Shade of Life by Kirk Baldridge

Summary: The Scoobies learn love can bridge the gap between life and death, and the heart is eternal.

It was all she had ever heard or read about, and like nothing she had ever imagined.

She stood at the opening of a long, dark tunnel, where wispy gray clouds swirled around her ankles. At the far end of the tunnel there was a bright white light. For reasons she still did not understand she was compelled to go toward it, and with every step she took the chill she felt was replaced by a blanket of warmth which settled down across her body.

Before she got too far, though, she became aware of something pulling at her. A very faint voice seemed to be calling her. Begging her to come back. She wasn't sure who, but she nonetheless knew it was someone she wanted to respond to very badly. She started to turn around, to look behind her.

Tara was flustered by the image. Afraid to turn the rest of the way she looked ahead, and that was when she realized there was someone in front of her now. Someone stepping out of the light. Waiting for her. She stopped. Even at such a distance she felt the love, and a strong sense of comfort emanating from the ethereal figure. It was an impossibly familiar presence. She began to run, the distance closing with frustrating slowness.

Willow shoved her hands into the books in the Magic Box, and the power flowed into her. It turned her hair and eyes black.

Tara tried her best to shrug the disturbing image off, as the face of the woman before her truly started to came into focus. Bright blue eyes. Curly blonde hair that smelled of lilac.

The tall, radiant beauty in a long white gown, spread her arms and smiled. "My dear, sweet daughter." She swept the newcomer up into a warm embrace. "Welcome home, Tara."

As indescribably wonderful as it felt to be in her mother's arms again, Tara Maclay still knew something wasn't right. She felt a sense of longing and loss she couldn't explain. It must have made her pull away, ever-so-slightly, for her mother looked down with a saddening expression on her face.

"I don't know." Tara sensed more, stronger emotions coming from behind her now. Pain. Grief. And something stronger, more primal. Rage. Pure, unadulterated rage. It scared her. Every fiber of her being echoed the sorrow, and the overwhelming heartache. "Momma, what is that?"

Willow stood in the middle of a road somewhere, and there was a bus was bearing down on her. She didn't seem particularly concerned with this, however.

"Your past, Tara. You shouldn't let it weigh upon you any longer. Eternity is waiting for us dear-heart, and so is your grandmother." She held out her arm, expecting her daughter to take it so they could move on. Yet she didn't seem entirely surprised when she would not.

"But Momma, something's wrong." Tara glanced over her shoulder. "Really, really wrong."

Willow was close now. She had Warren in her sights, but every time she almost got a hold of him he managed to worm his way out of her clutches. It wouldn't last.

The elder Maclay shook her head. "You can't, Tara. I know what you're feeling, believe me. But your lover must deal with anguish in her own way. It is not your place to intervene any longer. You're beyond pain, beyond life. It is time for you to move on into eternity. With us."

Eventually, Willow got him. After Warren threw every little trick he could come up at her, he ended up wrapped up tightly by some mystically animated branches. She stepped out of the shadows and proceeded to taunt him, to let him known just how much he had hurt her, and how much she was going to hurt him in return. She brought out the bullet she had taken from Buffy, and magicked it into him.

Torture. Warren screamed, he begged for mercy, and she loved every minute of it.

Tara felt so helpless. Tears filled her eyes. "Goddess, she's destroying herself!"

With a dismissive wave Willow tore the flesh from Warren's body, causing him a singularly hideous moment of agony before he died. Then he burst into flames, and the raven-haired Willow spoke briefly to her friends before disappearing in a surge of mystical energy.

"I know this is hard on you, but Tara you must know there is nothing you can do. She makes her own choices in her life, regardless of whether they be for good or ill. It is not our place to intrude." She reached out and stroked her daughter's cheek. "Now, please, come with me. It's time to cross over."

Tara cried more as she shook her head. "I can't! I love her! I have to go to her. She needs me!"

"Sweetie, listen. If you go back, you'll be outside of her plane. It's like she won't be able to see or hear you. You must trust me when I tell you it would make you feel so much worse than you do now, if you were there with her and could not speak to or, worse, touch her."

"There's more. Tara, it is your time. If you refuse this call, you may not get another. You would be stranded, on the mortal plane, possibly forever. Are you really willing to risk it?"

Tara nodded. "I can't go on to heaven, if it means leaving Willow behind. And Goddess! If she continues on this path, she'll lose any chance she has for redemption! I'll never be with her."

"I see your heart is as strong and certain as ever. If this be your wish, I cannot stop you, dear-heart." She put her hands together and sighed. "But I fear I'll miss you even more than I did before."

Willow became acutely aware of all the pain and destruction she had caused in her rampage. In her disassociated state she came to believe there was only one way to end all the suffering. Simply end the world itself, and all her problems would be solved.

Tara leaned up and kissed her mother on the cheek, just like she used to do. That close she didn't want to let go again. To lose her. But for Willow's sake, she knew she had to.

"Goodbye. Tell grams I'm sorry, Momma. I'll see you both, one of these days. I promise."

The elder Maclay nodded as her daughter walked back down the tunnel, away from her. "I know."

Tara opened her eyes, to find herself in what appeared to be yet another tunnel.

Only this one was of stone, cold and solid. She could see everything but she couldn't really feel it. Her feet did not make a sound as she walked, nor could she smell what she imagined was a dank pallor, from a stifling lack of circulating air. It was a strange, oppressive place, not one she recognized, which told her she was probably not in Sunnydale. It seemed...old, somehow.

Tara frowned. She was lost, in more ways than one. Besides the fact she had no idea where she was, she was all by herself. She'd meant to come to Willow, where she belonged. Willow needed her, that was why she had come back in the first place. But she couldn't help if she couldn't find her.

It was then she heard voices. She turned to see two women. Strangers. One of them was a pale blonde, with lips painted black and the other a dark-skinned athlete wearing dark blue spandex. They were talking and coming right at Tara, who didn't have time to get out of the way.

As it turned out, she didn't need to worry. They passed right through her. She was left light-headed. Both of the woman stopped in their tracks and looked around. Obviously, they had felt it too.

"I heard she got turned inside out back in the States. Went deep into the dark magick. Surprised Mona let her in the coven, seeing as she could snap again."

The blonde laughed. "Cute one, that." She glanced at her watch. "Time to go, love."

As they walked off, Tara turned to the door where they had been pointing. Dark magick and a Watcher. She had seen Willow fighting Giles. Maybe he'd taken her to England with him for some reason. She knew only one way to find out, and stepped through the door.

A headrush later and she was on the other side. She opened her eyes, which she didn't even realize she'd closed in the first place, and looked around. There wasn't much to the room. Bare walls, a single light bulb, and only two pieces of furniture. One was an old oak desk with a framed picture on it—of her and Willow together at their one year anniversary party at the Bronze, arguably the happiest day of her life. The only thing in the room was a huge, four-poster bed. It was crisp and clean, all made up, and there was someone sitting on it.

The redhead was so haggard she almost couldn't recognize her. Her hair was all tangled, she had bags under her eyes, and she was thin. She clearly hadn't been eating. At least she was dressed, though her arms sat limply at her sides while she stared off into space.

"Goddess. Willow." Tara wanted to go to her beloved, to hold her and kiss her and tell her everything was going to be all right, but she knew it was impossible. "I'm sorry." Even if Willow could see her they wouldn't be able to touch one another, and for her that was like torture. "For everything."

"Sweetie?" For a moment it almost appeared as if Willow had heard her. Sadly, there was no response. "Willow, Goddess. I wish we could at least have said goodbye." Tara started to cry all over again. "Damn it, this isn't fair! It shouldn't end like this! I want to kiss you, Willow. One last time. I love you!"

The redhead looked past—through, really—Tara and towards the window. She slid her legs off the bed and stood up, her hands clenching into fists. She walked slowly, but determinedly.

Of course, Willow didn't answer. The redhead unlatched the window and pushed it open. She gazed out into the bright blue sky, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

Tara suddenly felt very worried. Something wasn't right. Willow had a resigned, almost calm expression on her face, but her aura was flashing and surging all over the place. "No." She knew what it looked like, but only prayed she was wrong. "Oh Goddess, no. Willow!"

The redhead put one foot on the windowsill and then slowly, laboriously, pulled herself up. She stood there for a time, staring out with sad, sunken eyes.

"No!" Tara made a futile attempt to grab the redhead, but her hands passed right through her. Willow didn't even seem to notice. "Willow, listen! It's not worth it! Please!"

Willow stopped with one leg extended. She glanced over her shoulder. Then she shook her head and turned her attention back outside.

"Did you hear me, Willow? I'm right here!" Tara began wildly waving her arms. "I'm right here!" The redhead did not respond, or hesitate. "No!" She stepped out the window and fell...all of about a foot and a half before she just stopped. "What? What's going on?" The blonde leaned her head out, her eyes widening as she saw the stone ledge Willow was standing on. It was maybe three feet wide, built onto the side of what she could now see was, in fact, a very worn, very tall castle overlooking the ocean. Below was nothing was sharp rocks and water, if Willow fell she would not survive. "By the Goddess, be careful."

Willow began to pace back and forth. She was wringing her hands and muttering to herself.

It hurt Tara to see her this way. The redhead had been such a vibrant, dynamic woman. Now it was as if a part of her had died and she was just following along in life's tracks.

"Come back inside Willow. Please. You're scaring me." To Tara's great surprise, the redhead turned and looked into the room. She bit her lip, as if contemplating something difficult. "Yes, that's it baby."

Willow climbed back into the room. She walked through Tara to get to the desk; pausing briefly as a chill went through her body, and then picked up the photograph. Tears welled in her eyes as she sat down on the edge of the bed and stroked the glass. "Tara. I wish I'd been the one at the window."

"I know how disappointed you must be. In me. How easily I gave into the magick." Willow shook her head. "I've done horrible things, Tara. I killed Warren. I tried to kill Jonathan and Andrew...even Buffy. Goddess, I-I tried to destroy the entire world." Tears streamed down her face. "Why am I still here? It isn't fair! I should be punished, I should be..." She shook her head. "I don't know what to do, Tara."

"I-I think...I hope, you'd be proud of me though. These last few weeks..." Willow began to wipe her eyes. "Giles brought me to England. There are witches here, with a lot more experience and knowledge. They've been helping me. Weaning me off the magick, getting it out of my system all together. I don't do it anymore. I don't even want to do it anymore. It's like this whole new door is opening in my life." She began to cry all over again. "But I don't want to go through it. Because I know, I'm all alone. I need you, Tara! I love you!"

Tara started to move close, but stopped herself. She wanted so desperately to touch Willow, but knew it would be a wasted effort. "I love you too. So very, very much."

Out of the corner of her eye, Willow thought she saw a lock of blonde hair. She raised her head, to see herself reflected in the mirror on the inside of her closet door. "Not the hallucinations again." She rested her face in her hands and groaned. "I really need to get out of here."

Mona, the leader of the coven Willow had been working with, was a tall, lanky woman with long red hair and an impressive figure. She always wore either white or black, depending on her mood. This particular day she had on a long white dress, and her hair done up in a bun, as she walked into her office and found the red head standing in front of the window, gazing out.

"Please." Mona gestured toward a chair on the other side of her desk, and sat down in her own. "So if I may ask, what brings you out into the open this fine day?"

Willow plopped into the other chair and began wringing her hands. "I was wondering if..." Her voice dropped so low it was difficult for Mona to hear her. "...okay...left?"

Mona smiled. "Of course. I'm glad to hear you say that. You haven't been out of the castle since you came to us three months ago. I'm sure one of the girls would be happy to..."

Willow shook her head. "That's not what I meant. I'm not talking about a day outside. I mean..."

"...for good?" Mona steepled her fingers in front of her face. "I see. And you believe you're ready for that? You should know, most people are here for years before they even think about leaving."

"Yes, but most of them come to learn magick. Or to harness what they have. I've given it up. It's completely out of my system. I'm not going to do it again. Ever. I don't even want to."

"I can do the meditation and other stuff you showed me at home. My real home I mean. Not that you all haven't made me feel at home here. You've been great. Really. It's just, I don't belong here, Mona. I never really did. You guys, you have this power, this connection. The magick bonds you. I needed that unity when I first got here, but I can't stand watching and feeling the energy flowing around me anymore. I'm not tempted or anything, that's not it at all. I just...I want to go back to where I belong."

"Sunnydale is a very dark and dangerous place, Willow. Temptation to use the power abounds there. Can you be sure you're strong enough to resist it on your own?"

"That's just it. I won't be alone. I have friends. Buffy and Xander. I've told you about them, right?" Mona nodded and Willow continued. "They'll help me. They're always there for me. Okay, so sometimes they're a little slow to notice stuff, and they do tend to get wrapped up in their own problems an awful lot...which makes sense, Buffy is the Slayer and all..." Willow shook her head. "Sorry. I'm babbling again, aren't I? I used to do that all the time. But Tara would always stop me with a..." Her breath caught in her throat. "Goddess, Tara."

The blonde, who had been standing behind her the whole time, now stepped forward. "I'm right here, Willow. If only you could hear me. I'm right here."

Mona raised her head, her eyes meeting Tara's, and she smiled briefly. "It's said the dead can hear our thoughts, Willow. I'm sure she knows how much you love her."

Mona nodded. "Very well. If this is want you really want to do, I certainly can't stop you. I'll call Giles and have him start making the arrangements. Two things he's probably going to ask. Are you going to want him to come to the States with you, and do you want him to let your friends know you're coming?"

"No, and no," Willow replied. "I need to do this on my own for a change, and I want to surprise them."

"Okay." Mona stood up. "It may take a couple of days. In the meantime, I think Sara is conducting meditation in the Sky Room. Why don't you join her?"

Willow got to her feet. "I think I'm just going to get something to eat and go back to my room."

"Okay. I'll see you later then." Once the redhead was gone, Mona turned and stared directly at Tara. "As for you, I think we need to talk."

"Of course." Mona walked around the desk. "And, before you ask, I can hear you as well."

"...a ghost?" Mona nodded. "I know. You aren't the first one I've met, and I doubt you'll be the last. You see I'm a witch, but my specialty is spectral-communication." She smiled. "I thought I sensed a presence when I walked in the room, but I wasn't sure until you spoke."

Mona nodded. "I suspected as much. She's hurting because she lost you. Do you honestly think it will make her feel better to know you're here, like this? She can't see or hear you, and even if she could she wouldn't be able to touch you, which I imagine you'd both want very much."

"You think it's not tearing me up inside? It's torture not being able to touch her, kiss her, Goddess!" Tara turned her back for a moment. "I-I need to make contact with her, for both our sakes." She turned around and looked the elder witch in the eye. "Do you know...can you help me?"

Mona sighed. "There is one way. If you're up to it. But you'll have to wait until she's asleep."

Later that evening Tara stood and watched helplessly as Willow thrashed around, kicking the covers off herself in the throes of a terrible nightmare.

The blonde bit her lip to keep from crying. It hurt her to see her beloved like this. But she couldn't do anything to help, at least not until Willow settled down. What she and Mona had discussed would not be easy, on either of them, but she was confident she could pull it off. Finally, thankfully, Willow's nightmare seemed to lessen and a strange calm fell over the redhead, leaving her trembling.

Tara reached down and put her hand on Willow's forehead. She closed her eyes and focused all of her energies on what she had to do. Her mind started to expand outward, there was a bright flash...and suddenly, she was not in the cramped, barren castle room any longer.

The blonde charged into a clearing to find Willow standing in the middle. She was crying, shaking her head and wringing her hands.

"It's me, baby." The blonde held out her arms, and Willow threw herself into them. It startled her somewhat that they could touch here, but she wasn't about to complain. "Oh, Goddess." She ran her hands up and down Willow's back. "It feels so good to hold you again."

Willow pulled her back and began kissing Tara's face. "I missed you. I thought I'd never see you again, after you..." She stopped, blinking as realization struck home. "...died." The redhead took a step back. "Tara, you died. I saw you. I held you in my arms. You can't be here. Either this is a dream, or..."

"So, if I'm not dead and we're not really together, then this is just a dream." Willow dropped her hands and took a step back. "You're not really Tara."

"Yes, I am. I know this is hard for you to understand Willow, but this is really real. I'm here. Back on Earth. We are together, in your mind."

"No, it's not a hallucination either." Tara put her hands on Willow's shoulders. "I'm telling you, I'm really here. I came to talk to you because of everything that happened. I saw you go after Warren and Rack, and the fights with Buffy and Giles. I know why you did it Willow, and I know how it made you feel."

Willow shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Without you here, nothing really matters anymore. I love you Tara. I will always love you, no matter how long it takes for us to be together again."

They were still kissing when a strange euphoria washed over the blonde, and Tara stumbled back away from the bed, startled to find herself back in Willow's bedroom.

"Goddess! I know Mona said I wouldn't be able to maintain contact with her for very long. But I never imagined it would be so painful to leave her, again." Tears welled up in the blonde's eyes as she went over to the window to sit down. She couldn't hold it back any longer, and for once she was glad the redhead couldn't hear her because it would have made the both of them feel that much worse.

Meanwhile, Willow rolled over and slipped into an obviously more contented sleep than before. Her breathing settled, and there was even a faint smile on her face.

Over the next two days, Willow began packing her belongings and finalizing the arrangements for her trip back to Sunnydale. Giles called several times just to check in, and to apologize yet again for being too busy to be able to help her move or to see her off.

The redhead found herself associating more closely with the witches around her in those two days than she had the whole three previous months combined. They were all somewhat surprised to learn she wasn't really as 'cold' or unfriendly as they thought, she'd just been overwhelmed by the combination of intense magick withdrawal and losing the most important person in her life.

"Your aura is more colorful than usual," Mona said one afternoon. "You must be feeling better." She glanced up at Tara, who was standing right behind the redhead. "If you don't mind my asking, what's changed?"

Willow shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure. But I had this dream the other day, about Tara." Her face took on a decidedly dreamy expression for a moment. "I-I talked to her. I got to hold her. It was...so real, and since then I guess I started to think. About what the future holds for me. I mean, this is the first time in a long time I was able to acknowledge I might even have a future." Her face fell.

Willow sighed. "I always thought Tara was my future, you know? We were supposed to be grow old together. If it wasn't for that bastard..." She realized what she was saying, stopped herself, then took a deep breath and smiled nervously. "Sorry. I guess I still have a lot to learn about anger management."

"Believe it or not, it's all right to be angry, so long as you don't let it overwhelm you." Mona placed her hand on Willow's shoulder. "You're a strong young woman Willow. One of the strongest I've ever met, in fact, and I don't just mean the magick you had. You'll get through this. Trust me. Just give yourself time." Once again she glanced at Tara, and then cleared her throat. "I came to tell you the shipping company is here to pick up your things. They say they'll have it waiting by the time you get back to Sunnydale, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Even with magick transatlantic shipments are never speedy."

"Under the circumstances...just great." The blonde crossed her arms. "I touched her mind, but when she woke up she discounted it as a dream. I didn't really get through to her."

Mona crossed her arms. "I see. It's not Willow, it's you who doesn't feel any better. You're scared, because you came back for her and she doesn't even know you're here, right?"

"Something like that." Tara moved closer. "Is there any way I can make her understand?"

"Merging your spiritual essence with that of a living being in order to speak through them. Essentially, doing it would allow you to take over someone's body for a short time. You'd have access to their eyes and ears, but your mind would be in control while the host's became...dormant."

"If a spirit remains merged with the living body for too long they began to lose themselves in the psyche of the body's true owner. Eventually, your consciousness would be absorbed into the awakening mind of the host-being and then you would be lost. Forever."

Tara spent the evening pacing, thinking about Willow and what Mona had told her about transpossession. It was indeed a very interesting idea, and one that could potentially allow her to speak with her lover more directly than through her dreams. But except for Mona no one in the castle who could see or hear her, and she wasn't about to take over anyone's body without getting their permission first.

Willow got up the next morning and walked down the hall to take a shower. Previously, Tara had waited for her to come back, but this particular time she decided to follow the redhead. She watched as Willow bathed, and felt bad about it afterwards. Both because of the spying, and because she couldn't join her.

Mona was waiting for her when they got back. "It's time," she told the redhead as she was getting dressed in the closet. "Your flight is at one o'clock this afternoon. I've arranged for a car to take you to the airport, as I'm afraid none of us has a car."

"Oh, thank you." Willow hugged the witch. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me Mona. I will never, ever forget you."

"Nor I you." Mona stepped back and crossed her arms. She sighed. "But you must promise to do something for me when you get home."

"Call me. Please. Don't worry about the time difference. I want to make sure you arrive home all right. Do you think you can do that for me?"

Tara stood in the aisle of the airplane, watching, as Willow gripped the arms of her seat so tightly her knuckles were turning white. Turbulence seemed to be playing havoc with everyone but the blonde, who was unaffected by the shuddering and rocking motion.

"Take it easy baby." She crouched down and reached out, stopping her hand less than an inch from the redhead's hair. "I know how much you hate to fly. But it'll be okay."

Willow settled almost immediately, her breathing slowing. She closed her eyes as the turbulence faded too. In a short time she had relaxed enough that she was actually able to fall asleep, which was generally considered the easiest way to deal with a really long flight.

Tara slid into the seat beside Willow. She didn't really understand why, since she was intangible, she was able to sit on anything at all, much less why she was not falling through the floor of the plane, or the ground for that matter. But she really didn't want to dwell on that, because the more she tried to figure it out the more it made her head hurt.

"I have more important things to worry about." Tara put her hand up to Willow's face, and slipped into her mind like she had done the other night.

Unfortunately for the blonde, even as she was doing this, a perky brunette flight attendant came up to Willow's seat and looked over her shoulder. "This is the only other seat available. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. Is there anything I can get you?"

A tall, very attractive young raven-haired woman shook her head. "No, I'm cool. Thanks." As the flight attendant went to help another passenger, she sat down.

She had no way of knowing Tara was there, nor was she aware of how the blonde's intangible body glowed for a moment and then seemed to dissipate. She felt a strange tingling sensation across her own body, and then felt an overwhelming sense of dizziness. Everything went black.

The blonde was lifted off her feet and found herself flying backwards through the darkness.

She opened her eyes and gasped, her nails digging into the soft arms of a chair. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel a cold sweat beading on her forehead.

"W-Wha...?" Tara looked around, trying to figure out what was happening. To her left she saw Willow, asleep in the seat next to her. She shook her head. "I-I don't understand." The blonde glanced down and found she had a pair of long, well-tanned legs, sticking out of a tight black mini-skirt. She was wearing an equally tight black tube top under a light black leather jacket, and had black fingernails. "Oh, Goddess!" She lowered her voice, as the man on the other side of the aisle glared at her. She tried to remain calm. "I-I must have transpossessed this poor woman when she sat down in the seat."

Tara wasn't sure what to do. She certainly hadn't intended to hijack the woman's body. She felt around under the seat and found a small hand bag. Inside was an ID. "Cori Micheals." She sighed. "I'm sorry Cori. If I'd been paying attention, this never would have happened." Mona had told her how to get in and how to get out, so she was fairly sure she could leave Cori's body whenever she wanted. "But since I'm here..." This was an opportunity she simply couldn't pass up. It might be her only chance to really talk to Willow.

The plane jerked again, and this time Tara actually felt it. Her stomach turned circles. She closed her eyes. "Oh Goddess," she whispered. "Now I remember why I hate to fly." She opened her eyes, only to find that Willow had apparently been jolted awake by the turbulence.

"Are you okay?" Tara asked before she even realized she'd spoken. By then, of course, it was too late for her to go back. "I...uh, you were talking, in your sleep."

"N-No, it's not...I mean..." Tara shook her head, trying not to be startled by the long black hair she saw on either side of her face. "That's okay."

"You could say that." She took a deep breath. It was the moment of truth. "I'm...Tara."

"No, I just..." Willow sighed. "I was close to someone by that name. She...died, and I'm still dealing." She shook her head. "I'm sorry."

Tara fought the urge to reach out to the redhead. "Don't be. I know what it's like to lose someone you love. And I know this might be hard for you to believe, Will, but I'm that Tara." She leaned a little closer. "Your Tara. I'm in this woman's body."

"I know. It sounds crazy, but I'm telling the truth. I'm Tara. I came back for you, Will. I ended up in this body by accident, but I just wanted to help you."

"I'm not going to sit here and listen to this." Willow unbuckled her seatbelt and started to get up.

The redhead stopped in her tracks. She glanced over her shoulder. "What did you just say?"

"Except me. I gave it to you after we watched that Winnie the Pooh movie you loved so much as a kid."

"But would you still think it's a trick, if I know the first time we made love?" Tara arched an eyebrow. "Hmm? It was right after Oz left. You came over to my dorm with a candle..."

"Stop, please." Willow was pale and shaking. "This can't be real, you can't be here..."

Tara cupped Willow's cheek, and turned her face so their eyes met. "It is, I am, and I can prove it. Meus animus attinere erga tu. That's Latin for..."

"...my heart belongs to you," Willow finished. "I remember. Tara and I came up with that phrase, after Buffy and Faith switches bodies. It was supposed to be our special, secret code, in case anything like that ever happened to one of us." The redhead licked her lips. "Goddess, Tara? I-Is it really you?"

"Tara!" Willow was crying too as she threw her arms around the strange woman's body.

Tara and Willow spent the rest of the flight engrossed in conversation. Talking about, among other things, what the redhead had done while she was in England. One thing in particular surprised her, a little.

"There was this one girl, Meghan. She kept asking me out. I tried to be polite, to tell her I wasn't interested, but she just couldn't seem to take the hint."

"I set her up on a date all right, but it was with Heather, not me. Heather's a friend of mine see, and she's had an enormous crush on Meghan since arriving at the castle."

Willow grinned. "Last I heard—which, by the way, I mean literally—they were very happy together. Mona had to put a silencing spell around their room so the rest of us could get some sleep."

They both laughed quite loudly, prompting some of the other passengers to throw them dirty looks. They didn't seem to notice, and probably wouldn't have cared if they had.

"How does it feel?" Tara asked. "Being without the magick? I mean, physically, it must be..."

"It's not as hard as you might think really. It was weird, at first. I felt so empty, like a part of me was missing. If it hadn't been for Mona...she wouldn't let me give up." Willow shook her head. "Now, it's like I have all new eyes, you know? Everything is brighter. I see things, smell things, that I think I was taking for granted. It's almost like I got the chance to start all over again, but until now...I didn't really care."

"It was. I wanted to be without magick, and I am. But I never expected to be doing it alone. You are supposed to be here with me, Tara. I love you. I wanted us to be together, more than I ever wanted or even needed the magick, but that was stolen from me. You were stolen from me."

Tara nodded. "I know. I love you too Will. And I feel cheated. We got back together one day, and the next one I get killed. It's like fate has been against us the whole time." She stroked the redhead's cheek. "I'm just so thankful I had this one last chance. To be with you."

Willow took Tara's borrowed hand. "Speaking of last chances, how long are you going to be here? Please, don't take this the wrong way, but shouldn't you have moved on by now?"

"I was. I saw my mother, she was leading me into the light, but I couldn't. I had to come back."

"For you, Will. I felt your pain. I knew you needed me." Tara kissed the redhead's hand. "But, I'm not even sure I can go back. Mother told me if I left, I might not be able to return. One thing I do know for sure though, is I can't stay in this woman's body for too long. Otherwise, I might start losing myself."

The pilot's voice came on over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are currently preparing to land. Please put your seats and tray-tables in their full, upright positions and make sure your seatbelts are secure. Attendants, begin landing procedures. Thank you."

Willow sighed. "Let's go see the others first. We'll worry about the rest later."

A short time later Willow and Tara stood side by side in front of the Magic Box, as the cab driver unloaded the trunk. It had been simple enough for them to locate and identify Cori's luggage, thanks to her ID and the info on her ticket, but they had no idea how they were going to explain the information to the woman when Tara released her and she woke up in a strange place.

Tara noticed the redhead was trembling, and put a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"I'm scared, Tara. You didn't see what I did. I trashed this place. Buffy, Giles, Anya, I hurt them all. What if they don't want to see me. What if they don't want me here?"

"Come on, they're your friends. Well, except maybe Anya. They'll just be happy to see you're okay."

They thanked the driver as he finished their luggage. They barely got two steps closer to the door of the Magic Box before Tara suddenly stumbled.

"I-I'm not sure." Tara put a hand to her head. "Dizzy. Hard to focus." Her eyes widened. "Oh no."

Tara could feel her eyes tearing up. "I can't stay in this woman's body much longer, or I'll lose myself. I need to get out, Will. But if I do that, I'll be invisible again. You won't be able to see or hear me."

"I'll tell the others," said Willow. "Surely one of them will let you borrow their body for a while. Are you going to be okay?"

"I can...walk, if that's what you mean." Tara took a deep breath. "But we'd better hurry."

Anya was the only Scooby visible when the front door opened. She was busy with a customer at the time, and could not spare more than a glance.

She saw a flash of red hair, but the face didn't register initially as she went back to helping a woman pick out an assortment of crystals. It wasn't until she completed the transaction and slipped out from behind the counter that the demonic shop keeper realized who it was.

"Willow? You didn't come back to finish what you started, did you? I just got this place refurbished."

"It's nice to see you too, Anya. But you don't have to worry. I'm off the magick, for good."

"Well, having you back should make Xander happier. He's been so mopey lately, what with you being in magick rehab and nearly destroying the world and all."

"You sound like you're actually concerned. You guys didn't get back together, did you?"

Anya laughed. "Hardly. I just don't feel like ripping his heart out. At least, not all the time."

"That's progress, I guess." Willow glanced over her shoulder, at Tara, who was purposely staying out of the way for the time being. "So, where is everybody?"

"In the back. We upgraded the workout area when we rebuilt the shop." Anya's face lit up as her thoughts turned to money, as usual. "It turns out Giles had a demon damage clause in his insurance policy."

"No, but the insurance company didn't need to know that. They offered us an impressively large bundle of cash, and I certainly wasn't about to turn it down."

Willow shook her head. Anya was a demon again, but her personality hadn't changed much.

Tara came staggering over to the redhead, and grabbed at her arm. "W-Will, I don't feel so good."

"Okay. Here." Willow helped her into a chair. "Take it easy." She stroked a lock of black hair, and glanced up to see Anya smirking at her. "What?"

Willow got right in the she-demon's face, her eyes narrow. The redhead clearly was not intimidated. "You don't know how wrong you are, Anya. Take a closer look. I know you can."

Anya and Willow stared at one another for a few moments, then the she-demon turned to a woman who was, on the surface, a total stranger to her. Her eyes glowed as she gazed into the woman's aura, which she was surprised to discover she recognized. "I'll be." She shook her head. "Look who's come back from the dead. It's getting to be a regular convention around here. I assume she's a ghost, right? Transpossession?"

"We have to get her out of this body," said Willow. "She's been in too long, and she's starting to lose herself. If she just leaves though..."

Anya nodded. "She'll be invisible and intangible again. That's why you wanted to know where everybody was. So you can ask one of your friends to act as host, right?"

"It's all right. I couldn't do it anyway. Demons can't be transpossessed. A ghost can take over a demon's body, if it's normal essence has departed, but they can't share."

Willow nodded. "I remember this possessing demon who tried to take over Angel. But it couldn't do it because the demon already inside him was too strong."

"Pleasure of what?" Buffy asked, having just walked into the room. The Slayer had a towel around her neck, and from the angle she was approaching all she was able to see was Anya. "Who are you..." She gasped. "Will? You're back?" She threw her arms around the redhead. "I missed you so much!"

"B-B..." Willow's face was quickly starting to turn red. "Buffy..super...strength...remember?"

"Oh." The Slayer released her hold and took a step back, looking sheepish. "Sorry, Will."

"It's okay. I'm sure I can find a doctor to reconnect my spinal cord." Willow noticed Tara was beginning to get pale, and there was sweat on her borrowed forehead. "Buffy, you trust me, right? I mean, we've known each other long enough you'd be willing to take my word on something, even something big, right?"

The redhead put her hand on Tara's shoulder. "This is Tara. Her spirit is inside this woman's body."

"Will, we've seen ghosts. Demons. Vampires. Hellgods. We live on a Hellmouth. My sister used to be a ball of mystical energy. Do you honestly think Tara's spirit in someone else's body is really going to come as that much of a surprise, to someone who came back from the dead herself?"

Buffy nodded. "I know. I think I made myself dizzy." She sat down. "Will, I believe you. Mainly, because I know you. You would never lie about something like this. Not about Tara."

"We've been friends for over six years. I realize I haven't always paid as much attention to you as I should have, but on occasion I have studied your body language. I know when something's bothering you. And since Tara's in a strange woman's body, I imagine it has something to do with her."

"Yes. She needs to get out. But if she does, we won't be able to talk to her. I was going to ask Dawn, or Xander, but since they're not here..."

"Give me your hands," said Tara. "We need physical contact." She glanced at Willow. "When I leave this body, I imagine the woman who owns it is going to be very confused. Her name's Cori. Make sure she understands she's not in any danger, and that her luggage is outside."

Buffy felt something warm and tingly pass through her, she gasped, and then there was darkness.

A few moments later Tara opened her eyes to see the woman who's body she had been in, Cori, stumbling away and shaking her head. The raven-haired woman was understandably confused and shaken.

Anya stepped forward. "That is a long, complicated story. Come with me, and maybe I can explain it to you in a way that actually makes sense." She led the woman outside.

The blonde nodded. "It's me, Will. But, it's strange." She looked at her hands, clenched her fists. "When I was in Cori it's like she was asleep. I barely knew she was there. I can fell Buffy though. She's in the back of my mind right now, and it feels as if she's waiting for something."

"Buffy's consciousness is strong. You may not be able to exist as long in her as you did Cori." Willow took the Slayer's hand. "Tara, we need to talk. About you. About us."

"Okay." Tara gestured toward the table, then pulled out a chair for Willow. "Let's talk." She sat down herself. "Is everything okay?"

The redhead sighed. "There's something I've been trying to avoid thinking about since you came back. You can't remain on this plane forever, can you? You're a ghost. Sooner or later you're going to have to cross over, or else you'd become a lost soul." Her eyes widened. "Unless..."

"We broke a sacred covenant when we brought Buffy back. We got damn lucky there weren't any repercussions worse than what we went through. It'd be tempting fate to try a second time."

Tara shook her head. "It doesn't matter anyway. I could never cast a spell of that nature on myself, and thanks to your friends in England you can't cast at all. So forget it!"

"When you died, and Osiris refused to help me, I snapped. I gave in completely to the darkness within myself. I knew on some level that wasn't what you wanted. I knew how angry it would have made you to see me abusing the magick that way. But I didn't care, about anything, I just wanted my revenge!" She began shaking her head, tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Tara. I'm so sorry!"

Tara pulled the redhead close and hugged her. "Take it easy Will. It's all right. I know how bad you feel, believe me. I felt it, from the other side. It's okay to feel remorse, shame, anger, whatever you're going through. It'll take a long time for you to come to terms with what you did. But you don't have to let it ruin or rule your life. Take it as it comes and deal with it. I'll try to help, if I can."

They both turned their heads as Anya came back into the shop. "Sorry to interrupt."

"That she passed out on the plane, and you brought her here to recover. She seemed to remember you from the plane Willow, so I guess she actually believed me." Anya shook her head as went behind the counter. "Which just proves how gullible some of you human beings really are."

Willow stood up. "Anya, Tara and I need to be alone for a while, to talk. I know Buffy usually does it, but could you ask Xander pick Dawn up from school, and gather everybody at the house tonight?"

"Like I don't have enough to do already?" Anya crossed her arms. "Fine. I'll do you a favor. But you owe me." In a flash, she was gone.

Willow was leading them into a part of town Tara was unfamiliar with, and she had no idea why.

"I told you, we need help. We have to find someone who knows more about ghosts. There's got to be some way to make you whole again. We just need to look in the right place."

Tara shook her head. She knew Willow was just fooling herself. The kind of beings who had the knowledge she was talking about would probably never talk to them. But if it made Willow feel better to try, she would go along with it for the time being.

Tara was surprised by the sign above the door. "Willy's? You brought us to a bar?"

"It's not just a bar. Willy is one of Buffy's sources. What he doesn't know about demons and the dark forces, he knows how to find out. We just have to persuade him to talk." Willow looked her up and down. "Which shouldn't be too hard. You are in Buffy's body. She's the Slayer, and he knows it."

Willow smiled. It was weird to here those words coming out of Buffy's mouth. "Don't worry. You're not Buffy, but nobody in here knows that. Just try to act like her."

"Okay." Tara took the lead as they entered the bar, knowing that was what Buffy would do. She noticed the door didn't let in any direct sunlight, and all the windows were covered. Upon getting a better look at the occupants of the bar, she began to understand why.

There were humans present but they were woefully outnumbered by vampires and demons, a wider variety than she had ever seen in one place at one time. It was a surprisingly tranquil scene, mortals and monsters talking and drinking. Two vampires were playing pinball in the back, while a group of green-skinned, reptilian demons had a big game of kitten poker going on.

"Sorry," Willow whispered. "I forgot to warn you that the clientele here are...eclectic. But, somehow, he seems to pull it off with very little trouble."

The redhead pointed to a mousy, dark-haired man behind the bar. He was serving a suspiciously thick red liquid to a vampire. "That's Willy."

Tara took stock of the man even as he noticed them. His eyes got really wide for a moment, then he sighed and motioned toward the other end of the bar, which was empty.

"Here we go," said Willow. "Just take it easy, and try to remain calm. Remember, Buffy is the strong one. She's used to pushing this guy around. He expects it."

Willy kept his eyes moving the whole time, making sure none of his customers were watching him, and hoping none of them recognized the blonde or the redhead. Neither was really good for business. "What is it Slayer? I'm kinda busy as you can see. Don't want my customers getting antsy."

Tara tried to sound tough, like Buffy always did. "I need some information, Willy."

"So what else is new?" He picked up a glass and began absently cleaning it. "I'm listening."

"Of course, I don't really know too much about that subject." Willy leaned a little closer. "What you oughtta do is to find a Scour demon. They're the spirit experts."

"Near as I can tell, they spend their entire lives hunting the souls of really important people. You know kings, world leaders, that sort of thing. They gather their essences into some kind of container, and draw power from it."

"Find out for us, okay?" said Tara. "And maybe next time, I'll pay you instead."

In a blur the Slayer's arm reached across the bar, grabbed the front of Willy's shirt, and slammed his face down into the counter. He grunted and slumped backwards, unconscious.

Willow gasped. "Tara?" All eyes were starting to turn their way. "Um...I think we'd better get out of here. I don't want to wind up the main course on somebody's plate." She grabbed the blonde's hand, and dragged her out of the bar, silently praying no one would follow them. Luckily, no one and nothing did. "What are you doing? What was that all about, Tara?"

"I-I don't know." The blonde held up her hands, which were trembling. "I'm not sure what came over me. It's like I had this irresistible urge to hurt him. Goddess! Do you think he's all right?"

"Oh, Willy's tougher than he looks. I'm more worried about you. Sounds like Buffy's mind reasserted itself for a moment or two. That probably means you're running out of time."

Despite their best efforts, it was already dark by the time they got to Buffy's block.

The redhead looked around. "I don't here anything, but then my ears aren't as sensitive." She turned. "This sound, what did it sound like?"

Two figures came barreling out of the shadows. One of them struck Willow, driving her back into a tree, while the other lunged at Tara. Vampires.

"Get off me!" Willow screamed. If she had her powers she could have handled them both on her own. As it was it took all her strength to keep his fangs away from her throat.

Tara found it much easier. With one hand she was able to keep the creature at bay. Buffy really was strong. She held him in place despite his struggling.

Tara's face wrinkled in disgust. "Ewww." She heard a scream, and looked past the vampire to see Willow losing her battle against her attacker. "No, Will!" She pushed the vampire away with what she thought was a modicum of force, but nonetheless sent the creature flying. He struck a tree and turned to dust, with a shocked expression on his face, when his heart was impaled on an unseen branch. "I'm coming!"

The other vampire snarled, shoved Willow down and came at Tara. She met him halfway, their hands locking in an impromptu test of strength. It was immediately obvious to both of them that she was stronger, and this clearly didn't please the vampire.

"You're the Slayer, aren't you? He didn't say anything about you being the Slayer!"

"Demon. Never seen one like him. Said he'd pay us in cheerleaders if we took you down."

The vampire shook his head. "Don't know. Didn't ask." He sneered, baring his fangs. "I like cheerleaders!" Tara's grip lessened ever-so-slightly, and he let go of her hands completely and took a step back. Before she knew it he dropped and spun around, sweeping the Slayer's legs.

Tara landed badly and hit her head, momentarily stunning herself. She was at the vampire's mercy, although he obviously wasn't planning to show any as he loomed over her.

Willow rose behind the vampire. She was holding a jagged tree branch. "Hey!" As he turned around to snarl she drove the makeshift stake into his chest. Tara had just enough time to close her eyes and mouth before the dusty remains showered down upon her. She coughed as Willow helped her up. "You okay?"

"Assuming our fanged friend wasn't lying, someone new is after Buffy. We'd better warn the gang."

They were almost to Buffy's house when the Slayer's knees suddenly became weak and her body stumbled. But as Willow was helping her up, Tara lurched out of her back.

The redhead's face fell. "Oh." She looked around, though of course she couldn't see anything. "I was hoping she would stay inside you long enough to talk to the others. How are you feeling?"

"It was weird, Will. I could see and hear everything that was going on, but I felt so distant. It's almost like I was watching the whole thing on television."

As it turned out, her bad feeling was not without merit. They were being watched, by a figure standing upon the roof of the house across the street.

He stood seven feet tall if he was an inch. His skin was gray, and had the texture of old, worn leather, while his stringy black hair did not appear to have been washed in a very long time. He also had a large green jewel in the center of his forehead. The demon was wearing lots of leather, chains and spikes, and he gazed at the two women before him with golden eyes floating in bottomless black pools.

"I came to scout out the Slayer. Those two brain-dead bloodsuckers gave me a measure of her combat skill, but I never expected anything like this. Now why, I wonder, would the Slayer have a second soul inside of her?" He'd clearly seen not only Willow and Buffy but Tara as well. Her aura was bright, colorful, and it told him everything he needed to know about her. He sneered.

Dawn was laying on the floor, watching television with her head propped up on her hands.

Xander sat on the couch, comparing something on a clipboard with a stack of paper he had in his lap.

"Hey!" said Xander. "It's my favorite redhead!" He lurched to his feet and swept Willow up in a hug. He actually lifted the redhead off her feet.

Anya, meanwhile, stared at Buffy long enough to determine the Slayer's aura was normal. Then she appeared to lose interest and went back to her popcorn.

Willow shrugged her shoulders. "Better. I'm getting stronger. Especially..." She stopped and took a deep breath before continuing. "...since I have Tara here to help me."

Dawn and Xander glanced at one another with the same dubious expression on their faces.

Buffy nodded. "It's true. She...well, took a ride in my body. Take my word for it. This is really real."

Xander crossed his arms. "So, uhm, what exactly are we talking about here, Will? Having a ghost around all the time is, no offense Tara, kinda creepy."

"We've been trying to change all that," said Willow. "I want to find a way to bring Tara back. All the way back. It won't be like what happened with Buffy though. I wouldn't do that again, and Tara wouldn't let me anyway. But I'm not sure what else..." She turned to Anya. "What do you know about Scour demons?"

Anya sat her popcorn aside. "Scours? They're big, nasty, and really antisocial. As I understand it, they travel the world hunting the souls of important or powerful humans. I don't know what they do with them. I've only met one Scour, in Europe about six hundred years ago. He'd come to collect the soul of a king who had been unfaithful to his wife, which is why I was there. He got his prize, I brought vengeance for the wife, and everybody but the king himself was happy." She smiled. "Those were good times."

"I've never heard of one doing the kind of solidification you're talking about," Anya replied. "But I imagine they would probably be your best bet. Unless, of course, you want to go to a necromancer."

Anya shrugged her shoulders. "I do. He's here in town, in fact. Want me to make an appointment?"

"No!" Tara waved her arms, but to no avail. "Willow, stay away! Necromancers are...damn it. I can't let her! I have to talk to her" She didn't want to put too much stress on Buffy's body by entering her again so she stepped into the next nearest person...which happened to be Dawn.

The youngest Summers gasped as she felt a peculiar warmth flow into her. Somehow she knew it was Tara, and she willingly gave herself over to the darkness with a satisfied smile.

"Dawnie?" Buffy asked, worriedly touching her sister's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"Listen to me Will." Dawn's voice sounded strange to the others. "You can't go to a necromancer. I'd rather you track down one of these Scour demons."

"They're very dangerous. My mother told me about a necromancer once. He wanted to raise the dead, but didn't have enough power to do it on his own. In order to tap into the dark forces, he started sacrificing animals and...if the stories are true, people, for his own ends." Tara shook Dawn's head. "No, Willow. If you insist on doing this you have to promise you'll stay away from necromancers. Please. Promise me."

"Good." Tara stepped out of Dawn's body, who collapsed into Buffy's waiting arms.

Later that evening, Tara stood in the corner of Willow's bedroom and watched as the redhead got undressed, in preparation for bed. Unlike in England she didn't feel guilty for staring because this time she knew Willow knew she was there. In fact the exaggerated, almost lascivious, way the redhead was taking her clothes off one piece at a time seemed to imply it was for Tara's benefit as much as her own.

"Baby." The blonde stepped forward. "I wish..." She slowly ran her fingers down the length of Willow's exposed back. "...you knew I was here." She felt the redhead shudder as the tips of her fingers actually passed just beneath the surface of Willow's skin, and they both felt a tingling sensation.

"So did I, baby." Tara shook her head as she stared at her hands. "Maybe if I concentrate." She brought a hand up and tried to cup one of Willow's breasts. Instead, her hand passed right through the soft, full mound, and again an exotic tingling sensation passed through the both of them.

"You really can feel me, can't you?" The blonde wasn't sure what was going on. "But, I like it." She couldn't help but notice that Willow's breathing had increased, and her skin was flushed. "And so do you, apparently." Then she brought her hand up, and came as close as she could to caressing the redhead's cheek. She smiled, and so did the object of her attention. "I love you, Willow."

Willow sighed and lay down on the bed. She held her breath wondering if Tara was with her, until she felt warm fingers stroking the delicate flesh between her breasts.

She didn't know if the redhead was dreaming or if there was something else going on, but it really wasn't any of her business. It was late, and she was tired. She'd already taken off the rest of her clothes and put on a nightshirt, and was just starting to pull back the covers when she heard another noise.

This one wasn't coming from Willow's room, however. It was a loud, crashing noise, downstairs.

"Oh great. Now what?" Buffy picked up a stake from her bedside table and opened the bedroom door. Dawn had had the same idea, apparently, and they nearly ran into each other. "Go back to bed," said the Slayer. "Whatever it is, I'll take care of it."

For a second or two, it appeared the younger Summers was going to argue with her sister. Then she nodded and went back into her room, closing the door behind her.

Buffy took the stairs two at a time, landing in the foyer ready and willing. Only there was nothing and no one in the house, as far as she could tell. The front door was still closed and locked, and so were the front windows, but she was certain she had heard something. Whatever it was she wasn't about to take any chances. If her family was in danger, she would fight to the death to protect them. She turned and headed into the kitchen, knowing the back of the house was a much better target. At one point she fantasized about stumbling upon a couple of masked men trying to break into her house to steal things, rather than monsters.

Then she saw the back door. Or rather the big hole where it had been. Someone or, most likely, something, had torn it off the hinges and thrown it out into the yard. That obviously left out normal human burglars. Her life was always more complicated. The Slayer shook her head as she searched for the culprit.

"Look, it's late. Could we please just get to the part where you jump out and try to kill me?"

The air right behind Buffy shimmered as the demon who had been watching them earlier appeared. He punched the Slayer in the small of the back, causing her overwhelming pain as she was driven face-first into the wall. She groaned and started to slide to the ground, but the demon caught her and lifted her off her feet by the back of her nightshirt. He turned, and casually pitched her across the room. Buffy hit the wall above the kitchen window, and then landed like a broken puppet in the sink. Amazingly she was still conscious, but at the moment totally unable to defend herself as the demon stomped toward her.

"This is the legendary Slayer I've heard so much about? And Dracula spoke so highly of you." The demon shook his head. "He must be even more of a weakling than I thought."

Buffy could feel sensations of pain starting to shoot up and down her arms. She raised her throbbing head, with blood seeping from a gash in her forehead. "W-Who are you?"

"I doubt very seriously you could pronounce my true name. But you may call me Venator."

Buffy, with some effort, sat up. "So let me guess. You're one of those guys who want to make a rep for himself by killing the Slayer, right?"

The demon laughed. "Hardly. I am well-known throughout Europe, and several other continents. No, I came for only thing, Slayer." He sneered. "Your soul! Not to mention that of your spectral friend."

Buffy tried futilely to hide the shock on her face. She had no idea how he could know about Tara, but she wasn't about to lose her friend a second time. "I-I won't let you!"

"Buffy's went downstairs to check out a noise, and I heard fighting. Now it's gotten really quiet."

Willow shrugged her shoulders. "So? She probably won." She glanced over her shoulder, toward the bed, where she hoped Tara was still waiting for her. "Don't worry about it."

"Fine. I'll go see for myself." Dawn took about two steps toward the stairs, before the redhead grabbed her arm, and she frowned. "What?"

"Okay. I'll go make sure everything's okay. You wait here though, just in case."

The teenager crossed her arms. "You better hurry up. I'm telling you, something's wrong."

Tara was right behind her as they headed down the stairs. "Will, be careful. I think Dawnie's right. Something is going on, I can sense it."

They found nothing in the living or dining rooms, but as they got closer to the kitchen door they could hear the definite sound of a fight from inside.

Buffy was getting frustrated. Nothing she did seemed to hurt the creature. "My family's been through too much crap already! Willow lost Tara once already. I will not let it happen again!"

In desperation, the Slayer picked up one of the kitchen chairs and threw it at the demon.

"Pitiful!" He casually swatted the chair aside, shattering it. "I'm beginning to doubt your soul is worth liberating at all. Perhaps, yes...I should sell it instead." He sneered. "I know several individuals who will pay a great deal for such a commodity. After I've taken the witch's life-force, of course!"

Buffy's eyes went wide. "No!" She charged the demon all at once, driving her shoulder into his stomach with so much force he was doubled over. He was driven back into the wall, grunting with each punch and kick. She struck at him so hard, so much, he was unable to get in a defensive move of his own.

That was when the kitchen door flung open. Willow and Tara were both startled by what they saw. "Buffy?" they said simultaneously.

Venator laughed, and backhanded the Slayer. She was knocked head over heels, and crashed down on the top of the stove. "You shouldn't allow yourself to be distracted!" He smiled at the newcomers. "Perfect timing. I'd hoped to see you again, witch!"

"Scour?" Willow paled. "The soul hunters? Oh Goddess, you're after Tara's soul, aren't you?"

"In particular, you can't stop me. You have abandoned the power that was your birthright." The demon shook his head. "What a shame. Witches spirits are, by far, the most highly prized. The kind of power you possessed would have made me even stronger than I already am." He turned to Tara. "Which is why I will have you. You power was not as great as this one's, but it will provide me with an excellent source."

"I need not explain myself to you, ghost. Come to me now, and the flame-haired one will not be harmed. I can't make such a promise otherwise."

"Hey!" Buffy rolled off the stove. She felt like one big bruise. "I'm not dead yet, you know."

"Why do you humans always insist on making everything so difficult?" The demon shook his head. "Very well. I must finish this quickly though. I have places to be."

Keeping a closer eye on the demon, Buffy moved closer to Willow. "You'd better get out of here. I'll keep this guy busy for as long as I can."

"No offense Will, but without your powers there's not much you can do against a monster like this. I don't want you to get hurt."

The demon laughed. "It sounds as if your friends don't think too highly of you, child. What a shame."

"Shut up! I'm sick and tired of everyone treating me like some fragile little doll! I'm not helpless! You want me to prove it?" Willow turned and threw her stake as hard as she could.

It missed the demon by quite a large margin, but it did manage to hit something else—a small fire extinguisher, which was hanging on the wall nearby. It swung off a hook and struck the edge of the counter, cracking open, and shooting its contents all over the place. Much of it splattered across Venator's head and upper torso, blinding the demon and causing his eyes to sizzle from the cold. He thrashed about and bellowed in pain. "What is this? What have you done?!"

Buffy glanced at the redhead and smiled. "Way to go, Will!" She charged the demon, punching and kicking with a swiftness and strength than almost defied description. Finally, she did the splits and tried to sweep his legs out from under him, her preferred method for taking down a foe of superior size.

But even though Venator was still blinded, the demon somehow managed to jump just high enough to avoid her strike. As he landed he brought one huge fist down on the top of Buffy's head, the resulting momentum acting as a piston and driving the Slayer's face into the kitchen floor.

The demon turned as she and Tara started toward him. "I warned her! As for you..." He slapped Willow aside, as an afterthought almost. "...little witch, you're mine!" A pencil-thin beam of emerald light shot out of the jewel on his forehead and enveloped Tara. She screamed as it lifted her off the ground, and threatened to tear her essence apart from the inside out.

On the verge of unconsciousness, Willow lifted her throbbing head. Through tear-filled eyes she saw an image of Tara, floating in mid-air. She seemed to be surrounded by green light for some reason, and each pulse made it that much harder to see her. "No, Tara!" The redhead wasn't sure if she was imagining this or not, but she couldn't stand the thought of her lover being in pain. While every movement made her feel like she was going to pass out she still managed to get to her feet and stumble toward the demon.

Venator saw her coming but there was nothing he could do about it. Once the process was underway it couldn't be interrupted until the cycle was complete. He growled as Willow walked right into the path of the beam. Tara's

barely visible body seemed to reconstitute itself somewhat as she dropped unceremoniously to the floor, while the redhead was lifted into the air and began screaming.

A shimmering, vaguely human-shaped mass of golden energy was torn out of Willow's still shuddering body. It traveled the length of the beam and was swallowed up by the jewel on Venator's brow. The beam ceased, and with a groan Willow slumped to the floor, unconscious and barely breathing.

"What a tasty morsel," said the demon. "Though not quite the prize I was hoping for." He shook his head. "It is a pity the wraith-gem cannot contain more than one soul at a time. Still, I can release this one and..." He sneered at Buffy and Tara. "On second thought, this can work in my favor. With the red-haired one's spirit in my possession I can all but guarantee the cooperation of these two."

"For us to go." The elder Maclay sighed. "You were given a chance few ever receive; to see your beloved again, and to say farewell. But that time is over. We must return now. Eternity is waiting for us." She held out her hand, and helped her daughter to her feet. "I'm sorry."

"Goddess Tara please, listen to me closely." She rested her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "If you refuse to return with me now, you will not get another chance. Your spirit is beginning to discorporate even as we speak, much longer and you may well cease to exist all together. I can't allow that."

"Do you understand what I'm saying to you? There will be no afterlife for you, Tara. You will not move on. You will not find a higher place. Does this woman truly mean so much to you?"

The elder Maclay nodded. "I might have known. You always were a stubborn child. Letting your heart guide you instead of your head." She smiled. "Go. I will wait for you if I can. Though I don't see how, it may yet be possible for you to move on, but time is running out."

"And I love you, dear-heart." The taller blonde closed her eyes, and her body faded away.

Wiping her eyes, Tara walked over to Willow and kneeled beside the redhead. "I'm sorry, sweetie. This is all my fault. The demon was after me. I never meant for you to get hurt."

The blonde turned as she heard the kitchen door burst open. Dawn came in brandishing a sword that was almost too heavy for her to hold at all. She gasped when she saw her sister on the floor. "Buffy!" She dropped the sword and rushed to Buffy's side. "What happened?" Nearby, Willow was laying so still too. "Oh no. I never should have sent her down her. This is all my fault!"

"No," said Tara. "It's the demon who did this. Goddess, we have to find him. He has Willow!"

"I-I need to..." Dawn got up and went to the phone. "Xander! Yes, I know it's late. Yes, it is an emergency. Buffy and Willow are hurt. Can you...okay. I'll...what? You really think I should? If you're sure. Okay, bye." She hung up the phone and took a deep breath. "Anya? Anya, I need you!"

A rather unhappy-looking vengeance demon suddenly appeared in the middle of the room. She was soaking wet and wearing only a towel. "What? Can't you see I'm..." She looked around. "Whoa."

"As you can see, I need some help. Your powers...can you help them?" Dawn shrugged her shoulders. "I mean, I can make a wish, if that'd make any difference."

"Sorry. I'd really love to help, but it doesn't work that way." Energy crackled around Anya, and once it faded she was dry again, and clothed. "You'd be better off calling an ambulance."

Buffy stirred. "No." She rolled over and groaned. "Don't need ambulance. Been hurt worse." She moved, testing her limbs, and groaned again. "Not recently, but..."

"A demon," the Slayer replied. "Gray skin, jewel in the middle of his forehead. I heard him say something about taking our...souls?"

Seeing that Buffy was, for the most part, all right, Dawn crawled over to check on Willow. The redhead's pulse was weak. Her skin also felt clammy. "Buffy? Willow won't wake up."

"Everybody, come on! The more time we waste the further away the demon gets. Goddess! You guys can't hear me at all, can you?" Tara was getting frustrated and angry. "It's not fair! I can explain everything. But we can't help each other if you can't hear me. I wish there was some way I..." Her eyes widened. "Of course! Why didn't I think of this before?" She turned around and lay herself down into Willow's body.

Just as she was about to touch the redhead, Willow's eyes snapped open. Anya's own eyes momentarily glowed as 'Willow' sat up and looked around.

"Not..." Buffy and Dawn made the same gasping noise at the exact same time. "...oh!"

By the time a rather frantic Xander arrived a few minutes later, Buffy was on her feet and handing out weapons to the others. Once they got him calmed down, Tara—in Willow's body—explained what the demon had done, and what they were planning to do about it.

Almost as if on cue, the vengeance demon appeared in the middle of the room. "I followed him to the docks. It looks like he's staked out a place for himself in an abandoned warehouse."

"No!" The younger Summers did her best to look determined as she crossed her arms. "Buffy, come on. I know what you're going to say. I'm not a little girl, and I'm not going to stay here. I helped you fight Willow's monsters so you know I'm not helpless."

The Slayer bit her lip to keep from smiling. "I was just going to say..." She held up her small crossbow. "...make sure you shoot the bad guys. I just bought these pants."

"Take it easy," said the Slayer. "We're all worried about Willow. But you can't go running off half-cocked. Tara, remember, we're all in this together. Okay?"

"I know." Tara lowered her voice. "I'm scared, Buffy. I'm no good with swords..." She held up the weapon. "...and Willow's body isn't able to do magick anymore. Which means I can't use any of the spells I know that might help us out. I'm not sure what good I'm going to be to you."

"Wait." Buffy frowned. "I don't pretend to understand how you guys do...what you do, and I do know Willow got stripped of her magick in England, but why does that effect you? I thought the power your guys have comes from within. It wasn't just taken from her body, was it? It was taken from Willow herself. If you can still do magick, as a ghost I mean, you should be able to do it from inside Will's body. Right?"

After a moment, the redhead shrugged her shoulders. "I honestly don't know, Buffy."

Venator touched the jewel on his forehead, and unleashed a bolt of green light which coalesced into a familiar, spectral figure.

Willow gasped. "What's going on?" She was in a strange place, a warehouse from the looks of it, surrounded by rows of empty shelves, and lit by only a bare bulb in the ceiling. "Where am I?"

"My home." She turned. The demon who had broken into Buffy's house was behind her. "You're my guest, Miss Rosenberg."

"How do you...?" Willow glanced down at herself, and was surprised to find herself semi-transparent. "Oh no! I can't be...I...what did you do to me?"

Venator tapped his forehead. "You're a spirit. As a spirit, you were within the wraith-gem. It is a part of me, and now, so are you. I know all there is to know about you."

"So do I," said the demon. "You would be much more valuable to me. As it is, I'm afraid you would only take up space in the spirit-vessel. Which means, once I have dealt with your friends, I can dispose of you. Oh, and just in case you are thinking of escape, don't bother. Seeing as I am a dealer of souls, I have made arrangements to keep this safe, within and without. No spirit may penetrate these walls."

As Tara, Buffy, Xander, and Dawn approached the warehouse, the door opened from the other side. Anya stuck her head out and smiled.

"Let's split up," said Buffy. "Xander, you and Tara check down her. Dawn and I will go up. Anya..."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Keep looking around and stay in touch." Anya shook her head. "It's almost enough to make me wish I was human again." She disappeared.

Without another word, Tara moved into the next room. Xander hesitated long enough to watch Buffy and Dawn go up the stairs, then rushed to catch up to the anxious redhead. "Hey Will...oh I mean...." He shook his head. "It's confusing. Tara. I meant Tara. Sorry. Slow down, would you?"

He grabbed her shoulder, and turned her around. She was almost in tears. "Tara? What is it?"

"It's my fault, Xander." She wiped her eyes. "If I hadn't come back, if I hadn't been here, the demon might never have attacked us. Willow would be better off without me."

"Please. Demons like this one are a dime a dozen. He probably just happened to be next on the list, and would have come after the Slayer whether you were here or not. As for Willow being better off without you..." Xander smiled. "I think we both know that's not true."

Tara sighed. "Maybe you're right. I can't help Willow by wallowing in self-doubt anyway." A bug darted past her face, and her eyes widened. "There may be another way though."

A few minutes later, after Tara had explained what she was planning to do, Buffy was less than convinced. "Are you sure about this?" The redhead sat cross-legged on the floor, arms outstretched and eyes closed, chanting in a language none of the others understood. The Slayer gripped her sword a little tighter. "Tara?"

A bright, blue-white ball of light formed in front of Tara, who opened her eyes and smiled. "It worked!" She got to her feet. "Find Willow!"

The guiding light took off like a shot. Buffy was able to keep up with it easily enough, but the others could just barely keep up as it flitted down a half-hidden set of stairs, and into a long, dark corridor. Then it came to a solid metal door, which it passed right through it without even slowing down. They, however, had to stop. The door did not even a handle or any visible locking mechanism.

In spite of Venator's warning she had tried to pass through one of the walls in the room, and for her efforts she received an electrical shock that threatened to turn her inside out.

'Goddess,' she said to herself. 'I have to get away. But how? He's holding all the cards?'

From the corner of her eye, Willow noticed a bright light that seemed out of place. She turned her head, to see a blue-white ball of light about the size of a firefly. It flitted around for a moment and then came right at Willow with surprising speed. The redhead's eyes widened as she recognized it.

"Tara." Willow smiled. "I knew you'd come." Tara had found her, and Buffy was probably with her. She would be fine. At least that was what she had almost convinced herself until the guiding light circling overhead drew some unwanted attention. A shadow fell over her. "Damn."

Venator shoved the shelves aside and shook his head. "Nice try, little one. You might have succeeded if not for this spell of yours." His eyes narrowed. "Wait. Spirits can't do magick. You need a body for that. Which means if you didn't do this, then who..."

Something hit the door. Hard. The demon jerked his head around and snarled. "The Slayer! I should have known she wouldn't give up on you so easily!" Both sets of fangs gnashed together. "And with the witch no less! If she is casting, that means she's in a body. That could be trouble." The jewel on his brow started to glow. "Fortunately, it shouldn't be anything a Scour adept can not handle!"

Willow noticed other such jewels on the ceiling, on the walls around them, also glowing. She hadn't seen them before, but now they were filling the room with an eerie green light. It made her body, such as it was, tingle. The jewels emitted a low-frequency, barely audible humming sound.

"Send forth my protectors!" Venator demanded. "Defend me, and I shall grant that which I have denied you until now...oblivion!" Several shimmering masses of pure white light began to swirl and howl around him. "Bring form to the formless! Shape to the shapeless!" The jewel flashed again. "Arise!"

Buffy noticed this, and stopped ramming her shoulder against the door. It wasn't doing anything but making her shoulder hurt anyway. "What?"

"Then it has to be the demon," said Buffy. "Which means he probably knows we're out here."

"I would imagine so," Anya grumbled. "You were making enough noise to wake the dead. Look at that door. Did you really think you'd be able to knock it down?"

Buffy frowned. "You wanna be helpful? Shut up! We need another way in. Anybody got any ideas?"

Tara stared at the door for a moment. "One. Everybody, get back." She began rubbing her hands together. "Look at this. There's no lock. No visible electronics, and no obvious way to open it. Given that it belongs to a demon, I would guess magick's involved." She smiled as she sat down cross-legged on the floor and closed her eyes. "And I know a lot about that kind of spell. My brother asked me to do this sort thing for him all the time. If Dad'd ever found out, we'd both have been in a lot of trouble."

"Recludere et librum!" Tara's eyes went wide. "Recludere et librum! Recludere et librum!" With each chant, her voice got louder and louder. "Recludere et librum!" There was a loud clang from somewhere inside the door, and as they looked on it slowly swung open.

Inside, they discovered an intricate web of green lines of light, connecting green jewels of various sizes on the walls and ceiling. In the center of it all stood the demon, flanked by humanoid beings who appeared to have been formed out of pure white energy, but where flecked with green spots.

Buffy frowned. "You know, I wish you guys would get a new script. It's always the same old tired dialogue with you demons, isn't it?" Anya cleared her throat. "With certain exceptions, of course."

"Laugh while you still can Slayer. You're in over your head this time." Venator nodded. "Do as you like with the others, but the Slayer and the redhead are mine!"

The four spirit-warriors darted forward, their ethereal feet never touching the floor.

This, at least, was something Buffy and the others were used to. A fight. Even if the circumstances themselves, and their surroundings, were unusual.

The Slayer pivoted on her heel and swung her axe, the added momentum practically doubling the force. It was a tactic which had served her well in the past. More than one demon had fallen, all but cut in half, while she moved on to the next one. She expected that to happen here.

Her blade passed right through the glowing thing, without it even slowing down. As she started to turn it lunged at her again, and her second swing had a similar effect. When it lashed out at her though, the Slayer felt a contact just as solid as the hundreds of such blows she'd received over the years. It knocked her head back and sent a jolt of energy across her face. It happened again, and she nearly lost her footing.

Xander wasn't faring much better. His swings, though forceful, were clumsy in comparison to the Slayer's. The sword he was wielding tended to miss more than it landed, and even when he did manage to hit the thing swirling around him it was like cutting through water. The thing shrugged off his blade and slashed back at him, each blow sending jolts of energy into his body. It was getting harder to think straight.

Dawn did her best. The entity didn't even bother to avoid the blade of her short sword. While she had talent she was still inexperienced, and not even as strong as Xander. The glowing entity allowed the blade to plunge deep in to its body, so it could paralyze her blade and get close to her. Its fist went into her chest and came out her back, without physically harming the teenager. Her eyes grew wide as she felt a shock to her heart, then the sword slid out of her hand and she crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Surprisingly, the other spirit wasn't laying a hand on Anya. The vengeance demon seemed bemused as it flew in tight circles around her, howling.

Venator, meanwhile, saw Willow's body walking toward him. He knew it wasn't her in charge though. The spirit within was most certainly that of the witch. He smiled. "Are you planning to use that sword on me? I should warn you, it would be a waste of your time."

"You think so?" Without getting too close Tara held the sword up so the demon could see something glistening on its blade. "In case you can't tell, that's karma oil. You know what it's for, don't you?"

Tara smiled. "Incendere!" The blade of her sword burst into flames, startling the demon. Like Buffy she twirled around and swung the blade to increase the strength of her strike.

Venator twisted easily out of the way. "An admirable effort!" Despite the agony it must have caused he grabbed the burning blade, and ripped it out of Tara's hands. "But futile!" He tossed the weapon aside. "You are mine little witch! And there is nothing you can do about it!"

Willow rose behind the demon, her spectral body filled with green light. "But I can!" She rammed her shoulder into the small of Venator's back, taking him by surprise and actually shoving him forward. Tara rolled out of the way, and looked up to see Willow holding her hand out. "Honey? Are you okay?"

"I-I think so." Tara was confused but happy. She could see Willow, hear her, and touch her, even though she was a spirit as Tara would have been outside of her body. "But, how..."

Willow shook her head. "I don't really understand it either. I think it has something to do with however Venator controls these others spirits, but I'm not sure."

Venator growled. "A miscalculation on my part." He shook his head. "Not that it matters. You can do nothing to me, little one. And your friends are defenseless." Xander and Dawn were unconscious, and even Buffy was down on one knee. Anya appeared to be fine, but she wasn't moving either. "If it makes the two you feel any better, you will be reunited within the wraith-gem."

Venator's pretentious declaration brought to the surface something that had been in the back of Willow's mind for some time. She thought about everything the demon had done, and what he was doing now, and with a flash of insight she knew the answer.

"Tara!" Willow started around the demon. "I know what to do! How to beat him! It's the emerald! It..."

"Silence!" Venator viciously backhanded the redhead, and sent her flying into Tara. The two of them went down in a crumpled heap, and he snorted. "That just leaves the Slayer!"

At that exact moment, Anya appeared right behind the other demon. "And me!" She was holding an ax which she clearly was not comfortable with. As she swung it at him Venator took a step forward and turned around, causing her to miss. "Damn it!"

"Now I understand! My spirit-warriors didn't attack you because you're a demon too! They are easily confused, unfortunately." He clamped his massive hand around Anya's throat, and effortlessly lifted her off her feet. "Sadly for you, I do not suffer from that problem!" He was squeezing just hard enough to keep Anya from concentrating so she could teleport away. Her face started to turn red.

Venator was surprised to feel a sudden upsurge of mystical energy. With his spirit web in place it was difficult to pinpoint the source, but the fact he could sense it at all meant it must have been a powerful being or spell. His demonic flesh crawled as he noticed a growing presence—what would likely be considered a comforting warmth by any mortal being. It washed over the rest of the room, and he turned.

Willow's body was once again on its feet, but something was very different. Her usually pure red hair had been streaked with blonde stripes, and her green eyes were flaked with blue. A pulsing white light surged across every exposed inch of her skin. "It's all over, Venator!" Her resonating voice was unmistakably that of Willow and Tara mixed together. To the demon, so was her intensely bright aura.

"Our souls are as one! More so now than ever! You have no chance against us, demon!" With her powers utterly under control, the blonde-streaked redhead raised one glowing hand. "Abiungere ac liquefacere!" The energies in her palm surged, and Venator felt a tug on his brow.

The demon's eyes grew wide, and he bellowed as he felt the wraith-gem rending at his flesh. "Stop! You can't do this! You don't understand!" The stone burst outward along with a gush of yellow blood, and right before his eyes it seemed to dissolve into nothingness. "No! The wraith-gem...my power!"

"Is but a memory now," said Willow/Tara. "And your former subjects, have been liberated!"

One by one the green gems on the walls and ceiling began to burst, and out surged hundreds, perhaps thousands of lost souls. They screamed and howled as they swept through the air, wildly turning circles and leaving a bright trail of sparkling light behind them. Then collectively they all came blazing down at Venator, who swatted madly at them as they enveloped him in a blindingly bright column of seething energy. He shrieked as they flowed into whatever orifice they could find, and tore at him from the inside.

Willow/Tara backed away, only to bump into Buffy as the Slayer was coming to see what all the light and noise was about. She looked them up and down. "Will? What happened?"

A pale green figure stepped out of Willow's body, and the redhead slumped against the Slayer. Tara, once again spectral, glanced down at herself. "Thank the Goddess."

"Tara," said Buffy. She didn't understand any of this. "I can see you. What's going on?"

"Right here, sweetie." Tara smiled as Willow saw her, and they both sighed. "I don't know for how long though. I feel so weak. Like, I'm tired...but I don't sleep."

"As usual...no." Xander came forward, one arm around Dawn to support the teenager. "But it looks like we won, somehow." He nodded, and they all turned.

Venator lay flat on his back in the middle of the room. They could see massive chest rising and falling, so they knew he was still breathing. But he seemed otherwise lifeless.

Anya, who had just begun to stir herself, sat up and glared at the other demon. Her eyes glowed briefly, as they had done earlier when she was looking at Tara. "His essence is gone. He's an empty shell."

"The other spirits," said Willow. "They must have done to him what he did to them."

"But all of his wraith-gems have been destroyed," said Tara. "So where did they put him?"

Xander shrugged his shoulders. "Who cares? The demon's toast. The ghosts are free. I say we party."

"No!" Dawn pushed herself away from Xander, and shook her head as she glared at each one of them. "How can you all be so happy? Aren't you forgetting something?" They didn't say anything. "Tara! We may have beat the bad guy here, but she's still a ghost. Don't that bother anybody?"

"Of course it does." Buffy tried to put an arm around her sister. "But Dawnie..."

Again, the teenager pushed away. "No! I'm not giving up on her that easily! I want...I know! I know what to do to help." She turned to Anya. "You! I want vengeance, Anya!"

"Don't you think he's suffered enough already?" Xander asked. "I mean, look at him."

Dawn shook her head. "Anya, you can do this. I know you can. So listen." She paused, as if considering her next words very carefully. "I wish..."

At that, Buffy started toward her sister. But Anya held up her hand, and to her surprise the Slayer found herself unable to move. "No one interferes in a wish. Go on, Dawn."

"Thanks." The teenager took a deep breath. "I wish this demon would suffer, for his crimes against humanity, by becoming a human himself. But not just any human. I wish you to permanently transform his body into an honest to God, flesh and blood, living, breathing duplicate of Tara Maclay."

Venator's body seemed to collapse in on itself. Energy surged and crackled around him.

"What?" The vengeance demon blinked as her face returned to normal. "Oh, sorry." She gestured, and Buffy was able to move again. The Slayer stretched her shoulders and tested her limbs. They felt fine now.

Venator was gone. In his place lay a face they had not seen in quite some time, and a body Willow in particular had missed. The creamy skin, the firm breasts, the...it suddenly dawned on her, in a not at all unpleasant way, that the unconscious blonde was completely naked. She blinked.

Dawn's eyes were very much saucer-like, and her cheeks flushed. "I guess, um, I should have wished something about clothes too."

As the vengeance demon rambled on Buffy glanced up at Xander and saw he was staring, slack-jawed. Knowing things would probably get hot in a hurry if either Anya or Willow noticed, she nudged the boy enough to shut his mouth and jar him back to reality. She shook her head.

It was then Willow realized the spectral form of her lover had vanished. "Tara?" So to had the other spirits, who she had last seen swirling and howling around the ceiling. They had vanquished their captor and were most likely reveling in their newfound freedom, or else they had simply moved on. Tara would not just leave her though, she was sure of that. "Where is she?"

Gazing past the redhead, Buffy saw something Willow did not and smiled. "I think I know." She nodded towards Tara's new body, which showed signs of waking. "You'd better go to her."

"Here, Will." Xander took off his shirt, under which he had on a dark blue muscle shirt. "You know, not that I'm complaining or anything, but..."

Willow briefly stuck her tongue out at him as she took it. "Watch what you say about my girl. And, thanks." She rushed to the blonde and kneeled beside her. "Tara?"

After several long, agonizing moments, beautiful blue eyes opened, to gaze up into the most warm, loving face she had ever known. She smiled. "Hi."

"I'm fine." Tara put her arms around the redhead's neck and pulled her down for a kiss. "Now."

Willow and Tara spent the next several days in their room, coming out every so often only to eat, and to assure their friends they were still alive. Much to their chagrin, Buffy told them Slayer hearing let her know that even if she went outside, and Dawn had apparently started wearing earphones while watching TV, in the basement. It was difficult to tell if either one of them was kidding or not.

"Promise me something." Tara lay with her head on Willow's chest, listening to her heart as it slowed, while an errant hand gently ran up and down the length of the redhead's side.

"I'm serious, Will. We came close to being apart for all eternity this time. And not just because of my death. If Xander and Giles and Buffy hadn't stopped you, I'm afraid you would have been lost completely. I can't stand that thought, knowing it was because of me."

"But it wasn't." Willow reassuringly stroked her lover's face. "Tara, I lost control because I'm weak. The magick messed with my mind and it twisted my soul. I just wish I'd seen it sooner. Maybe if I had, you wouldn't have left me in the first place. With you by my side I could have worked through my problems, become a stronger person, and maybe even a better witch." She sighed. "Of course, we wouldn't have needed a reunion then, and we probably wouldn't have been in the bedroom when Warren showed up."

Tara shrugged her shoulders. "It doesn't really matter now. We've got a second...no, a third chance, Will. And I, for one, am not going to miss a minute of it." She grabbed the blankets and pulled them up and over them both as she lunged at the redhead, who shrieked with throaty laughter.

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Shade of Life

By Kirk Baldridge

Kirk@mysticmuse.net