See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers
Steps
Twelve steps-that's the approach most addicts use to face their addiction. The first step is realizing there is a problem-admitting it to yourself, next-admitting it to those who care about you. This was that step-coming to England, facing her fears. Willow's mind ran wild-busy as always as she rode in silence. Tara's hand in hers kept her calm and helped her face her problems- 'Goddess what will I do-how will I face life after she is gone?' that question played in her mind, thunderously loud in the quiet of the car. The redhead's tears threaten to fall but she fights them back not wanting anyone to see her weakness. 'But I am weak,' she protested to herself, 'That's why we're here.'
The three travelers each look out the window as the car moves through the large gates of the coven. They stare at the old buildings and from the front seat they hear Giles's voice, "Once we arrive they will want to speak with each of you separately."
"Why?" asks Kennedy.
"Protocol I suppose," he turns back around in his seat and the driver speaks to him quietly. "Of course," he assures the man. The car comes to a stop in front of a regal looking complex. The driver leaves without speaking, followed by Giles and then the girls.
"Amazing," says Tara, her fingers entwined with Willow's.
"Wow-" is the redhead's only voiced reply as she tightens her hold on her girl's hand.
"It's okay," whispers Tara.
Kennedy turns around looking at all angles of the place, "It's like a fortress-" when she's still again she faces the couple. "Cool." They both smile.
"This way," instructs Giles and they follow him inside.
As the door closes behind them a woman speaks, "I am Althennea, which of you is Willow?"
The redhead looks at her blonde who smiles reassuringly at her, "Ah-that's-that's me."
The woman smiles, "If you'd come with me dear." The woman touches her arm.
Willow backs away and faces Tara, "Tara?" fear fills her voice. "Can Tara come too?" She turns from her girl to the woman.
"I'll see you in a little while. She needs to talk to us one at a time remember? -Giles told us in the car."
"I remember." She turns to Kennedy. "Kennedy-"
The young Slayer-to-be smiles, "Got it covered-don't sweat it."
Tara presses a chaste kiss to her lips then Willow follows the woman from the room. Tara watches her out of sight, she turns when she feels a hand on her shoulders and is surprised that it is Giles. "She'll be okay." Tara nods but tears still slip out. "Tara call me when you're ready to return and I'll make the arrangements. Keep us informed of the progress if it's allowed."
"I will and thank you." She kisses his cheek.
He turns to the young Slayer-to-be, "Be vigilant."
"Count on it." He leaves without further conversation. When the door closes Tara jumps slightly startled. She walks to her and puts a hand on her arm she forces a smile hoping to calm her fears. "She'll be okay."
Another woman walks into the room and smiles pleasantly, "If you follow me, I'll show you to your rooms."
"Thank you," says Tara and they walk behind the woman.
Willow stands in a library of sorts the woman she left with, Althennea, sits and looks up at her. "You're quite safe here."
"I just-I'd be better if Tara were here," her eyes tentatively meet Althennea's.
"I understand but initially that can't be-if we could begin then you could return to her."
"Okay-" concedes the redhead. She remains standing behind a high back chair-barely visible to the woman.
"How long have you been practicing?"
"Ah-I started about five years ago."
"Who did you apprentice under?"
"Apprentice-no no one. I learned from books-then I met Tara and we did spells together."
"Do you remember your first spell?"
"Just little things-they mostly went kapluey," admits the witch.
"Kapluey?"
"They didn't work right all the time."
"I see-"
"Do you know why?"
"Then, no-now, yes I lacked focus, control-I had power but I didn't know what to do with it."
"Understandable," conveys the older witch. "Do you remember the first big spell you did?"
"Angel-Angelus-I put his soul back."
"The Angelus?" Willow nods, "A curse?- You re-cursed him with a soul?"
Again the redhead nods, "Is that bad?" worry covers her face.
"It explains some things." Willow starts to pace- "Tell me about meeting Tara."
The young woman smiles, "She's my always." She nervously bites her bottom lip- "When I meet her she taught me about magicks-"
Upstairs Tara is alone in a large bedroom-more like a suite. She busies herself putting away their clothes. An adjoining door opens and Kennedy comes in- "It's a bathroom-it divides the room. That's cool!"
Tara can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "And did you see the bathtub?" Tara shakes her head and then yelps as Kennedy drags her into the bathroom. "It's freaking amazing!"
Tara continues to smile at the teenager as she takes in the sight of a freestanding large clawed tub, "It's definitely big-big enough to swim in."
"Swim-you're here with your girl and swim is the first thing that comes to your mind?" Tara instantly blushes then she rolls her eyes at Kennedy.
"Is that all you think about?"
"I'm seventeen so pretty much-yeah-except for the whole stopping the world from ending thing."
"Glad you made time for that," Tara teases. "Did you unpack?"
"No-" her smile leaves. "That's no fun."
"True, but necessary-or you'll be all wrinkly." Tara makes a face and Kennedy's smile returns. "Want some help?"
"I wouldn't say no-" says the young would be Slayer as she raises an eyebrow teasingly. Again she takes Tara by the arm and pulls her into her room.
Tara walks toward the suitcase by the closet and starts to pick it up, "Where do you want it?"
"No, I got it-" Kennedy moves across and picks up the suitcase and puts it on the bed. As she opens it Tara sits on the bed watching her put things away. After nearly emptying the suitcase she looks up at Tara and raises an eyebrow. "You're helping how exactly?"
"Supervising-" she smiles.
The teenager shakes her head, "That's so not right."
"Fine-" she stands and turns pulling the next item out which happens to be a silk nighty. "Okay-" she turns red and drops it back in the suitcase. "Think I'll let you finish." Still blushing she turns to leave. She stops at their shared bathroom door. "Come back over when you finish?"
Kennedy nods and watches Tara leave her room. She bites at her bottom lip, she lets out a sigh-'Forget it, don't even think about going there.' She turns back to the suitcase and picks up the silk gown-she stares at it in her hands. "Damn." She thinks-'I am so gonna mess this up.'
Later Willow walks into the room and finds Tara talking with Kennedy. "Hey-" she says softly.
Her blonde rises from her chair and then walks to her enveloping her in a hug, "You okay?" She presses a kiss to her temple.
"I guess-she wants to see you now."
"Okay-" she looks toward the teenager and Kennedy nods slightly.
"I'll show her the bathroom while you're gone," a smile covers her face.
"You do that-" Tara smiles and her witch simply looks confused. "After the tour maybe you could sleep just a little."
"When you come back," a soft knock on the door causes the redhead to turn.
Kennedy moves across and opens it, and Althennea is there. Tara kisses Willow on the lips, "Be back soon." She walks to the door and leaves with the woman.
Kennedy closes the door- "So-wanna see the tub?"
"I worry about you," smiles the witch then like Tara she squeals as Kennedy drags her into the adjoining bathroom.
Once there Willow just stares, "Wow-"
"Nice huh?"
"You could swim in there-" her words echo Tara's and Kennedy laughs. "What?"
"Nothing-want some tea?"
"There's tea?" she smiles.
"This is England; pretty sure there's tea-it's probably a law. I'll find you some." She starts back through the bedroom and Willow follows. At the door she stops and looks at the redhead, "Getting you tea is hard if you're with me." She suddenly sees the girl's fear. "But it is a big place-could use some help."
Willow smiles, "I'm thinking the first floor-" they go out the door together.
Meanwhile, Tara is sitting with the coven leader. "Tell me about your power?"
"Mine?-There's not much to tell. Willow is way stronger."
"How long have you been practicing?"
"Always-since I was little. My mother taught me."
"It was you that had Mr. Giles call us, why?"
"She's-I-I w-was a-afraid," her stutter returns. "For her-" she gets herself back under control with a deep breath. "She's been having dreams-visions. She's not been sleeping w-well and the magics are stronger than she is sometimes." Tears form in her eyes but don't fall.
"That's way you initiated the cleansings?"
"Y-yes and they worked for awhile but now-" she shakes her head. "Not so much-not as long."
"Tell me about the ritual to bring the Slayer back."
"She told you?" Tara seems surprised. Althennea nods. "W-we-she summoned Osiris-" her words stop.
In the room Willow is sleeping while Kennedy sits across the room in a chair just watching her. She hears her mumble and she stands walking to the bed. She sits beside her, "Shhh-you're okay."
"Tara-no please baby please don't leave me," cries the redhead her eyes closed her fingers clinched. "No-don't go!" Kennedy touches her cheek and Willow takes her hand, "Don't please baby." She pulls Kennedy closer-she looks down uncomfortably as she finds herself spooned into the body of the woman. Afraid to wake her she lies in her arms unmoving.
Later the door opens and Kennedy looks up to meet Tara's eyes, "What happened?" asks the blonde as she sits down on the bed beside her.
"Bad dreams-she was talking to you-crying. I sat on the bed and-I'm sorry-" she starts to pull away.
"No-she needed someone and you were here."
"But you're here now and I'm next with the question and answer session-so-" she carefully moves away and stands by the bed.
Instantly Willow's eyes open, "No-" she sees Tara. "Baby." She pulls her into a hug and Tara kisses her cheek.
"Bad dreams?"
"Bad-but better now." She wraps her arms around the blonde but Tara changes their position and spoons her instead.
"I'm here-now sleep."
"What did they say?"
"We'll talk later-sleep."
"I told her about Angel and Glory and Buffy-" her tears fall.
"Shhh-sleep."
"Want me to get you some more tea Red?"
"Kennedy-you're still here," she smiles.
"Yeah-so ah-tea?"
"Tea's good," she says softly.
"Be right back," but before she can leave there is a knock at the door. She opens it- "Let me get Will some tea and then we'll talk."
"Of course."
Later Kennedy is pacing around the room as Althennea talks, "Why are you here?"
"Giles said the ritual needed another person."
"And why did that third person have to be you?
"Because they asked me-Willow and Tara-"
"You could have said no."
"Nah-I couldn't. They've done so much for me."
"So this is out of obligation?"
"No-" she tries to keep her anger in check. "It's not like that."
"What's it like?"
Kennedy looks away and then slowly sits down. "What I say-will they know?"
"Not unless you tell them."
"I-ah-I care about them. It's really weird cause I've only known them for a little while-but it's like they're-" she stops her words and simply shakes her head. "I can't explain it."
"Please try-it could be important to the success of the ritual."
"It's like we're suppose to be together," her eye fall, "but it can't happen. What they have is special and I won't get in the way of that." She stands crossing her arms against her chest.
"What makes you think you'd be in the way?"
"Could we just talk about something not this?"
"Of course dear," Kennedy lets her arms fall to her sides. "How long have you practiced magic?"
"I don't-Figured it was a bunch of fairytale crap-till I saw what it could do. Still don't know much about it -well other than it's trying to hurt Will and I won't let it."
"How do you plan on stopping it?"
"Whatever it takes," her voice is more confident.
"Whatever?"
"That's what I said." Kennedy eyes fix on hers. Althennea smiles and nods.
Kennedy walks from her room through the bathroom and into the adjoining room of the witches. She smiles as she sees them asleep in each other's arms. 'Like it should be-' she thinks to herself.
Twelve steps- step one admitting you have a problem-'Definitely a problem-' she says to herself. 'Being in love with someone not your girlfriend-that's a problem. If you love two people not your girlfriend does that make it a bigger problem or two problems?-Maybe it's a twenty-four-step thing.' She smiles for an instant but it disappears quickly. 'Joke's aren't gonna help. You know what step two is. Admit your problem to those you care about-right!- No way in hell that's gonna happen.' She turns and leaves the room.
Out of Step
Later the three are sitting in the library. Tara and Willow are on the couch together, holding hands. Their joined hands rest on Willow's thigh. Kennedy sits across from them and she tries to not stare that them. She finally stands and begins to pace. Tara smiles at her redhead and then looks up at the young Slayer-to-be. "Waiting is hard-but learning to be patient, it's very important."
"I guess," says Kennedy. "It's just-we're wasting time."
"It seems that way," states Tara, "because we don't know why we're waiting."
"They're probably watching us," complains the girl. "Some test."
Willow nods, "Could be-" she is quiet and then reaches out her hand. "Come sit." Kennedy looks down at the redhead and walks slowly toward her. She takes her hand and sits next to the witch. They sit together and continue their wait in silence. Willow places their joined hands on her leg and squeezes slightly trying to reassure the younger girl.
On the other side of the room masked by an elaborate glamour three coven members observe the group. "She's very impulsive-"
"True but her concern is for the witch."
The third speaks, "As it should be. My only question is her lack of trust. If she will not-"
Althennea speaks, "Trust can be built-she will do what has to be done."
"What has convinced you of this?" asks Hannah.
"She told me as much," the leader speaks.
"Still-I worry," says the youngest present.
"As you should Olivia-" Althennea conveys, "Because if we fail, her evil will over take the world."
The others nod and Hannah speaks, "We shall go prepare for the night's ritual." She and Olivia disappear in a sparkle of light.
Slowly the glamour is revealed, Althennea walks toward them. Kennedy stands-prepared to fight. "You were right young one-we were indeed watching."
"We're leaving," she tightens her hold on the redhead's hand. "Tara we need to find a phone."
"Kennedy," Tara's voice is calm. She stands as does Willow. "It's okay."
"It's not-they're just-" her eyes meet the blonde's, "We don't have time for games. Willow doesn't have time."
"Nothing here is a game I assure you," she steps closer her hand extended.
"Back the hell away from her." She moves in front of the redhead.
Althennea smiles, "I'm not here to hurt-my job is to help."
"Then don't you think it's about time to do your job?"
"Kennedy-" Tara cautions.
"She's right-it is time to start. If you would all follow me please."
Kennedy looks from Willow to Tara and then back at the woman. Tara touches the Slayer-to-be's shoulder, she whispers, "We're safe here."
Kennedy replies just as softly, "I'm not sure we're safe anywhere." She looks into the blonde's soft blue eyes, "Okay-but I don't like it."
Later the three are standing inside a circle on the floor of a large bare room. Althennea and the others of the coven are also present. Kennedy looks at each of the coven members-her eyes ever vigilant. "I don't like this," she whispers.
Willow looks into her eyes, "I know you don't but we have to trust them for this to work."
Kennedy is quiet as she takes in the redhead's words. "If I can't?"
"Then-" her words stop and she looks down. When her eyes meet the girl's again the soft green is replaced by shimmering black. "Then I win." Her words are followed by a menacing smile.
"Tara-" the teenager looks to the blonde.
Tara sees the reason for Kennedy's fear. "Willow-" the redhead battles and her eyes again shift to a dark shade of green but at least they are green.
The redhead collapses and they catch her. "Tara?"
"I got you baby." Tara sits and Kennedy settles Willow into the Wicca's lap.
Kennedy looks to Althennea, "Do something-" her eyes are pleading. "Help her."
"Kennedy-" whispers Willow softly.
"I'm here Will-" she sits beside them and touches the redhead's hand.
Althennea steps forward and addresses the others present. Silently they form a circle to start the ritual. In unison they call the Quarters- "Guardians of the-"
The words fade for Kennedy as she turns her attention to the redhead. Tara looks at the girl and without words she speaks, 'Hold her hand-and mine.' Kennedy does as she is told. The words whirl around her, meaningless-lost as she focuses herself on Willow. Tara gasps as she feels the power surge through her and then Willow cries out in obvious pain. Kennedy looks up at the others prepared to fight but is hit with a wave of calmness. 'It's okay,' assures the blonde. The ritual continues. Power is exchanged Willow is now crying in Tara's arms. Kennedy watches helpless as the coven chants.
After what seems like hours the room falls silent and the redhead slowly opens her eyes. She sees Tara first and the blonde smiles warmly and presses a soft kiss to her forehead. She looks to her right and sees Kennedy. The teenager is breathing heavily and her hands shake from the residual effects of the magic. She squeezes her hand. 'I'm okay-' whispers Willow's silent words.
'Yeah-' she tries to stand but can't she sits against the couple and closes her eyes. 'I feel like-I'm all- I can't stand.'
Tara smiles, 'You'll be okay-the magic is draining.'
'Sleep now-' Willow says.
'Can't-' she forces her eyes open and again scans the people in the room. 'Need to watch-'
As the morning light shines through her bedroom window Kennedy opens her eyes and then closes them. The scene is too bright to handle. Her head pounds and her mouth is dry as she opens her eyes again. She sits up slowly and the room starts to spin. "Damn-I don't remember drinking." She closes her eyes. She tries to put the pieces together and then she remembers. She remembers where she is and what happened the night before. "What did they do to me?" She is near panic as her thoughts turn to Willow- "Red-" she forces herself onto her wobbly legs and starts to the adjoining door only to fall to the ground.
She looks up at the bathroom door and sees it open. She tries to get to her feet and manages to stand. Willow and Tara walk in and each takes her by an arm. "Let's get you back to bed," states the blonde. They walk her the few steps and she sits on the edge.
Willow starts, "Crawl back under the covers."
Tara who had slipped out of the room comes back in with a cup of what appears to be tea and hands it to the teenager. "Drink this-"
"What is it?"
"It'll help-" Tara assures softly.
"Why am I all wobbly and you two are-" Kennedy voices.
"We drank the tea," smiles the redhead. "Come on now." Kennedy takes a sip and makes a face. "All of it."
"It sucks-" she protests.
"That's a given but it's the tea or you could be all with the spinny head for next couple of days," Tara challenges.
"Fine," she pouts but drinks it. She makes another face and hands the empty cup to the blonde.
"Now," starts Willow, "Back under the covers." She is surprised as the girl does as she instructed. The redhead pulls the covers tighter around her and smiles. "Sleep."
"Giles said," she starts.
Tara interrupts. "We're going back to the room-no worries. If we need help we'll yell."
"Sleep," says Willow as she brushes hair from the girl's eyes. They stand at her bedside until they see her breath level out and are sure she is indeed asleep. Hand-in-hand they go back to their room leaving the bathroom door open.
"Sleep," mumbles the Slayer-in-training.
In their room Willow rests with her head on Tara's chest. The blonde strokes her hair and speaks softly, "Thought we agreed you'd try to sleep a little too?"
"I tried." She leans her chin on her girl so she can look into her eyes.
"Still busy in there?" she touches her forehead with soft fingers.
"Yeah-" confirms the redhead.
"Wanna talk about it?"
"Nah-" she lays her head back down. "Just want it to stop."
Tara smiles slightly, "I think I can help with that." She turns and cradles the redhead underneath her and kisses her lips gently. "Okay?"
Willow smiles as her tongue edges its way out just a little. "Okay-" their lips meet in a soft kiss as she pulls Tara closer and the blonde rests between her legs.
In Kennedy's room the teenager is mumbling in her sleep as she is plagued by dream after confusing dream. The first starts with Tara and Willow fighting-arguing over magic. Tara's voice echoes, accusing her girl of erasing her memory. Kennedy watches from across the room but they appear to not see her. Then as suddenly as it started it stops and they are gone.
The next image that fills her mind is of Tara packing-again she goes unnoticed though she is standing in the hallway. She sees Willow crying in the bathroom and starts to go to her only to be stopped by some invisible source, "Willow-" she mumbles in her sleep as she tosses and turns.
In the room Willow and Tara are caressing and teasing each other. "Did you-" she stops to compose herself. "Did you hear something?" asks the redhead her words choppy as Tara kisses down her body.
The blonde above her smiles mischievously, "Only you-" she slides her hand down to play in wet curls. She bites her bottom lip. As she teases soft folds the redhead moans. "See."
"Please baby-" begs the redhead. "I need-" she stops as Tara slides two fingers inside. "Yes-" she gets lost in her lover's touch. The question she asked long forgotten.
Kennedy still dreams-as the scene unfolds she sees Willow and Tara dressing. They seem happy and this makes her smile. Suddenly a shot rings out and Tara falls in to Willow's arms as her blood spills. Willow screams out- Kennedy sits bolt upright in bed as she tries get herself under control. "It was a dream." Her breathing calms as she makes that realization. But she panics again as she hears the redhead's voice.
"No-don't-stop!" pause "Goddess-" she screams and Kennedy is on her feet and through the opened door of the bathroom and into the room of the Wicca's. She stops in her tracks however as she sees the blonde slide up Willow's body, brushing soft kisses as she does. She kisses her lips and pulls the still trembling redhead into her arms. "Tara-baby-"
"Shhh-sleep," smiles the blonde.
"But you-" the redhead tries to protest.
"Later-" she presses a kiss to the top of her head.
"Now," says Willow as her lips find Tara's breast and her hand caresses her girl's sweat slicked body.
Kennedy tries to back out of the room not wanting to spoil their private moment, well there's that and the fact that watching them make love isn't on her top ten list. As she hears Tara moan and then arch into the redhead's hand she decides maybe her top ten list should be revised. She finally chastises herself, 'Perv-they're fine-leave now.' She backs away only to bump into the dresser and knock over the lamp. Tara and Willow stop all movement and the witch looks her way.
"Kennedy-"
"I thought-" she stops and starts again. "I heard you yell and I-" she turns red as does the couple on the bed. Tara buries her face under her pillow. "Leaving now." She turns and runs back through the bathroom. "Damn!" says Kennedy as she knocks something else over.
Willow begins to giggle silently against Tara's shoulder. Tara is still embarrassed, "Are you laughing?"
"Me-" lies Willow, "No." She can't contain it any longer and laughs out loud.
"Will, it's not funny." She turns and her eyes meet Tara's.
"You're right," she tries to stop the laughter but can't.
"She saw us making-" she stops. "We were-" a smile crosses her face. "Think she's okay?"
"I think she broke something-" she smiles. "Maybe we should check on her?" The redhead starts to get out of bed-Tara watches the cover fall from her girl's naked body before she stops her by taking her hand.
"Later-" she pulls the redhead back down on the bed and smiles as she crawls toward her. As their lips meet in a passionate kiss they hear the door to Kennedy's room slam shut. Tara breaks the kiss- "Okay-we check on her now. Door slamming never a good sign."
After one more soft kiss they get out of bed and start picking up their clothes.
After searching the house they find Kennedy sitting on an old bench in the garden, "We have been looking for you," Tara says softly.
"Ever think I didn't want to be found?"
"Thought crossed our minds," concedes Willow. "But we need to talk."
"No we don't-let's just forget it ever happened." Her eyes stay focused on the sun over the lake.
Tara looks at Willow- 'Let's give her some space.'
'But baby she-'
"I can hear you-you know?"
They look at her surprised. "How?" they ask in unison.
Kennedy looks up and their eyes meet as she shrugs her shoulders. She stands and walks away. They look at her but decide to stay put. Willow and Tara sit on the bench. "It had to be the ritual right?" asks Willow.
"We should talk to Althennea."
"Yeah-let's do that." They stand and walk toward the house hand-in-hand. From behind the rose bushes Hannah watches them.
Stepping In-Stepping Out-Stepping Up
Kennedy is walking down an empty corridor of the huge house. She stops in the door of the library as she hears Althennea talking to Willow and Tara. "The link is normal-"
"You think you could have told us that before? asks the younger woman from the doorway.
"Kennedy-" starts Althennea.
"You know, save it-this is-" she turns and walks away. Tara and Willow exchange glances.
"She'll be all right dears-she's just a little overwhelmed."
"I guess," concedes Willow.
Tara starts, "She needs to talk to-" her words stop and her mind searches out the young would-be-Slayer. 'Kennedy-' she decides not to play fair. 'Willow needs you to be strong.'
The return reply shocks her, 'I can't do this-'
'Why?'
'Tara- it's just-it's too hard.'
"Tara," says Willow softly. The blonde looks at her, "Are you okay-Althennea asked if-"
"Sweetie I have to go-will you be okay?"
Willow nods and then speaks barely a whisper, "Is she?" Tara slowly shakes her head. Tara leans in and kisses her before she stands.
"I'll see you in the room later?"
"You want me to come with?"
Althennea speaks, "We could use this time to meditate." Her eyes meet Willow's.
"I guess," answers the redhead. She looks at Tara unsure.
Again the blonde kisses her and speaks softly, "You take care of you-I'll take care of her-this." She amends and then walks away. Willow watches her suddenly more worried then before.
"Shall we?"
"I'm all with the not focused," starts the witch.
"Then meditation is very important. We should go to the garden." She stands and Willow takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she follows the older woman.
Tara knocks quietly on the door to Kennedy's room but doesn't get an answer. She sort of smiles a sad smile and goes into the room she shares with her redhead instead. Once inside she goes into the bathroom and opens the door that joins the two rooms to see Kennedy staring out the window. "Hey-"
"I'm sorry I know I let you down," Kennedy says without turning around.
"No-you haven't." She moves to stand behind the younger girl. "I get that it's overwhelming-it is for me too. This place-these people.-The magicks-"
"It's not that-" says Kennedy softly.
"Then what?" She places a hand on Kennedy's shoulder. "Talk to me."
Kennedy watches as Willow and Althennea sit on the ground in the garden below. "It's her-and you-" she hesitates and then turns to look at the blonde. "And me-" this time she stops completely. "I can't do this-" tears threaten to fall. "I can't-the words just-"
"Use the mind link-if the words are too hard to say out loud then just think them."
"Think them-that's all I do." She shakes her head as she steps away from the blonde. "Look I'll work it out. Just I need-" her words stop and her mind is filled with words and images.
Tara's look changes from one of concern to uncertainty and then puzzlement but she finally smiles. Kennedy panics and starts out of the room.
'No-' Tara's thoughts enter her mind. 'No more running.'
'Like there's another option?'
'There's always a choice Kennedy-' assures the blonde.
'Maybe-but it's mine and I'm not gonna-' she stops and faces the blonde. "What the two of you have-" the words are again audible.
Tara speaks interrupting the younger woman, "What Willow and I have is amazing. I love her-always, I want what makes her happy."
"So do I-and that's you."
"Look we've talked about what's gonna happen to me-"
"Don't-" she holds up a hand. "I can't hear that now-"
"You have to, because she'll need you-"
Tears finally fall as Kennedy turns back to the window. Tara steps behind her and wraps the teenager in her arms. "How can I help her when-" she stops again.
Willow is meditating, listening to the words spoken by the witch across from her- "Relax-feel the energy of the earth. It's the source of all power."
"I didn't-I never knew."
"There's so much to learn-but you will. Open your mind listen with your heart," encourages Althennea.
Willow loses herself in the energy of the earth. She can feel the power and the beauty it possesses. The things around seem to become more necessary. Necessary-the word echoes in her mind. She begins to see flashes- Tara at the first Wicca meeting. Kennedy at the door of Buffy's house. Tara the first time they kissed. Kennedy kissing Tara. Tara the first time they made love. Kennedy in her arms, she and the redhead kiss-touch-explore, then Tara's hand on hers as she caresses Kennedy. Willow's eyes fly open.
Althennea's calm voice speaks to her eyes still closed, "What's wrong child?"
"Ah-nothing," she lies.
"I can't help you if you don't trust me-"
"I do-I try." She sees the woman's eyes open. "It was just-it didn't make sense."
"Tell me-maybe it will to someone not so close."
"Maybe-I saw things."
"Which is as it should be." They are quiet until the witch speaks again. "What did you see?"
"Tara-when we first met-" she can't help but smile. "Lots of firsts you know?" A little embarrassed.
"I do-" she pauses then speaks. "Her love for you-yours for her, keeps you strong- grounded."
"Yeah-it's like she gives me direction-focus-it's like that with the magicks too. Before we met-I couldn't do magic-most of the time things kinda went kapuly-but after, it was like I could do anything as long as she was there. Make sense?"
"Absolutely-but that which she gives you, the ability to balance your power and your emotions-you must find it within yourself."
"What if I can't-what if it's not there?"
"It is-"
"How can you be so sure?"
"I feel it-" says the witch. "Once you find it-the darkness can't hurt you."
Willow nods, "That's why I'm here."
"Tell me what else you saw."
"Kennedy-" starts the redhead.
"She has great power too-"
"Magicks?"
"No-maybe-it is difficult to read."
"Why?" Willow looks up at the window and sees Kennedy and Tara there.
"She hides what she feels from herself-from others."
"She doesn't trust us because-" starts the redhead only to be interrupted.
"She doesn't trust herself," states the other.
Willow closes her eyes as if in great pain-suddenly she feels the turmoil of the young Slayer-to-be. "No-" her voice scared.
"You sense it too?" Her eyes open and meet Althennea's. The redhead nods. "Before she can help you, you must help her."
"How?"
"That is for you to discover."
Still in Kennedy's room Tara watches as the young woman cries. She touches her back and without words she turns into the blonde's arms. Tara holds her tightly, Kennedy buries her face against her shoulder and she lets go. "It'll be okay." She presses a kiss to the girl's temple. "I got you," she tries to reassure her.
Later Willow walks in to find Kennedy sleeping in an oversized chair and Tara still standing at the window. She quietly walks to her girl and puts her arms around her waist. She kisses her neck and Tara smiles. The blonde turns to face her redhead. "Hey-how'd it go with Althennea?"
"Good-learned a lot." Tara leans in to kiss her softly. "That was nice."
"Very nice-Willowlips-" she smiles as she kisses her again.
Willow raises an eyebrow and bites her bottom lip, "Wanna move this to our room?" Tara looks toward Kennedy and then back to her girl. "How did things go?" Willow looks at the teenager.
"We talked but-"
"Althennea said that before she could help me I had to help her. Any idea what she needs help with?"
"Yeah-maybe- I think."
"Wanna tell me?"
"Not my place sweetie. Let's give her time and be there to talk. She'll work it out."
"Okay-" she presses a kiss to Tara's lips.
As she does Kennedy opens her eyes, "Hey-go to your room if you're gonna make out." She forces a smile.
"That's kissing not making out-but it can be arranged if you want," teases Willow as she fights to keep from blushing, Tara is bright red.
Kennedy sits up and shakes her head, "That's okay-"
Willow starts to tease again as she hears Tara in her mind, 'Enough okay?'
'I'm sorry I-' she looks at Kennedy. "Althennea taught me a meditation technique want me to show the two of you?"
"Sounds fun," says Tara sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Kennedy?"
"Nothing else to do-why not. You aren't gonna hypnotize me are you?"
"Nope-just hold your hand to get it started and then, it's all you," answers the redhead.
"Let's do it." She moves to the bed and so does the witch. They arrange themselves in a triangle. Willow takes Tara's hand and then Kennedy's. Tara takes Kennedy's as well, the younger woman looks at the witches on either side of her. "Now what?"
"Close your eyes," instructs the redhead. They do as they are told. "Now just let go and feel the earth's energy."
Tara follows the words immediately and is caught in the surging of power. "Goddess so much power," she whispers mainly to herself.
"Wow-" sighs Kennedy. "How?"
All words stop as they link minds as well. Kennedy feels more then hears the answer, "It just is."
The next morning Kennedy is eating breakfast at a large table when Tara and Willow walk in, "Did you save anything for us?" Asks Willow with a smile, "You might not be a Slayer yet but you eat like one."
Kennedy rolls her eyes and smirks, "You wouldn't have to worry about the lack of food if you'd get outta bed every once in a while."
Tara blushes, "Enough you too-"
"Just playing-" they say in unison surprising each other.
A woman brings out more food as the witches sit down across from Kennedy. "Thank you," says the blonde as the woman leaves.
Kennedy drinks the last of her milk and looks at Willow and Tara- "I think I'll take a walk-" she stands.
Althennea comes in, "Good morning."
"Good morning," Tara answers.
"Kennedy I would like to see you and Willow after breakfast."
"And Tara?" questions Willow.
"Later." She pauses before finishing. "I'll meet you in the garden-where we meditated yesterday." She leaves without waiting for an answer.
Kennedy is now noticeably nervous, "Why just the two of us? Why not Tara? Who will watch out for her?"
Tara smiles at her concern, but it fades as she sees Willow's worry as well. "I am capable of taking care of myself you know." Her eyes meet Willow's then Kennedy's and then Willow's again. "I think I'll use the library-there's a ritual I want to check out."
"For the cleansing?" asks her redhead.
"No-just something I wanted to look into." She leans and kisses her girl. "So-focus on what you're doing with Althennea don't lose energy on other things."
"You're not other things your the only-my always," Willow counters.
"Will-" her voice is stern.
"Okay-" she pouts. "But be careful."
"The carefullest," she smiles. They look across at Kennedy only to discover that she has gone during the playful banter.
"Where'd she go?" asks the redhead. Tara leans in and kisses her and the question and breakfast is momentarily forgotten.
Later, in the garden, the witch and the Slayer-to-be sit facing each other as Althennea sits next to the younger woman. Kennedy is still not comfortable. 'Tara's okay-'assures Willow without words.
'You know this how?'
'I can feel her-' smiles the redhead. Althennea smiles too and Willow realizes she knows they were talking telepathically. "Sorry-"
"It's quite all right."
"Why isn't Tara here?" asks Kennedy.
"What you and Willow need to work on they have already established."
"What's that?"
"Trust-" states the woman matter-a-factly. Kennedy looks nervously up at the redhead. "Join hands."
"Relax-it's just like yesterday, when we meditated." She smiles reassuringly as she takes both of Kennedy's hands in hers.
"Right-" says the younger woman unconvinced. She looks to the coven leader and then back to Willow.
"Now close your eyes," they do as they are told. "Let your minds link like before and let the energy flow. Don't release your hands no matter what."
"And if we do?" asks Kennedy.
"We try again-but remember time isn't always a friend."
"Meaning the longer it takes the more danger Willow faces?"
"Precisely."
Willow looks at Althennea unsure, confused by the pressure she places on this activity and therefore the teenager in front of her, "Listen to me Kennedy-I'm okay either way-understand?"
"Yeah-I won't let go-"
"If you need to-" cautions Willow.
"I won't let go-" she repeats. The redhead smiles a forced smile and squeezes Kennedy's hands. "Ready." She looks into Willow's eyes.
"Ready-" confirms the witch.
"Close your eyes." They do as they are told. The woman sprinkles a misting power above them and speaks, "Listen and see-Reveal."
With the spoken words the two that are holding hands see a bright light before them, 'Okay-not gonna panic-but my eyes are closed so why do I see a light? Do you see a light?' asks Kennedy.
'I see it-' She looks up to meet the girl's eyes. 'I see you too.'
'What's happening Willow?' Suddenly they feel themselves being draw toward the light.
'I don't know-' She tries to let go of the teenager's hands but she won't let her. 'Kennedy-'
'I promised Tara-' her words stop as she realizes what she almost told.
'Promised her what?'
Before she can answer they are dragged into the portal of light. As they swirl through the energy field they finally stop. 'That was a hell of a thing-' states Kennedy as she looks around.
'You okay?'
'I'm guessing no-' she looks around her at the yard and the house.
'Any idea where we are?'
'Some-' she looks around confused.
'Do I get clues?'
'Sorry-a little freaked here-we're in Jessica's yard.'
'Jessica-your girlfriend Jessica?' Kennedy nods. 'What the frilly heck?'
The door opens and Kennedy watches as Jessica still in her pajama's kisses a blonde girl in the doorway. The kiss escalates, Kennedy steps forward. "Jess-?"
"Kennedy-" she says surprised as she pulls away from the other girl. "How-I thought you were in England-"
Before anymore words can be exchanged the light appears again and they are pulled inside. The energy surges and again they land-they look around them unsure of where they are Kennedy is crying. Willow pulls her into a hug. As she does she sees a little blonde haired girl run toward her- "Mommy-" her eyes meet Willow's. Willow moves back from the young Slayer-to-be and stands staring at the child who is probably no more than four- "can I have ice cream?" Willow can't tear her eyes from the blue ones looking up at her.
Finally Kennedy answers, "After lunch," she smiles at the girl.
"But Mama-" protests the child.
Questions, Questions, and More Questions
As Kennedy's surprised chocolate eyes move from the child's to Willow's, the whirl of light returns and they are traveling again. 'Who-? She called me Mama-' her thoughts reach out to the redhead.
'And me Mommy-'Willow tries to make sense of it. 'I'm not sure.'
'Is she our-' her words stop as she feels a searing pain pass through her and she cries out.
'Kennedy?' Willow looks toward her trying to find the young Slayer-to-be in the maze of mystical interference.
They land with a thud inside what appears to be Buffy's house and the bedroom she shares with her blonde. "Kennedy-" she calls.
The young Slayer-to-be recognizes the room. Suddenly she flashes to her dream from nights before. "Tara-" she lunges for the blonde.
Then a voice not hers speaks, "Kennedy-" whispers Tara as she raises from the floor beside the younger girl. She sees the blood and cradles the smaller brunette. "No-" she cries.
Willow moves to them and she sits across from them applying pressure to the girl's wound. "Kennedy-it's okay-you'll be okay." She looks up and searches Tara's face. "How?"
"Not sure-she-she ran and knocked me down. Her eyes leave Kennedy and look toward the broken window. "She saved me-and the baby," she touches the younger girl's cheek, and her free hand rests on her own extended stomach.
"Call an ambulance," instructs Willow.
"Willow-"
"No-call them." Tara stands after a little of a struggle and the redhead pulls Kennedy into her lap. "Don't you leave me-don't- you-leave- me." Her tears fall as she continues her words.
Suddenly the witch and the Slayer-to-be are sitting in the garden facing each other. Tears fill Kennedy's eyes but she looks away. She tries to let go of Willow's hands but the redhead won't allow it. "You saved her," whispers the redhead, tears in streams down her face as her hand lifts the girl's chin so their eyes meet.
"No-or I'd be- and I'm not. I'm here now with you. It was just some weird magic shit. She did something to us." Her accusing eyes travel to meet Althennea's. "What did you do to us?" Kennedy's words are angry as she stands. Willow stands with her, their hands still joined.
"Your witch will explain." The woman leaves without answering the teenager.
"Kennedy-" she turns to look at the redhead. "What we saw-it was real."
"No-" she shakes her head.
"It was the future-" says the witch. Kennedy again tries to walk away but Willow pulls her into a hug. "One possible future."
"So I died instead of Tara-" she pauses and thinks. "I can handle that."
"We don't know if you died." Worry fills the redhead's eyes not wanting to lose the young Slayer-to-be either.
"I know-" she says simply and is finally able to pull away from the other girl. She runs toward the house.
Inside the house Tara is sitting at a table in the library surrounded by a several books. She flips through the pages of an old text before adding it to the others and picking up the next. As she reads she smiles, "Finally-" she continues to read.
She is brought out of her thoughts by the slamming of the door and the sound of Willow's voice, "Kennedy wait!" Footsteps run up the stairs.
Tara hears Willow growl in frustration. Book in hand she walks into the foyer and sees her redhead. "What happen?"
"Ah-" she looks to the stairs. "Some tough things to deal with-" she looks back at her blonde. "I really need-" she looks back to the stairs.
Tara nods and smiles, "We'll talk later, make sure she's okay."
"I love you-" she moves to Tara and kisses her.
"I love you," says Willow with a soft smile. "Oh-did you find what you were looking for?"
"I think so-I need to research a little more. Meet me in the library after?"
"Yep-" she kisses her again and jogs up the stairs.
Willow knocks softly and then opens the door to Kennedy's room slowly. "Kennedy-" she is surprised to find the room empty. She steps inside and calls the girl's name a little louder, "Kennedy." She hears bath water running and a slight smile crosses her face. "Fine-try to let Calgone take you away-but after, we're talking." She touches the door to the bathroom with an outstretched hand. "Kenn-" no answer. Worry covers the face of the redhead. Finally deciding the hell with discretion she opens the door and goes in. Kennedy can't help but laugh as she sees the redhead's covered eyes. "Don't laugh at me-" she warns.
Smiling Kennedy stops, "Right no laughing, but you do look-"
Willow interrupts her, "No more hiding."
"Does that include eyes?" another giggle escapes.
"Fine," she moves her hand and opens her eyes to see the younger girl still dressed. Willow shakes her head. "Teenagers," she mumbles. "Drama queens!"
Offended, "I am so not-"
"Right, that's why you're hiding in a bathroom."
"I thought I might get some privacy-time to think."
"I get the thinking, it's the running and the hiding that worries me," explains Willow.
Kennedy reaches over and turns off the water. "Want to join me?" She stands and starts to pull her shirt over her head.
"Wait-stop," again her hands cover her eyes. She drops her hands, "No-you know what if you want to play, I can play." To Kennedy's surprise the redhead pulls her shirt over her head and stands in a white lace bra in front of her.
Shocked the teenager backs up and turns her head, "You shouldn't-" she faces the woman.
"Shouldn't what Kennedy?" She takes a step toward the girl who takes a step toward the door that leads to the other bedroom. One step, then another and another. Soon Kennedy has her back to the door and a half-dressed Willow not six inches from her. The teenager struggles to control her breathing, "Shouldn't do this?" She steps even closer.
"Don't-we can't-Tara," tears threaten to fall.
"I love Tara, Kennedy-always, but you-you are-" she leans forward and presses a kiss to Kennedy's forehead. She leans her forehead against the young Slayer's and looks into her chocolate eyes.
Nervously Kennedy's arms slide around the redhead's waist. They both shudder at the feel of her arms against bare skin. She leans forward but before their lips can touch she pulls back, "No-matter how much I want-it's not right." She moves away from the witch. "I'm sorry."
Willow smiles, "Never be sorry for caring about someone."
"I do care about both of you." A tear slips down her face.
"We need to talk more later."
"The three of us?" asks Kennedy.
"Yeah-we'll be in the library." Willow picks up the shirt and leaves.
Kennedy leans her back against the door after a calming breath she steps forward and lets the water out of the tub. "Thinking cold shower more in order now."
Downstairs Willow and Tara are sitting at a table in the library. Tara watches as Willow reads the passage from an ancient text. "Wow-" says the redhead.
"Is that a good wow or a bad wow?" asks the blonde nervously.
"A surprised wow-but good. I didn't know it was possible."
"What do you think?"
Willow's mind races, whirling with images and thoughts. She remembers the things she and Kennedy faced in their time with Althennea. Tara pregnant, the little blonde girl who had called her mommy and Kennedy mama. "Wow-" she repeats. "Can I tell you something?"
"Always," concern covers her face.
"No it isn't bad-well not really just confusing." Tara stands and takes Willow's hand leads her to the couch. They sit legs crossed facing each other. "Althennea wanted us-me and Kennedy to work on the whole trust thing."
"That takes a lot of honesty," says Tara, her fingers lacing with her love's.
"Yeah-it started out kinda weird with twinkling lights and swirling winds."
"Confusion-" states Tara, "Not weird considering. What does this have to do with babies? What happen?"
"It was like we were somewhere else-"
"More likely sometime else, the future would be my guess."
"How did you know?"
"The two of you don't have a past. So-what did you see?"
"Lots of things-like clips from a movie." The blonde nods. "But out of order." They are quiet as Willow takes a deep breath and starts from the beginning. "We saw her girlfriend with someone else."
"No-" Tara is concerned. "Is that why she ran and locked herself in the bathroom?"
"How'd you know about the bathroom?"
"Drama queen," states the blonde and the redhead laughs. "She okay?"
"Think she will be, I just hope that when she calls they can fix things."
"You think she wants that?" asks Tara.
"A part of her does," answers Willow.
In the bedroom, Kennedy sits on the bed in a towel, phone in hand. She dials a number. It rings several times without an answer, finally just before she hangs up a breathless voice answers. "Hello."
"Who is this?" Kennedy fights to control her anger but it finds its way to the surface as she hears hushed voices, then giggles. "Where's Jess?"
Her girlfriend now on the phone speaks her words also forced through rushed breathing. "Kennedy-I thought you were in England."
"I am-who answered the phone Jess?"
"Erica-"
"Erica Daniels-the blonde from my Spanish class?"
"We're studying for finals," Jessica makes an attempt to cover.
"Studying-right." She fights tears. "How long Jessica?" There is silence. "At least tell me it was after I left-"
"I'm sorry Kennedy-" starts Jessica.
"Right," the teenager's tears fall.
"Kennedy-" her words stop. "I was gonna tell-"
Cutting her off she whispers-"Bye Jess." She turns the phone off and lets it fall to the floor as the pain flows through her. She sobs and her body shakes. She buries her face in her hands and curls into a ball.
Downstairs Tara smiles, "A little girl?"
"Blonde-" Willow can't stop the smile that spreads across her face and neither can Tara. "She called me Mommy."
"So we tried the spell and it worked?"
"I don't know-I guess."
She pauses and Tara looks in her eyes. "What aren't you telling me?"
"Kennedy-she called Kennedy Mama." The redhead struggles to contain tears.
Tara smile briefly fades but she forces it back, "So she was yours-" she leans and presses a kiss to Willow's lips.
"She looked like you-" starts Willow. "and in the last dream-vision-whatever they were-you were pregnant." Tara begins to cry as a smile crosses her face.
"Yeah-?"
"Yeah-" she kisses Tara again. "The three of us were at Buffy's house."
"You and Kennedy a-and the little girl?"
"No-You, me and Kennedy in our bedroom." Willow's words are shaky.
"Were we-" she blushes.
"No-" Willow shakes her head. "There was a shot and she pushed you to the floor-"
Tara is instantly nervous and tears fall harder, "Y-you saw me d-die?"
Willow shakes her head, "The bullet missed you-and it hit-" the redhead stops.
"She was shot instead?" Willow nods.
"D-d-did she d-die?"
"I don't know-before I could tell we were in the garden again with Althennea." Willow's tears slip down her face. Tara pulls her redhead into her lap and holds her tightly.
After a few minutes of snuggle time Willow has composed herself. She sniffs and Tara presses a kiss to the top of her head. "Okay now-" states the redhead. She turns and kisses Tara softly on the lips. "Let's try the spell-have a baby-okay?"
"We'll talk about it when things aren't so-"
"Yucky?"
"Exactly-" they kiss again.
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"Okay-" she sniffs again. "I love you."
"I love you-" Tara composes herself. "Thought Kennedy was coming down?"
"She was-we should check on her." Willow moves from her girl's lap and holds out a hand, which Tara takes, she to stands and they walk out hand-in-hand.
Upstairs Kennedy is still crying. She wipes her eyes as she hears a soft knock on her door. "Go away-" she says barely audible. The door opens and Willow and Tara walk into the room.
"What happened?" asks Tara.
"Nothing-I'm fine." She sits up and wipes her face. "Who needs her." Tears start to fall again.
They walk to the bed and Tara sits beside her. She touches Kennedy's cheek and the younger girl leans into the blonde's hand. The tears fall freely. "I loved her-"
"I know-" she whispers. "But it might not happen things can change-the future can be altered."
"It's too late-I called. They were-" she stops and shakes her head as if trying to wipe the thoughts away.
"I'm sorry sweetie-" she raises Kennedy's chin and their eyes meet. "Why don't you get dressed and then we'll take a walk the three of us."
"Okay-" agrees the teenager.
Tara presses a kiss to her forehead and stands. She leaves, Willow steps to the brunette and kisses her forehead. "This is my fault if you hadn't come here-"
"No-she was seeing her before-" tears fall again. Willow hugs the teenager.
Later a reserved Kennedy, dressed in jeans and an oversized hoody opens the bathroom door and steps into Willow and Tara's room. She looks at them and then looks to the floor. Willow walks to her from her seat at the window and lays her hand on the teenager's shoulder. Before the redhead can speak, you hear a soft voice- "Not the first girl to ever get dumped. I'm okay," tries Kennedy.
Tara walks to stand beside them, "Then let's take that walk." She laces her arm around Kennedy's and Willow does the same from the other side. While the young Slayer-to-be dressed, the couple had decided on a game plan. They would find a way through the tough exterior of the girl and the things that had been seen would be discussed.
The three of them are still arm-in-arm-in-arm as they walk through the gardens of the estate. It is Willow who breaks the silence. "Gotta admit-we have a handle on the whole walking thing," she forces a smile as her eyes meet Kennedy's.
Tara adds, "Now maybe we should try the talking part?" She stops and the others do as well.
Kennedy can feel their eyes on her, "What do you want me to say?"
Tara takes her arm from the girl's and finds her hand. Their fingers lace without thought and Willow notices. "Tell us how you feel, what you're thinking-" says the blonde softly.
"What if I tell you I don't know."
Willow nods, "After our day," she forces a nervous smile, "I might agree."
"It was-" Kennedy stops.
"Too much?" asks Tara, concern in her voice.
"No-" Kennedy turns to her. "The cleansing takes three. I can do this." She struggles to keep tears away. "It's just-"
"Hard?" finishes Willow. Kennedy nods.
Tara leads them to a tree and they sit on the ground in front of it. Kennedy sits with her back to the tree and Tara and Willow flank her. She holds both their hands. The three of them sit in momentary silence. "How bout I go first?" The blonde looks from one girl to the other. When she gets no response she starts, "Kennedy you getting shot protecting me-wow! Thank you-"
"Willow needs you-and well you were-"
"Yeah, Will told me about the baby." She presses a kiss to the girl's forehead. She turns, leans across the younger girl and kisses Willow's lips, "And you, I'm so proud of you. Everything that happened today and no black eyes-not once."
The redhead smiles, "It was like the magic wasn't scary-it's power was balanced." She looks at Kennedy. "You did that for me-"
"Me?"
"You-" assures Willow. "You didn't let go of my hand-" She too presses her lips to Kennedy's forehead. "The purpose of Althennea's little workout. Remember?" Kennedy nods.
Kennedy looks from one girl to the other and takes a deep breath. She starts a little unsure, "I think-I think I'm falling in love with you-" the witches seem remarkably unsurprised. "Both of you-"
The redhead looks at her blonde and they both look toward Kennedy-before they can speak three bringers appear from out of nowhere. Kennedy stands in front of the witches-giving herself to protect them. As the first blade swings toward her Willow and Tara spring to their feet as well. Tara begins to chant-Kennedy punches the first in the face as more surround them. "There's too many-" states Tara fear in her voice as she stops her chanting.
"Not gonna let them hurt you," says Kennedy as a blade slices across her stomach. She cries out. Willow takes Kennedy's hand and Tara's and begins a chant of her own.
"You can't," warns Tara.
"I have to-" states the redhead. Her words continue and a barrier forms around them. They are safe inside. One by one the intruders bounce off. Tara smiles at her girl as their eyes meet. She is relieved to see green looking back at her. The energy field brings the others of the coven to them and soon they have done away with the trouble. Willow releases the barrier though her hands stay connected with her blonde and her Slayer. Her Slayer-is she? wonders Willow. She is brought out of her thoughts as Kennedy slumps against her. "Kennedy-"
"I'm okay-" whispers the girl, drained by the magic and the injury.
Tara looks at the wound- "It needs stitches." Althennea waves her hand over the injury and it is gone.
"How?" The three ask in unison.
Wrongs, Rituals, and Realizations
"They were mere images-" states Althennea.
"What!" Willow is angry. "Why would you-"
Kennedy and Tara both squeeze her hand, "Another test?" asks the youngest.
Althennea nods, "We'll perform the ritual at midnight be prepared." She walks away again leaving their questions unasked and unanswered.
Tara looks at her redhead, "We should get some rest."
"Rest-right," she looks from Tara to Kennedy and back again.
Tara smiles, "What we were talking about before-we'll-" she stops.
"We'll finish after-," assures Kennedy. Again arm-in-arm-in-arm they start toward the estate with the still shaky brunette in the middle.
An hour later Tara lies spooned around her redhead sleeping restlessly. Willow who is awake stares out the window and watches the sun disappear into night. Tara whimpers and her girl turns to face her. The witch presses a kiss to her forehead and whispers, "It's okay." Tara's eyes open and Willow smiles as she sees their stunning blue, "Hey-bad dreams?"
"Can't remember," answers the blonde softly. "I didn't mean to wake you-" she kisses her lips.
"You didn't-" says Willow.
"Which means you haven't slept," she gives her the Tara version of the resolve face.
"It's too noisy in here," she touches her forehead.
"I get that-the dark magicks and the ritual-"
"And the fact Kennedy said she was falling in love with us."
"That too-" agrees the blonde.
"Is it possible to love two people at the same time?" The redhead's eyes search Tara's as she considers an answer.
"I think-it depends on the people." Willow starts to ask another question but before she can Tara leans forward and kisses the redhead softly. The kiss turns passionate quickly as lips open and close against lips. Willow moves on top of her girl. "What are you doing?" Tara raises an eyebrow and smirks.
"Making the noise go away," she answers between kisses. She slides her hands under Tara's tank top and begins to pull it up. As she does she moves down her blonde's body. Her lips make contact with the soft skin of Tara's exposed stomach and her hands travel higher to tease bare breasts.
"Goddess-" moans her girl and Willow looks up at her and smiles at the look of desire and need on her lover's face.
In the adjoining room Kennedy lies on her bed and stares out the window into the darkness. She can hear the soft moans from the other room and she fights to keep her emotions under control. She bites her bottom lip as a tear slips down her face. 'Be strong-she needs you-they need you,' she thinks to herself. "Focus," she whispers. She hears a louder moan and then Tara calling Willow's name. "Focus on something not that." She closes her eyes trying to block out the sounds. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly as she opens her eyes. Again she bites her bottom lip only this time she slides her hand under the waistband of her pajama pants and gasps slightly. She feels her body shudder against the touch.
Later it is Willow who struggles to control her breathing-her body still trembles from the intense release. She lies beneath Tara; the blonde's head rests on her stomach. The redhead's fingers trace tiny circles on her girl's bare back. "How's the noise?" asks Tara with a sexy half smile.
Willow runs her fingers through blonde hair and forces words around still ragged breathing, "Wh-what n-noise?" She smiles. "You we-were am-amazing."
Tara smiles, "You were too-" she kisses Willow's bare stomach and she receives a moan for her troubles. "We really should sleep." Willow flips the girl onto her back. "Willow-" she squeals, shocked.
"Don't want to sleep." Her hands travel Tara's body, tracing the paths that she's knows will please her lover the most. She stops however as she hears a knock on the door. She lays her head on Tara's chest and groans. "Her timing really sucks," she whispers into her girl's ear.
"Better than last time." Tara smiles and kisses Willow chastely. Willow slips off to the blonde's side and pulls the cover around their naked bodies. "Come in Kennedy-" the bathroom door opens and she steps just inside the room.
"Couldn't sleep either?" asks the redhead.
She shakes her head, "Nah-too many things just-to much going on in my head you know?" Willow nods as she and Tara both smile. "I was thinking we could do that meditation thing like we did before."
"That's a very good idea, it'll help us all focus." Tara starts to sit up then realizes she is nude beneath the sheet. "Ah-give us a few minutes to ah-" she glances at Willow and then the sheets.
"No clothes under there huh? I'm sorry I shouldn't have-I-" she starts.
"It's okay-" the blonde smiles. "Meet you in your room in five minutes."
"Right." She backs out of the room and closes the door. Inside the bathroom she leans against the door with her forehead. "Damn-"
A few minutes later Willow and Tara join the young Slayer-to-be in her room. Dressed in robes the witches sit on the bed, their legs crossed in front of them. Kennedy, still in her boxers and tank, does the same. "This was a good idea," says Tara as she smiles at Kennedy.
"We should get started," Kennedy replies.
Willow nods and they join hands. She starts the chant as they close their eyes and repeat the words with her. Soon the tension eases and they begin to feel the energy around them.
After the meditation the three sit facing each other, their hands still joined. Kennedy nervously looks from one witch to the other. "What if I mess up?"
"You won't," assures Willow.
"It'll be just like this-the three of us holding hands, while the others chant," informs Tara. "Willow will have to face some things but with our energies and strength-and the pure magicks of the coven-"
"A piece a cake," smiles the redhead. "With maybe some ice cream."
"If you say so." Kennedy still doesn't seem convinced.
"Why don't we have some dinner and then we can meditate again," suggests Tara.
"Food-" that brings a smile to the face of the young Slayer-to-be. "I could eat."
"I'm shocked!" teases Willow. Tara fights a smile and Kennedy feigns hurt as they get up from the bed.
As they walk toward the door Kennedy stops, "I know one thing that'll be different tonight."
"What's that?" asks Tara.
"We won't have on clothes," the teenager pulls the ties on each of their robes and laughs, as they fall open she runs out of the room. Willow and Tara grab their robes and hold them closed, suddenly they seem concerned.
In a building on the far side of the estate Hannah calls on a demon. His shimmering form appears before her. "Why do you summon me?" His words are loud and intimidating.
"The ritual is at midnight-make the one who is in power aware," she states.
"As you wish," the creature smiles before vanishing in a puff of smoke.
Hannah hurries from the barn before she is missed at the main house. Preparations are being made and she must be in attendance. She smiles as she walks to the door of the house, soon the redheaded witch would be theirs-she would fight on the side of the dark magicks forever. As she opens the door and steps inside Olivia startles her, "Where have you been?"
"Forget," whispers Hannah, her hand passing in front of Olivia's face. The woman seems stunned and then unsure. "There you are-where have you been?" asks Hannah.
"Sorry-" states the woman.
The First Evil has many shapes. It can take the form of any person who is no longer alive. So why had it chosen it's current form? The petite blonde stood facing a group of Bringers. "It is here-and you must find it. That meddling witch has caused enough problems." The man nods and they resume their digging.
The demon shimmers into the presence of the First- "Slayer!" the demon starts to attack. As he swings a knife at the blonde it passes through her as if she's not there. That would be because she isn't. "Interesting choice, I must say."
"Is there news?"
"The ritual is tonight at midnight."
The fake Slayer smiles, "Poor, sweet Willow-" she laughs.
After dinner Willow is sitting in her room, Tara is in the shower-Kennedy decided she needed some fresh air. The redhead is lying on the bed when the bathroom door opens and Tara walks in wrapped in a towel. "Okay-" smiles the redhead. "I know the ritual requires lack of clothes-but if you want me to concentrate during the meditation then you have to-"
"I was thinking about that," says the blonde as she sits on the bed and Willow sits up.
"You were?"
"Yeah-maybe we should-" her words stop and she blushes.
Willow looks unsure, "Are you saying that we should-" her girl nods as their eyes meet. "Tara I-with you okay-cause-but Kennedy."
"You've seen her without clothes Will-"
The redhead's eyes go wide, "No!-I wouldn't-"
Tara's lips on hers stops her babble, "In your dreams sweetie."
"But they're dreams and you-she hasn't-" the door opens and the young Slayer-to-be stands in front of them.
"Don't say anything, just listen. I've been thinking and the meditation. When we practice this time-" her eyes move back and forth between the two. "Weshouldn'twearclothes." Pause. "Okay?"
"You might want to take a breath between words," says Willow. "It sounded like you said we shouldn't wear clothes."
"I did," her eyes hold the emerald green in her sights.
Willow looks at Tara unsure and the blonde speaks, "You know what I think."
"But-I-Okay-" she finally concedes.
Kennedy grows pale, "You weren't supposed to agree with me," her voice full of panic.
Go Back To Part 3(Chapters 11-15)
Go On To Part 5(Chapters 21-25)
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