New fic:Soulmates (a Willow & Tara spin-off)

[chilled monkey]

Title: “Soulmates” (a Willow & Tara spin-off)

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Post- ‘The Gift’

Feedback: Yes Please

Disclaimer: Willow, Tara and the rest of the Scooby Gang belong to Mutant Enemy.

Notes: This series is unconnected to my previous fics. Episode 1 is based on WebWarlock’s RPG The Dragon and the Phoenix, Episode 1 ‘Will We burn in Heaven’, although there are a number of changes. Thank you for letting me borrow it.

Also, a quick note to any Kittens living in Santa Cruz. Since I’ve never been there, I may have to employ dramatic license at times. Hope you don’t mind.



Episode 1 – Fire in Heaven



EXT. CAMPUS LAWN – DAY



It is a beautiful, bright sunny day. Willow is standing by herself, a thoughtful expression on her face.



FLASHBACK: Buffy diving off a scaffold, into a vortex of white light (The Gift)



Back to Willow. Her expression is unchanged. Tara walks up behind her and hugs her tenderly.



TARA: Hi



Willow smiles. She turns around (still in Tara’s arms) and returns the hug



WILLOW: Hi

TARA: Are you feeling okay honey? You seem a little distracted.

WILLOW: I’m okay. I was just thinking about Buffy. I mean, I know it’s been a month now, but sometimes it still feels like it happened yesterday. Ya know

TARA: I do



She caresses Willow’s cheek.



WILLOW: (after a beat) Sorry, I didn’t mean to be all depressing-y gal.

TARA: It’s okay, you don’t have to be sorry.

WILLOW: I’m a little thirsty. Want to go for a soda?

TARA: Sure.



They stroll off, hand in hand. As they walk, we pan across to a sign that reads ‘UC Santa Cruz’. Students are milling around, going to classes etc. We pan back to Willow and Tara.



TARA: Oh, Dawnie called to say hi.

WILLOW: How is she?

TARA: She’s fine. So’s Anya. She has a date tonight.

WILLOW: (nods) Good for her. I still can’t believe Xander dumped her like that.

TARA: Dawn said that they still haven’t heard anything from him.



Willow nods. There is silence for a moment.



TARA: Willow, do you ever wish that we’d stayed in Sunnydale?

WILLOW: Not really. I mean, sure, Dawn, Giles and the others are family and I love them. But after the Hellmouth was destroyed, I wanted to make a fresh start, a new life together with you. And it’s not like we’ll never see the others again. We can still visit them and …(pauses). Tara, are you having regrets about moving here?

TARA: Oh sweetie no. I just wanted to make sure you were happy with this.

WILLOW: Tara, as long as you’re with me, I’m happy.



Tara smiles delightedly. The two of them continue walking across campus.



EXT. STREETS – DAY



Deserted. No movement, no birdsong, nothing. Loose trash is blown by the breeze; windows are broken and boarded-up, graffiti covers the walls etc. This is clearly not a pleasant neighbourhood. We pan down an alley.



Suddenly a shadow crosses a wall. We can make out that it has wings and a scorpion-like tail. There is a white flash. The shadow reappears, but now it is of what appears to be a winged humanoid. Another flash, and now we see a pale hand emerging from a black sleeve.



A man walks out of the alley. He is tall, with pale skin and is dressed in a flowing black coat. He stops and turns around. Two other, similar-looking men walk out of the alley behind him.



STRANGER: Let’s go.



All three of them walk away.



CREDITS

Edited by: maudmac  at: 10/4/03 2:51 pm

[willntlover]

New fic!!! I can't wait to read all about how the hellmouth closed! Who does Dawn live with? ANd XAnder broke up with Anya!!! (not that i'm necessarily happy or unhappy about that, just shocked) Those his leaving seems totally in character if ya take the time to think about his character.







-Will

"I think finding her soulmate would have made Tara a more confident and secure person" -Amber Benson

[TareBearRS]

New take on everything.



Just as Willow and Tara are happy together i'm cool with it.



More soon?

R.

[chilled monkey]

INT. WILLOW AND TARA’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM – DAY



Tastefully decorated with off-white walls and various magickal items, crystals, candles etc arranged on shelves. There is a T.V. and video in a corner, along with a C.D. player. There is also a desk with Willow’s laptop, boxes of computer disks, containers of different coloured pens and so on. There is a settee and two chairs, the same colour as the walls. The carpet is light green.



Tara is on the settee, playing with Miss Kitty Fantastico. The door opens and Willow enters. Tara puts Miss Kitty down.



TARA: Hi honey, how was class?

WILLOW: It was fun. (sits down next to Tara) But I really missed you.

TARA: Not as much as I’ve missed you.

WILLOW: Hey, at least you had Miss Kitty to console you.



Said kitty rolls over and meows, wanting a tummy rub. Willow giggles and obliges.



TARA: Hey, don’t I get one of those?



She pouts. Willow laughs and starts to rub Tara’s tummy. Tara smiles, enjoying it a lot. She leans forward and kisses Willow. Willow returns the kiss. Both of them tumble back onto the settee, Willow on top of Tara, kissing each other passionately.



Miss Kitty is on the floor, playing with a cat toy. Suddenly her fur stands on end and she starts hissing at something.



Willow and Tara stop what their doing and look at Miss Kitty in concern.



TARA: Miss Kitty, what’s wrong?



Willow looks up and sees something. Whatever it is, it’s not good.



WILLOW: (anxious) Tara.



A white light materialises in the centre of the room. The witches stand up and clasp hands, ready to cast a spell.



The light coalesces into humanoid form. Cut back to Willow. Her expression shows recognition and shock.



WILLOW: Miss Calendar?



Sure enough, it’s Jenny Calendar. She smiles warmly.



JENNY: Hi Willow. Tara, it’s good to meet you.



Willow and Tara exchange glances.



WILLOW: Miss Calendar, is it really you?

JENNY: (wistful) Only in spirit, I’m afraid.



She sweeps her hand at a chair. The hand passes right through it.



TARA: Miss Calendar, Willow told me all about you. It’s nice to meet you in person.

JENNY: I’m glad to meet you too, Tara. Willow deserves someone who makes her happy.



Tara smiles shyly at that.



JENNY: I’ve been watching you for some time.



Willow smiles, and then frowns slightly.



WILLOW: You didn’t watch everything, did you?

JENNY: (laughs) Just the stuff I couldn’t have gotten arrested for.



Willow and Tara look relieved.



WILLOW: So you’ve had your eye on us the whole time?

JENNY: Not quite. There’s a lot of stuff I don’t know about. I don’t have a lot of time to catch up, but there are a few things that I’d like to know.

WILLOW: Okay, go ahead.



INT. DEMON BAR – DAY



Very dark and seedy-looking. No daylight is allowed to enter. The bar is filled with demons of all kinds, sitting alone or in small groups. It’s a rough crowd.



In a corner is Merl, the demon informant from ‘Angel’. He is sitting by himself, nursing a drink.



The three men from the alley enter. Instantly all conversation ceases. Everyone in the bar starts to pull away slightly from the new arrivals, clearly afraid of them.



STRANGER 1: Leave.



Everyone obeys and gets up to leave.



STRANGER 1: (pointing) Not you!



Merl freezes. He meekly sits down as the three swagger over.



STRANGER 2: You know what we are?

MERL: (scared) Look man, I’m not looking for trouble…

STRANGER 1: Neither are we. We want your help.

MERL: Muh, my help?

STRANGER 3: We want the Enochian Tablets.

MERL: I, I don’t have them.

STRANGER 2: We know that, you idiot! We want you to get them for us.



Stranger 1 glares at Stranger 2 reproachfully. Stranger 2 bows his head, admonished.



MERL: Well I suppose I could get them. But you know, the price is gonna be really high.

STRANGER 1: Name your price and it is yours.

MERL: (nods) Okay. So how am I gonna contact you when I’ve got em?

STRANGER 3: You don’t. We will come to you.



With that, the three of them turn and leave. When they are gone Merl lets out the breath he’s been holding and wipes his brow.



INT. WILLOW AND TARA’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM – DAY



Willow and Tara are both sitting on the settee as Willow continues talking to Jenny (still standing). Miss Kitty has been moved to another room.



WILLOW: So when the rift in the dimensions was sealed, the Hellmouth was sealed too. It didn’t exist anymore.

JENNY: (nodding) And that’s when you guys decided to move here?



Tara and Willow both nod in agreement.



JENNY: (softly) Is Rupert okay?

TARA: Mr. Giles is fine. He’s adopted Dawn.



Jenny smiles.



WILLOW: Miss Calendar, uh, would you like us to call Giles? Tell him you’re here?

JENNY: I want to, but there’s no time. See, I was sent here to warn you.

WILLOW: Warn us about what?

JENNY: The end of everything.



Willow and Tara’s eyes widen in alarm. Jenny continues.



JENNY: There are three fallen angels right here in Santa Cruz. Stephan, Martin and Iossia, the Knights of Elohim. They used to be the darlings of the celestial choir, but they were cast out after they became too arrogant with all the praise they were getting. The thing is, they aren’t rebelling against the Powers. They want to be back. They’ve decided that if they rid the cosmos of humans, the Powers will have to take them back.

TARA: So, um, what’s their plan?

JENNY: Their looking for the Enochian Tablets, a set of ancient clay tablets written by Enoch. They contain the Word. The first word, the one used to create everything. If the Word is used, it gives the power of creation or to destroy creation. The Knights want to use it for the Unmaking, to wipe out humankind.



For a moment, no-one speaks.



WILLOW: Can we stop them? I mean, we aren’t Slayers.

JENNY: Don’t sell yourselves short. The Powers That Be have been very impressed by you two.

WILLOW: Really?

JENNY: Oh yeah. That’s why they sent me to you. Because they know that you’re the best people for the job.



Willow stands up, resolve face on.



WILLOW: Okay. I’ll go on-line, see what I can find out.

TARA: I’ll check the books.

JENNY: Sounds like a plan.

[Stroke of Luck]

hmm Santa Cruz hä??



A little different to the other story´s but it´s good.

Hope that the girls doesn´t get hurt.



update????



Cu

SoL/Natti



There are two kinds of tears, tears for those who leave you, and tears for those you never let go - Xena/The Quest

[Incitatua 8]

I'm interested in reading their adventure ! I think it's time for them to solo ! Nice touch having Jenny return...another abused character. I hope they make an invincible trio and take on those villains .

[chilled monkey]

Time has gone by. It’s just starting to get dark outside. Willow is on her laptop, while Tara is going through some arcane-looking texts. Jenny is looking over her shoulder.



TARA: Oh, here’s something.

WILLOW: What’d you find?

TARA: (studying the book) Angels have a strict hierarchy. The three we’re after are Seraphim, very high ranking. The only way to kill them is to pierce the eyes.

JENNY: Well that’ll come in handy.

WILLOW: Oh, I’ve got something too.



Jenny and Tara walk over.



WILLOW: The Tablets last known owner was a sage named E’rif E’nur. He’s in town for a few days.

JENNY: Any idea where to find him?

WILLOW: Well, it says here that he’s very fond of karaoke. We should check out all the nearby bars.



INT. MERL’S APARTMENT – DUSK



Very scuzzy and down-market. The decoration is much like Merl’s old place (i.e. bean-bag cushions). Merl has a briefcase. The three angels watch as he opens it to reveal the contents; a set of brown clay tablets, covered in flowing exotic text.



MERL: Here you are, just like I said.



The angels look well-pleased. Stephan (Stranger 1) closes the briefcase and grabs the handles.



MERL: (nervous) So, about my reward?

STEPHAN: (smiling) Rest assured, you will never have to worry about money again.



EXT.STREET – NIGHT



Willow, Tara and Jenny are walking along the street. Willow is studying a piece of paper (list of addresses). Willow stops and points at a bar.



WILLOW: Here’s the place.



They enter.



INT.NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT



The place has a ‘Hawaii’ theme. Plastic palm trees, calypso music, etc. Someone is on stage, singing very badly.

A distinguished-looking gentleman is sitting at the bar, drinking a cocktail. He looks like he could be a Watcher.



WILLOW: That’s him.



They walk over.



JENNY: Are you E’rif E’nur?

E’RIF E’NUR: I am indeed.

JENNY: I’m Jenny Calendar. These are my friends, Willow and Tara. We’re looking for the Enochian Tablets. We heard that you have them.

E’RIF E’NUR: I did until two hours ago. I’m afraid I just sold them to a demon by the name of Merl.

TARA: Do you have any idea where we might find him?

E’RIF E’NUR: As it happens, I can give you his address. Here.



He produces a small notepad and writes the address on a page which he then tears off and hands to Tara.



TARA: Thank you. Bye.

WILLOW: Bye.



He watches them go. As they leave through the front door, the angels emerge from the crowd and approach the sage.



STEPHAN: E’rif E’nur?

E’RIF E’NUR: (chuckles) What a busy night this is turning out to be. Yes, I am E’rif E’nur.



Stephan smiles coldly.



EXT. APARTMENT BLOCK – NIGHT



Willow, Tara and Jenny are searching for Merl’s apartment. All three are alert, knowing that if one demon uses this place, others probably do as well. Tara checks the address the sage gave her.



TARA: It should be right up.



They turn a corner and see Merl’s door is open. They exchange worried looks.



WILLOW: Come on.



They hurry inside.

[chilled monkey]

I feel I owe everyone an apology. What I wanted to do was produce a W/T virtual series, with one episode, then another and so on. But I got carried away with the idea and rushed it and I think it shows, so I have decided to end it here. Also, writing in script form is more difficult than I expected. I will probably try again eventually, but next time I will be much better organised. If I do have another go, I will probably make a fresh start with it rather than continuing to post on this thread. Once again I’m sorry I didn’t take more time to do a better job.

For those who are enjoying this fic, here is the final part. Hope you like it.



INT.MERL’S APARTMENT – NIGHT



A battered and bruised Merl is lying on the ground, unconscious. He is just starting to recover as Willow and the others run over.



TARA: Are you okay?

MERL: (groans) I’ll be fine. Lousy angels beat me up.

WILLOW: Are you Merl?

MERL: Yeah.

JENNY: We’re looking for the Enochian Tablets. Do the angels have them?

MERL: Uh huh. What’s the problem?

JENNY: The problem is that they’re going to use them to destroy all Creation.

MERL: (horrified) I didn’t know. I swear if I’d known I…

JENNY: There’s no time. They’re already starting the ritual. I can feel it.

WILLOW: We have to stop them! (to Merl) Will you be okay?

MERL: Yeah, I heal pretty quick. Listen, if your going after those guys, your gonna need these.



He goes to a cupboard and produces an elaborate chest. He opens it to reveal three daggers with long twin-pronged blades.



TARA: Thank you

MERL: Just bring em back after your done, okay.



EXT. STREET – NIGHT



Willow, Tara and Jenny are hurrying as fast as they can.



WILLOW: Can we get there in time?

JENNY: Yes. We’re almost there. They need to perform the ritual on hallowed ground.



INT. CONDEMNED CHURCH – NIGHT



Very dark and creepy, a little moonlight coming through the broken window.



Stephan is reading from the Tablets as Martin and Iossia chant. All three speak in an indecipherable language.



Willow and Tara carefully slip inside as Jenny walks through the wall. The angels are so engrossed in what they are doing that they don’t notice them.



Willow takes Tara’s hand. She holds up one of the pronged daggers and lets it go. It remains suspended in the air.



The dagger slowly turns until the tips are facing the angels. It then shoots forward and strikes Iossia right in the eyes! He rips it out, screaming as beams of white light shoot out of his eyes. The white light consumes him and a second later he is nothing but fine black ash.



Stephan puts the Tablets down and spins around. Seemingly from no-where, he draws a wavy-bladed sword and charges them, angling the sword so that his eyes are protected.



Willow and Tara raise they’re free hands and point them at him.



WILLOW, TARA: Away!



Stephan is sent flying. He crashes into a wall and is momentarily stunned.



Martin has drawn his own sword. He attacks the witches and they dodge his blows. He swings at Tara. She uses her dagger to block, but the force still staggers her.



WILLOW: Tara!



Jenny runs in front of Martin, waving her arms. He swings his sword at her. Of course it passes right through her. Martin is surprised and hesitates for an instant. Willow runs up and stabs him in the eyes. He screams and disintegrates just like Iossia did.



Stephan has gotten up. He covers his eyes with one hand.



STEPHAN: Infidels! You can’t stop us.

WILLOW: Looks like we’re doing okay so far.



Stephan smiles as he gets an idea. He puts his sword away and holds out his free hand. He starts to form a fist.



Jenny gasps, an expression of intense pain on her face.



TARA: Miss Calendar, what’s wrong?



Jenny collapses to the ground, her skin starting to smoke.



WILLOW: Stop it!



Stephan continues to form his fist. Jenny tries to stand up, but it’s too much.



Tara and Willow look at each other and without speaking, they work out a plan.



The Enochian Tablets float into the air and go flying towards a wall.



STEPHAN: No!



He runs forward, arms outstretched to grab the Tablets. As he grabs them, he realises his mistake. It’s too late. Tara runs forwards and stabs him in the eyes. Stephan tries to cover his eyes, but it’s no good. Light still ‘bleeds’ from between his fingers.



STEPHAN: No, this can’t be. We cannot be defeat…



He turns to ash.



WILLOW: Miss Calendar, are you okay?

JENNY: Yeah I think so.

TARA: So what happens now?

JENNY: I have to go back. And I’ll take these with me (nods at the tablets).

WILLOW: Do you have to go? I mean, couldn’t you stay for just a little while?

JENNY: Willow, I’m sorry but I can’t.



Willow nods, accepting this.



WILLOW: Goodbye, Miss Calendar.

TARA: Bye.

JENNY: Bye.



She gives a little wave and disappears in a flash of white light.



INT. WILLOW AND TARA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT



Willow is in bed. Tara gets in next to her and they snuggle up together.



TARA: Rough day honey?

WILLOW: Yeah.

TARA: We could just go to sleep if you’re tired.

WILLOW: (smirking) I’m not that tired.



Tara also smirks. Willow leans in and kisses her deeply.



End of Episode 1

[WebWarlock]

Hey,



Now I liked that! It obviously looked familiar, but I like the changes. ;)



Using Jenny was a nice touch, as was Merl. I had forgotten about him really.



I hope you do continue it, especially if you start taking the girls into a different direction than I did. More stories about Willow and Tara are always needed!



I do think there is something here. A Willow and Tara based series has allways appealed to me. There are just so many stories that could be told with these two as the focus.



If you can't finish it on your own maybe you could invite others to share your world. Have them write an episode and see where it goes from there.



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side,
home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

"Stop whimpering... it's unattractive." - Bloodrayne

[chilled monkey]

Thank you very much. Well, if you liked it, I will continue here as opposed to starting again. The next episode won't be for a while as I want to take it slow and make a good job of it. Also I have another story idea that might work better as a regular fic. Decisions, decisions...

As for inviting others to help with the series, yeah that sounds good. Two heads (or more) are better than one after all.

[chilled monkey]

Sorry to bump this. I just wanted to say that the next part will soon be ready, so please don't move it into the archives.

[chilled monkey]

Here is the next part. Sorry if it’s a bit short



Episode 2: Drained



EXT. FIELD – DAY



A white horse is galloping across the field. Moving in, we see that the rider is Tara. A brown horse, ridden by Willow, is rapidly catching up.



After a while, they both slow to a stop. Tara and Willow remove their riding hats, both laughing happily.



WILLOW: Tara, this is so much fun. I’m so glad you talked me into it.

TARA: (giggles) Wow, you’re really getting into this, aren’t you?

WILLOW: I love this! Thank you Tara.

TARA: I promised safety and fun, didn’t I?

WILLOW: Uh huh. Want to race some more?

TARA: I’d love to honey, but we really should be getting back. It looks like it’s going to rain.



She points up to the cloudy skies.



Cut to:



EXT. STREET – DAY



It is pouring with rain, thunder booms and lightning flashes. A motorcycle headlight pierces the gloom; it is the only sign of life.



The cycle (a black Ninja) comes roaring into view. The rider is dressed completely in black leather; an ebony helmet hides their face.



INT. DEMON BAR – DAY



Much the same as in Episode 1. Various demons are talking, drinking, playing cards etc. Spike is lounging at the bar, wearing his usual outfit. He notices something.



SPIKE: Bloody hell no.



Xander walks up to him. He is dressed in a black duster, trying (and failing) to look cool. He sees Spike and laughs.



XANDER: Well hello, Spike. What’re you doing here, Fangless Wonder?

SPIKE: Don’t push it mate. Remember, I can kill you now that you’re a vampire.



The motorcyclist enters, removing her helmet. We now see that she is a young Hispanic woman. She has full lips, large brown eyes, dark curly hair and a lithe, athletic build. Her name is Maya. She walks up to the bar.



MAYA: Bartender, I’m looking for someone. Might pay a little.



Xander walks up to her.



XANDER: Well if you’re looking for someone, I’d say you just found him.



Maya smiles sweetly and in an equally honey-like tone, says something in Esperanto. Xander grins like an idiot. When she has finished speaking, several demons start laughing uproariously.



XANDER: (confused) What? What’s the funny thing?

MIQUOT DEMON: She just said you’re a loudmouthed dumbass with more fingers than brain cells.



Xander angrily vamps out.



XANDER: You take that back.



Maya draws a stake and slaps it down on the bar-top. She points to her heart.



MAYA: Go on. Right here.



Xander hesitates, looking confused. Maya raps her knuckles against his forehead.



MAYA: Hello, hello, anyone in there? Should I draw you a picture? Would that help?



Xander grabs the stake and stabs her in the heart. He steps back expectantly, but nothing happens. Maya laughs and pulls the stake out. There is no blood, no wound, even her clothes are undamaged. With a smooth, fast movement she stakes Xander. He wails and turns to dust.



Spike laughs. Maya turns to him.



MAYA: Maybe you can help me.



CREDITS

[willntlover]

You staked Xander!!! All right, excellent work OMG Tara got Willow to ride horses?? ( course it is not all tha surprising I think anyone would do anythign fro Tara )



I'm so glad that you posted some more!!



-Will

"I think finding her soulmate would have made Tara a more confident and secure person" -Amber Benson

[chilled monkey]

Wilntlover: Thanks for replying. I’m glad you’re enjoying this. Sorry my updates have been so slow. Anyway, here is the next part.



INT. WILLOW AND TARA’S APARTMENT - BEDROOM – DAY



Willow and Tara are cuddled up in bed together, listening to the sound of the rainstorm.



WILLOW: Don’t you love it when it rains?

TARA: Why’s that sweetie?

WILLOW: Because it means I get to cuddle up with you like this.

TARA: (laughs) Goddess Willow, you’re like a bunny rabbit sometimes.

WILLOW: Only sometimes?



She kisses Tara passionately. Tara eagerly reciprocates.



A doorbell rings. They stop what they’re doing.



WILLOW: Darn it!



INT. WILLOW AND TARA’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – DAY



Willow is now wearing a hastily folded green bathrobe. She quickly walks towards the front door, trying to keep herself from scowling.



She opens the door, her expression turning from annoyance to surprise.



WILLOW: Giles? Dawnie?



It is indeed Giles and Dawn, both wearing raincoats, otherwise looking very much unchanged.



GILES: Hello Willow. It’s good to see you again.

DAWN: Willow. Hi.

WILLOW: Hey Dawnie. (realising) Oh, come in.



They enter. Dawn looks around in awe.



DAWN: Wow. This place is so cool.

GILES: Very charming I must say.

TARA: (V.O.) Willow, who is it.

WILLOW: It’s Giles and Dawnie.



Tara walks in, wearing a matching bathrobe to Willow’s.



TARA: Hi Dawnie. Hello Mr. Giles.

Dawn: Tara!



She runs over to Tara and hugs her. Tara laughs happily.



GILES: Hello Tara.



Miss Kitty Fantastico comes in, mewing softly. Dawn giggles, stroking her.



DAWN: Hi Miss kitty.

GILES: (to Tara and Willow) I hope we didn’t come at a bad time.

WILLOW: (glancing at Tara) No, it’s fine.

GILES: I’m afraid that the reasons for our visit are somewhat less than pleasant. You see Willow, we think that there’s a demon after you.



INT. CHAPEL – DAY



Still pouring with rain. A small number of people finish praying and leave one by one, until only two people are left; a priest and a young woman with a hood covering her face. She stands up and walks towards the priest.



PRIEST: How can I help you child?



She removes her hood. It’s Maya. The priest panics and tries to run, but she’s too quick. She grabs him by the throat with one hand and starts to strangle him.



MAYA: Remember me?



She raises her other hand. A bloodless gash appears on her palm and sprouts teeth. The priest struggles but it’s no good. Maya presses the palm-mouth to his forehead.

He screams as white light pours from between her fingers. After a moment, the light fades and she removes her hand. He slumps to the ground, unconscious.

Maya looks at her palm as the ‘mouth’ disappears, leaving no trace. She smiles and walks away.

[chilled monkey]

I’m very sorry about the delays between updates. I’ve just been very busy recently. Anyway, here is the next part.



INT. WILLOW AND TARA’S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM – DAY



Willow, Tara and their visitors are all sitting down, Willow and Tara on the settee, Dawn and Giles on the chairs.



GILES: You see Willow, this demon, a Penanngga-Lan, has the ability to absorb neural energy from her victims. One of my contacts informed me that she was heading here. Since her primary targets are people of exceptional intelligence, we all thought that she would come after you.

TARA: (nervous) It’s not the same thing Glory did, is it?



Willow holds her hand reassuringly.



GILES: No, it’s quite different. The victims are put into a state that resembles a coma.

WILLOW: This demon chick, do you know her name? What she looks like?

GILES: I’m afraid not. Penanngga-Lans are very rare, so there isn’t much information on them. I’ve brought all the books most likely to have anything useful.

DAWN: Uh guys, not to sound like I’m complaining, but can we leave research for a little while? You know just until we get settled in.

TARA: Sure. (She stands up) Would anyone like some tea, or coffee?

WILLOW: Um Tara. Maybe we should uh (gestures at herself and at Tara), you know, first.

TARA: (gets it) Oh. Right. (to Giles and Dawn) We’ll just go and sort of…

DAWN: (giggling) Put your clothes on.



Willow and Tara quickly hurry to their room.



INT. HOTEL ROOM- DAY



A downmarket but clean room with a small TV set, a bed and a few chairs. Maya and Spike sit facing each other.



SPIKE: Right, so what do you want?

MAYA: I want you to help me find the people I’m after and give me information about them. Their strengths and weaknesses, who is special to them, that kind of thing.

SPIKE: What do I get out of it?

MAYA: I can restore you, Spike. I can give you back the ability to kill humans.

SPIKE: You can get the chip out?

MAYA: Well not remove it exactly, more like, disable it. Short it out. And just to show you that I’m on the level…



She takes out a large wad of banknotes and hands them over. Spike counts it.



SPIKE: Right, now, who do you want to know about?



INT. WILLOW AND TARA’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – DAY



Willow, Dawn, Tara and Giles are going through some ancient-looking volumes on the table.



DAWN: We’ve been looking for hours now and we still haven’t found anything useful.

WILLOW: (excited) Oh, here’s something. It says here that they’re allergic to silver.

DAWN: What, like it gives them a rash.

WILLOW: No, more like it causes them to spontaneously combust.

DAWN: Woah.

TARA: Nice job, sweetie.



She smiles at Willow, who smiles back. Giles coughs to get they’re attention.



GILES: We may be in luck. I have a friend who lives nearby. He can provide us with suitable weapons.

DAWN: Great! Let’s go see him.



EXT. STREET – DAY



It is still cloudy, but the rain has stopped and a young man is walking along. Maya and Spike are watching from a shadowy alley.



MAYA: Ready?

SPIKE: To become the Big Bad again? Bloody hell yes!



As before, the strange ‘palm-mouth’ appears on Maya’s hand. She presses it to Spike’s forehead and white light shines from between her fingers. Unlike before, Spike doesn’t seem to feel any pain. She removes her hand.



As the young man walks past the alley, Maya reaches out and grabs him. He barely has time to cry out as she pushes him towards Spike. The vampire grabs him, and after a second’s hesitation, bites his neck. The man cries out and struggles, but it’s no use. After a while, his struggles cease. Spike looks up in full vamp-face, blood all around his mouth.



SPIKE: (yells) I’m back and I’m bad!

[onyxsundrops]

Hey

Well...since Spike's officially the Big Bad again, we can stake him right? I mean, I'm sure no one would mind!

Thanks for the update , shame on me for not even knowing this fic existed!

Yvonne

[chilled monkey]

Onyxsundrops: Thank you very much for replying. I’m glad that you liked it. As for Spike, well, I think you’ll enjoy what I have in mind for him.



EXT. STREET – DAY



Willow, Tara, Dawn and Giles are in a different part of town. The cloud cover has eased and it’s brighter. They are standing in front of an antiques shop. The sign reads ‘Gaddiss’ antiques and Curios’. The shop is clearly well cared for and is in good condition.



GILES: This is the place. His name is Roy Gaddis. He’s a Watcher and an old friend of mine.

DAWN: (wary) A Watcher?

GILES: Don’t worry; he’s not a member of the Council. We can trust him.



Giles knocks on the door. There is no answer.



GILES: That’s odd.



He tries the door and it opens. They step inside carefully.



Inside the shop it is very dark and quiet. It’s just like entering the Magic Box in “Real Me”. Vases and various other antiques are neatly placed on shelves and a spiral staircase in the corner leads upstairs. The floor is wooden and the walls are white.



GILES: (calls) Roy! Are you there?



No answer.



GILES: (cautious) Willow, Tara, you look around here. Dawn and I will look upstairs.

WILLOW: Got it.



She and Tara move off. Dawn and Giles go up the staircase.



INT. CORRIDOR – DAY



The walls are painted cream and the carpet is grey. It’s very dark as there are no windows. Dawn and Giles approach a door. Giles knocks. No answer.



DAWN: Giles, what’s going on?

GILES: I have no idea.



He opens the door warily. He sees something that shocks him.



INT. ROY’S LIVING ROOM – DAY



The room is sparsely furnished, with a table, a few chairs and some cupboards. The carpet and walls are the same colour as in the corridor. Thick, black curtains have been drawn over the windows.



GILES: (exclaims) Roy!



Roy is younger than Giles, with shoulder-length sandy brown hair. He is lying on the floor, unmoving, with his eyes open and a thin line of saliva running from one corner of his mouth.



Giles and Dawn hurry over and try to help him. His head lolls.



GILES: Roy, can you hear me?

MAYA: (out of view) I don’t think so.



Dawn and Giles look up, startled. Maya and Spike are standing in a far corner. She smiles.



MAYA: Hi Rupert. Nice to see you again.



She sprints forwards and kicks Giles in the chest. He flies backwards, crashing into a wall. Dawn tries to go to his aid but Spike grabs her.



DAWN: Spike! What the hell are you doing?

SPIKE: (grinning) Now, now niblet, don’t go into the ring unless he tags you.



Giles stumbles to his feet and tries to fight back. He throws a right hook, but Maya easily ducks it. He throws another punch and she dodges. She then jumps into the air and hits him with a powerful spinning kick. Giles goes down hard.



DAWN: (screams) Giles!



Maya kneels down and grabs Giles’ shirt. She holds her palm out. The gash appears and sprouts teeth.



MAYA: I’ve been waiting for this.



She presses her hand to Giles’ forehead. He screams in pain, as the light appears, shining from between her fingers.



SPIKE: (to Dawn) Right, niblet. Let’s see if you really do have Slayer blood.



Willow and Tara come running in. Willow sees what’s happening and freezes, looking like she’s in shock.



TARA: (to Willow) Honey, are you okay?

DAWN: Willow, Tara, help!



Tara raises her hands and chants rapidly in Latin. The curtains and window behind Spike disappear, transmuted into air. Sunlight pours in, causing smoke to rise from Spike’s skin. Dawn gets free as he yells in pain and anger.



SPIKE: Bloody daylight!



Tara rushes forwards and pushes him through the (non-existant) window. As he falls, Spike catches fire. He hits the ground, exploding into ash.



The white light fades away as Maya finishes draining Giles. She stands up, letting him slump to the ground. Dawn runs to Tara, while Willow snaps out of it and goes to Tara’s side. Tara positions herself in front of Dawn.



TARA: What did you do to him?

MAYA: (smirking) I’ve given him a chance to see it all a second time. And to spend the rest of his life regretting it.



Before they can react, she leaps across the room, out of the window.



EXT. STREET – DAY



Maya lands gracefully on her feet and instantly starts to run at inhuman speed.



SHOT: Willow, Tara and Dawn crowd up around the window, watching her run away.

[chilled monkey]

I’m sorry for the long delays between updates. No excuse really. Anyway here is the next part.



INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY



Tara and Willow prop Giles up into a sitting position. Dawn stands nearby.



DAWN: What happened? Is Giles okay? What did she mean?

TARA: Well at least he’s breathing. Don’t worry Dawnie, Willow and I will find a way to help him.



She turns to Willow.



TARA: Honey are you okay? What happened back there?

WILLOW: What do you mean?

TARA: I mean why did you freeze up like that?



Willow hesitates for a moment and then replies.



WILLOW: Tara, what I saw, what she did to Giles, it well it looked just like what happened when Glory hurt you.



Tara hugs her gently, rubbing her back.



WILLOW: I’m sorry

TARA: That’s okay, sweetie. You don’t have to apologise.



Willow composes herself. They both stand up.



DAWN: So what now? What are we going to do about Giles?

WILLOW: I have an idea. You remember that time when Buffy was all catatonic and unresponsive-y?

TARA: You told us about it.

WILLOW: Well I think if I do the same spell here, go inside Giles mind, maybe I can find out what that demon girl has against him. I could find out who she’ll go after next, maybe even figure out how to cure him.



Tara frowns, not liking the idea one bit.



TARA: (reluctant) Alright, but be careful.



INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY



Willow positions three white candles around the room and lights them. She sits in front of Giles, looking him in the eyes. Tara stands behind her, gently placing her hands either side of Willow’s head. A white flash fills the screen.



EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE – NIGHT



Flashback to “The Gift”. Ben is lying on the ground, battered and covered in blood. Giles crouches over him. Willow stands a few feet away.



GILES: Can you move?

BEN: Need a, a minute. She could’ve killed me.

GILES: No she couldn’t. Never. And sooner or later Glory will re-emerge, and … make Buffy pay for that mercy. And the world with her. Buffy even knows that and … still she couldn’t take a human life. She’s a hero, you see. (puts his glasses on) She’s not like us.

BEN: Us?



Giles reaches down and suffocates him. Willow watches in horror. She tries to move forwards to stop him, but she can’t move. Something is holding her to the spot.



WILLOW: Giles!

[chilled monkey]

I'm sorry this latest update is so short. I will try and make them longer in the furure.



There is a flash of white light. When it clears, Willow is now standing in the high school library. Buffy is sitting at the table wrapped in a blanket. Giles stands in front of her. On the table is an open case containing a hypodermic and a vial of yellow liquid. Neither Giles or Buffy notice Willow



GILES: It’s an organic compound of muscle relaxants and adrenal suppressors. The effect is temporary. You’ll be yourself again in a few days.



Buffy picks up the box and looks at it in horror. Willow walks up to Giles and waves her hand in front of his face. He doesn’t react.



WILLOW: Giles, what’s going on?

BUFFY: You…

GILES: It’s a test, Buffy. It’s given to a Slayer when she reaches-if she reaches- her eighteenth birthday. The Slayer is disabled, then entrapped with a vampire foe whom she’s to defeat in order to pass.



His voice fades as Willow keeps trying to get some sort of response. She tries to shake Giles shoulder but her hand passes through him. She tries to move various objects, books etc. Her hands just pass through them, wraith-like.



BUFFY: (through clenched teeth) If you touch me, I’ll kill you.



Once again the white light appears and the scene changes.



EXT. FIELD – NIGHT



Giles is wielding a sword, fighting a small number of demons. His opponents have long, white hair, light brown skin and grey eyes. Each has a fanged mouth on both palms (the same one that has appeared on Maya).



Fighting alongside Giles are the priest Maya attacked earlier, Roy Gaddis and an unfamiliar woman. All of them are dressed much like Giles did originally (i.e. lots of tweed). Willow stands a few feet away. No one notices her.



WILLOW: (realising) Watchers!



Several of the demons are stabbed with daggers wielded by the Watchers. The demons scream as they quickly burn up into ash. The remaining ones turn and flee.



Giles draws a throwing dagger and hurls it after the retreating demons. He strikes one of them between the shoulder blades. It gives a strangled cry as it dies.



Willow watches all of this in astonishment. She turns to look at the female Watcher. She is in her early thirties, with auburn hair. Her skin is lightly tanned and her eyes are brown.



There is another white flash.



INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY



Willow opens her eyes and stands up quickly. She falters a little and Tara holds her steady.



TARA: Sweetie, are you okay?

WILLOW: I’m fine. (steadies herself) I think I know the next person the demon woman is going after.

[xita]

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"Trust is a risk masquerading as a promise."