…the Scoobies? If you do this, if you take me against my will, then you’ll lose them. You don’t want that. I know you, Willow…

Tara could feel the rage rising up in Willow, rising to the surface like some ugly, noisome boil coming to a head. She could feel it rushing towards her like the rush of a train speeding closer and she was helplessly trapped, unable to move out of the way. It was coming and there was nothing that was going to stop it.

Bored now, Willow sang and Tara screamed.

"Tara!"

Tara jumped up in the bed, her heart hammering in her chest, threatening to burst out.

"Tara! Oh god, you okay?" Buffy said, her face white.

Tara looked at the clear sky beyond the windows of Dawn’s room. She looked at the frightened Slayer and nodded. "Bad…dream," she breathed after a moment, her panting finally slowing down.

"Sounded more like a nightmare," Buffy said, taking the blonde’s sweaty hand. "Sorry I didn’t wake you sooner."

"I’ll be okay," Tara said. "It’s only a dream, right? Willow’s not doing magic?"

Buffy paused a moment and looked at the shaking woman. A feeling of sadness and anger washed over her. Willow had it all and she pissed it away. Buffy knew that Tara loved her best friend dearly but not unconditionally to the point she’d let herself be controlled and manipulated. And now the woman who had brought Tara such joy terrorized her in her dreams, maybe even in her waking life although she probably wouldn’t admit it out loud. Buffy could tell that Tara needed reassurance that Willow wasn’t the monster she saw in her dreamscape.

"No Tara. She isn’t. … Are you sure you’re okay?"

Tara nodded and Buffy responded in kind, leaving to get ready herself. "Buffy?"

The Slayer stopped and turned around.

"You’d tell me wouldn’t you? I mean if Willow was on the magics again you’d say something?"

"I would," Buffy nodded. "But she really isn’t Tara and even if it doesn’t feel like it, you’re safe with Willow."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know Willow. She’s a good person. She just thinks with her heart and not her head sometimes but I can assure you that you’re safe here. And she’s clean Tara. Honest."

"I hope you’re right."

"I know I’m right," Buffy grinned. "Slayer sense and all that," Buffy smiled. "Why don’t you get ready and meet us downstairs for breakfast."

It was spoken more as a command than a question and Tara nodded and pulled herself from the covers as Buffy left.

Breakfast turned into a quiet affair. Willow and Tara ate in silence. In fact they hardly looked at each other. And as far as eye contact – that didn’t happen at all. They were both still haunted by their early morning dreams and feeling uncomfortable as a result. Dawn shot Buffy a glance and silently asked with a casual wave toward the witches what was happening. Buffy sensed the uneasiness too and understood exactly what Dawn meant. She could only shrug nonchalantly. She understood Tara’s mood given how the woman woke up but she couldn’t understand what had Willow so quiet.

Damn, Dawn thought with a sigh. And they were doing so good. What the heck happened?

The silence was becoming too much for the teenager.

"So...Tara," Dawn began. "Any ideas on what to do?"

XXXXX

Back at their suite, Tara gently removed Willow’s bloodstained clothing and tended to the angry-looking wound.

"Does this hurt?" Tara asked.

"Of course," Willow smiled at her.

"You’re not acting as if it does!" Tara said, angry with the person who dared to hurt her beloved.

"The pain isn’t important, Kitten," Willow explained. "What’s important is finding the bitch and killing her."

Willow watched as Tara continued to minister to her, carefully cleaning the puncture wound that was already healing. "Tara?" she asked when the blonde had finished. "What did you do tonight?"

"You mean the spell?" Tara asked and then shrugged at Willow’s nod. "A simple reveal spell. I focused it on the last person to touch the bolt that hit you. It can also be used to find lost objects, missing pets, stuff like that."

"Do you know other spells?" Willow asked.

"Sure, I’ve got several spellbooks full of them back at my dorm. Most of the books were my mother’s, but she discouraged me from using dark magic. Since I came to Sunnydale, I did acquire a couple of spellbooks that would turn her hair white if she knew I owned."

"Dark magic spells? What’s the difference?" Willow asked.

Tara settled herself down on the bed, sitting beside Willow who was resting against the headboard. "Mostly intent. The reveal spell I used earlier is usually a helpful or defensive spell, but it can also be used as an offensive spell. Mother never condoned using magic for harm or personal gain."

Willow smiled, "But you’re not mother’s girl are you, Kitten?"

"Not anymore," Tara smirked.

"Come now, Tara," Willow chided. "If that was true, would you really have acquired those books before we met? Against your dear departed mother’s wishes?"

Tara smiled, "Speaking of which…I really should go fetch them. Some of the books are quite valuable."

"Don’t bother yourself, my love," Willow said and called for her personal slave. A moment later Willy prostrated himself before the couple.

"Take a couple of minions with you, Worm," Willow ordered. "Go to your new Mistress’s dorm room and pack up all her belongings. Break anything and I’ll show her how fun it is to skin humans alive."

"Yes Mistress," he whispered.

"They can get in?" Tara asked.

"Sure," Willow explained with a wicked grin. "Its occupant is a vampire."

"Behind the bed, there’s a loose panel," Tara told Willy. "Inside you’ll find several books. I suggest if you value your eyesight you do not open them. Understand?"

"Yes Mistress."

"Hurry back, Worm," Willow ordered and he quickly scampered out of the room. "He’ll be back shortly," Willow said. "In the meantime, what can you teach me?"

"About magic, you mean?" Tara smirked, running one sensuous hand down Willow’s exposed torso. Willow closed her eyes in pleasure and then gasped in pain, as Tara pressed hard on the swollen flesh around her wound. "Want me to show you, Willow?"

"Show me, Kitten," Willow hissed through the pain in her chest.

"Magic is a matter of control, Willow," Tara explained. "You like to be in control, don’t you?"

"Oh yes," Willow sighed as Tara continued rubbing her hands over her body.

"Good," Tara explained, a wicked grin on her face as she stood up. "Because before you can do magic, you must learn control." With a gesture, four steel-reinforced leather cuffs simultaneously shot out from under the bed and latched themselves around Willow’s wrists and ankles. Before the redheaded vampire could react, four stout chains attached themselves to the cuffs and pulled tight, spreading Willow across the bed, her arms and legs stretched, restricting her movement. Willow liked her chains but she never imagined herself being the one in them.

Willow struggled against her restraints, her vampire visage emerging as anger filled her. "Let me go, Tara!" she ordered.

"Nope," Tara said, turning away from the bed and moving to a large chest at the foot of the bed. "Do it yourself, Willow."

"Tara! Let me go. NOW!"

Tara ignored the furious vampire as she looked through Willow’s toy box. She picked up a leather strap with a hard rubber gag attached to it. "Willow?" Tara asked in an innocent tone. "Don’t you have one of these that comes with the attachment for a dildo?"

Willow continued to fight against her bonds, but Tara only smiled as she dug further into the chest. Willow chose only the highest quality for her toys and Tara knew from personal experience that Willow could not possibly break free from them using strength alone. "Oh yes!" she said finally locating what she was looking for. "Here it is. But…I think I’ll leave that part off for the moment. Maybe later if you still haven’t freed yourself."

She moved to the head of the bed. "Now, Willow," she explained. "You can’t learn magic if you’re too busy snarling like that."

"Let me up, bitch! I’ll show you…" Willow’s words were cut off as Tara shoved the gag into her mouth and quickly locked the buckle tight behind her head. Spittle and blood foamed around the edges of the gag as Willow continued to struggle.

Tara stripped off the rest of her clothing and climbed onto the bed, straddling Willow’s hips. The redhead tried to throw her off, but the restraints were pulled tightly and she was barely able to move. Tara once again ran her hands over Willow’s body, enjoying the feel of the smooth skin underneath. After a few minutes, Willow’s struggling finally slowed and then stilled.

"There," Tara said satisfied. "All calm. Now, pay attention, Willow. What I mean by control is controlling your emotions."

Tara’s mind suddenly flashed back to earlier that evening when she cast the reveal spell. "Yes," she agreed. "I was excited and nervous. I don’t like seeing you almost killed like that, but in the middle of all that I managed to control it and cast the spell. I know you can do it too, and I’ll show you how but first I need to do something. Okay?"

Without waiting for an answer, Tara placed both hands against the raw wound in Willow’s chest. Willow’s eyes grew wide as she felt powerful heat emanating from Tara’s hand. She looked up at her gloriously naked lover over her, Tara’s full breasts only inches from her face. She groaned, not from the heat, but in desire.

Tara ignored Willow’s reactions and closed her eyes in concentration as she chanted softly. After a few minutes she sat back again and looked down at Willow. Her lover’s eyes were also closed, her body covered in a sheen of sweat. On Willow’s chest, there was a small scar that was quickly fading, but no sign of the puncture or swelling.

"All better, my love," Tara smiled. "I know it’s gonna sound hokey, but everything is surrounded by energy. By concentrating the power of your mind, you can learn to manipulate that energy to your advantage. Like this…"

By turning her head slightly Willow watched as a single rose floated up from a vase full of roses and moved towards them. It hovered over her face; it’s soft petals gently caressing the skin of her cheek, careful to avoid the leather strap.

"Anything can be manipulated to your advantage, Willow," Tara explained. "You just need to control yourself."

Suddenly, the rose whipped across Willow’s face, its thorns cutting cruelly into Willow’s cheek. Dark red blood welled up from the gashes. Tara leaned down and slowly licked the wounds clean. She pressed her body into Willow’s, enjoying the feel of hardness beneath her. She spread herself until she was lying fully on top of Willow, her hands lacing themselves with Willow’s fingers, ignoring the pain as Willow squeezed hard. She pressed one thigh into Willow’s center, finding the vampire’s wetness. She began to move her body sensuously against her lover’s.

"Feel my power, Willow," she whispered. "Tap into it and move the rose yourself."

Tara’s eyes closed as she continued to grind against Willow. She knew Willow hated to be in this position, hated the loss of control, but Tara knew this was the only way her lover would learn how to regain that control. She felt herself sinking deeper into Willow as she finally felt Willow making contact with her, felt when Willow connected her energy with her own as she approached orgasm. With a muffled cry around the gag in her mouth, Willow’s body arched as far as it could within the restraints. Tara turned her head and grinned as the rest of the roses in the vase, at least two dozen of them, sailed towards her in a flash of energy and sliced across her back.

She cried out from the pleasure of the pain as Willow caused them to fly around and slash at her again, and again. She ground herself against Willow’s center as she rode the crest of her orgasm, feeling the redhead underneath her come again as she communicated her ecstasy through their linked energies.

Finally, she collapsed on Willow spent. After a few moments, she sat up again and looked down at Willow. She knew that Willow was still angry, she could feel it, but Willow also had a sense of amazement over what she had just accomplished.

"That was good, Willow," Tara praised. "Now that you’ve tapped into my energy, try to tap into your own. Use it to manipulate the cuffs so you can free yourself. Take your time…I’ve got something to do while you try."

Willow watched as Tara moved off the bed and gracefully folded herself into a lotus position on the Oriental rug near the bed. Tara closed her eyes and although she had no reason to breathe, the habit was too deeply ingrained as she began her meditation. After a few moments, Willow saw a tiny light emerge from Tara’s forehead and bounce playfully towards her. With a dip, the light kissed its way up her body and then sped off out of the bedroom. Willow sensed she was alone, even though Tara’s body still sat on the rug.

She once again tested the strength of the bonds, even though she knew it was useless. She was amazed that Tara had managed to get her in this position. Other than Xander, no one had ever dared. She couldn’t help but feel admiration towards her pet – sure Tara was gonna pay and she was gonna pay harshly, but Willow still felt awe at the blonde’s daring.

She wondered where Tara had gone and hoped she would be back soon. Daylight was fast approaching and Willow didn’t know if her spell would protect her essence from the effects of the sunlight although Willow’s shrewd mind couldn’t help but consider the advantages of being able to travel during the day.

Instead, she tried to concentrate on getting free. She’d worked the cuffs thousands of times, but always with her hands. But her familiarity with them allowed her to see them clearly in her mind as she closed her eyes and concentrated. After a few unsuccessful attempts she felt herself growing more frustrated and angry with herself. And with Tara for leaving her in this position. She relaxed and tried again.

After what seemed an eternity, Willow finally tapped deep into a source she had never known existed within her. She was amazed she had never realized it before. It was all so simple…all that power within her just waiting to be used. With almost an afterthought, all four cuffs flew away from her and clattered to the floor on the ends of the chains. She sat up and with another thought removed the gag from her face.

Her first instinct was to rush over to Tara and give her the thrashing of her undead existence, but she managed to control herself as she threw on a robe and left the bedroom to see if Willy and the minions were back yet with Tara’s belongings. Several boxes were piled up in the living room and she could sense her minions sleeping in the basement.

"Any trouble, Worm?" Willow asked Willy who was running a duster over the furniture.

"No Mistress," he replied. "It was late and there was no one around. It didn’t take us long to empty the room."

"Well done, Worm," Willow said, opening one box and pulling out a book. "Make sure you feed Miss Kitty and then you may retire."

"Yes Mistress," he said. "Thank you Mistress."

After Willy disappeared to care for her cat, Willow sat down to read the book. Most of the contents didn’t make sense to her, but she began to see the possibilities. Magic was just another way of harnessing the power within. No different than using the strength of her arms or legs…or even the power of her mind. It was another weapon she could use and she was once again happy and pleased with herself for her choice of companion. Tara was indeed going to serve her well.

She had made her way through several of the books when she suddenly felt a presence. Looking up, she saw the light entering the room and move rapidly through to the bedroom. She waited and a few minutes later Tara walked into the living room also wearing a robe. Willow watched as Tara flopped down on the couch across from her and propped her feet on the coffee table.

"Whew, I’m starved," she said. "Anyone around here to eat?"

"No, but there’s some blood in the fridge," Willow said. Tara was just about to get up again, when Willow said, "Let me, Kitten."

Tara sat back and smirked as she heard the refrigerator door opening in the kitchen and the various rattling of cups as Willow prepared them a drink without leaving the couch.

"I knew you could do it, my love," she smiled proudly at the redhead. "You have so much power inside you, I knew it wouldn’t take much to free it."

"We’ll have to talk more about your methods later, Tara," Willow said, once again happy to be in control. "Now, tell me where you’ve been."

"I’ve been watching the Watcher," she laughed. "What a stuffy old bore he is!"

"The librarian? How did you know where to find him?"

"Simple," Tara said. "I followed the Slayer…the reveal spell left enough signature so I could get a tracer on her. She led me right to his home."

"And?" Willow asked, intrigued.

"She told him about what happened tonight," Tara laughed. "He’s quite concerned that one of our kind used magic. I could sense he’s played with magic before, but he’s rusty. And the news his Slayer brought him frightened him."

"Good!" Willow said, pleased. "What else?"

"Kendra…that’s the bitch’s name by the way," Tara pointed out. "She recognized you from your red hair. He sent her after you specifically. She was very contrite that she missed. The way she was acting, I think she almost expected him to smack her for failing. I thought you said slayers were supposed to be tough?"

"They’re all different I guess," Willow shrugged. "The last one seemed to be."

"Anyway," Tara continued. "They’re planning another strike against you in three days time. They know where we live and are planning on attacking here. They figure if they can rid of you, they’ve got a better shot of getting to the Master."

"Why three days?" Willow asked. "Why not right away?"

"Full moon," Tara explained. "The werewolf is out of commission until it passes. The Slayer, the Watcher, the werewolf and the other white hat, Larry – they figure they could make a surprise attack. Kendra wanted to do it right away because you’re wounded and weak, but the Watcher thinks it’s better to go in full strength, especially with this new development. She bowed to his authority."

Willow laughed and felt her chest. "No pain here, Kitten. You did me good."

"In more ways than one," Tara smirked. She sipped her drink. "So, we have three days. Got a plan?"

"Of course," Willow said, placing the book down. "Come Kitten, we have lots of work to do."

XXXXX

"Are you sure this is gonna work Tara?" Xander asked. "Not that I’m doubting your ability but it sounds like some serious hocus pocus to try to pull off."

The six of them sat round Buffy’s dining room table formulating a plan.

"It’s not easy," Tara agreed. "But we don’t have options here. If what Spike said is true – and I do believe him – we’ve got only one way to make it work."

"Why do you think he’s being honest? He never has before," Anya countered.

"He knew the name of the spell," Tara answered.

"So? Maybe he’s telling you exactly what they want him to say. He’s been harboring them since they arrived," the ex-demon retorted.

"That’s true but…."

"He’s being honest," Buffy interrupted. "He knows if he sides with them that he’ll lose and he’ll never…" Buffy trailed off her thought process. Saying that he’ll never earn my love wasn’t something she wanted to get into at the moment. She did agree with Tara that he was being honest and making a sincere effort to help. "…fit in here. That’s something he wants."

"I agree with Buffy," Tara nodded. "He’s different lately. I don’t know how or why but…something’s going on with Spike. The look after I smacked him – it hurt him. And not physically but emotionally. I think he’s telling the truth so we’re planning accordingly."

"Now let me play Devil’s advocate here," Xander began. "Say you’re wrong. Then what? I’d just like to know that you guys are gonna be safe Tara."

"Safe and Scoobies aren’t two words you can use together. We all take a risk everyday Xander."

"Yeah but this is different and you know what I mean."

Tara sighed, "Yeah I know."

"She can do it," Willow added without looking at anyone in particular. "I know her ability."

"I’m glad you’re the Tara pep squad Willow but…"

"But what?" she asked Xander.

"It’s a big gamble…You two could get in there and things could go wrong. And if that happens then maybe you’ll..."

"Go on a magic bender?" Willow asked when Xander didn’t add more.

"Your words not mine…And yeah…You’ve been doing so good. But what’s to say that you won’t get in there and start throwing your magic around."

"There is nothing except my word which I realize means very little."

"Will," Xander began in apology. "I’m just trying to look at all the scenarios. That’s all."

"He has a point," Tara told Willow. "And I’m concerned too that if things get rough you’ll breakdown."

"You need all four of us in the room in order for you to work the spell Tara. I won’t do magics. I’m just there to coax the Vamps in so you can get the job done."

"You swear?"

"Yes."

Tara sighed. "Okay, that’s the best you can do I know. It’s just…"

"You don’t have a lot of faith in me and that’s okay. You’d be stupid if you did. But I promise, on Joyce’s grave, I won’t do a single spell."

A quiet passed over the group until Anya spoke.

"Maybe since you’re all scared Willow will get all witchy again we could just capture the vamps," Anya offered. "You know, keep them locked up for the rest of your lives since we can’t kill them. Buffy’s got a big basement."

"And they’d stay confined for all of 5 minutes until they used magic to get free," Tara replied. "No - we need to take them out of this dimension but with Willow out of commission it’s up to me to put it together."

"I just pray you’re powerful enough," Xander retorted, his voice tight with concern.

"You and me both," Tara agreed.

XXXXX

"Can I speak to you?"

Willow leaned down to Buffy who was seating in the dining room waiting for the group to assemble. Buffy sent a message with Spike to have the Vamps meet the Witches at a nearby abandoned factory.

"Sure," she said rising and following Willow out to the kitchen. "Getting nervous?"

"No not really…More worried for Tara than me…Speaking of which, I know we have to meet them alone but I know you won’t stay too far away."

Buffy tried to hide her guilty grin but said nothing.

"So when you do show up and if things are going bad, not working like we planned? I want you to kill Vamp Willow."

"We’ve been over this – the linking spell they put on you two…"

"Listen to me. If they get my power it’s gonna kill me anyway. Tara too. This way I save Tara and Vamp Tara goes home empty handed. For all we know the linking spell could be a hoax and I’ll be fine if you kill her. I’m willing to take that chance…. You know I’m right Buffy."

Buffy shook her head. "I can’t promise that Will."

"Please," she begged. "If they start winning I need you to do the right thing. Lots more people might die besides just me and Tara. With that much power they could be unstoppable and we’d both be dead anyway. This way at least one of us goes on Buffy. That someone should be Tara. So promise me you’ll be the Slayer. You’ll do what needs to be done. Please?"

Buffy gave a heavy sigh. "I’m sorry Will I just can’t."

Willow knew there was no changing Buffy’s mind and if the time came she might have to be the one to stake Vamp Willow. "Alright if you won’t do it at least promise to keep Tara safe? I want you to protect her first above everything else. Can you do that?"

Buffy considered it. "Yeah," she replied after a brief pause. "That I can manage but killing you to do it isn’t an option for me Willow. I’m sorry."

"That’s okay. We can only do what we can, right?"

Buffy could hear the defeat in Willow’s voice – the feeling of uselessness.

"You are important in this fight so don’t doubt that. Even if you’re not working the magic Tara needs your presence in order to see it through. Remember that?"

Willow simply nodded.

"Are we about ready to leave then?"

Willow took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. "Let’s get it done."

Continued