From Dust Returned by Renegade

Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I don't own any of them. They belong to Joss, UPN, ME, WB and whoever else has rights to them. Me personally, I don't have any rights to them – except the characters I made up for the story (Ash, Aleora and whoever else I concoct) No one is getting any money from this – especially not me since, well, I'm still poor.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse http://mysticmuse.net
Just ask – please.
Feedback: Oh yes – yes please – but be kind it's my first time.
Spoilers: None – unless you can tap into the twisted world I like to call my imagination. It's after after Season 7. Or there's spoilers from Season 4 & 5 if you haven't watched them.
Pairing: Willow/Tara Tara/Other Willow/Tara/Other

"So do something about it," Willow grumbled. The elf shifted from one foot to the other unsure. "What's your problem?" The redhead demanded. "The kitchen is that way."

"Easy Willow. Remember she's not from this world, she doesn't know what to eat." Tara clarified for her lover.

"Well, she didn't seem to have that problem with YOU." The hacker muttered shooting Ash a cold look. Tara narrowed her eyes at Willow.

"Dawnie? Would you go help Ash find something to eat?" The blonde spoke slowly keeping her gaze looked on Willow.

"I'm on it," Dawn replied. She bounced in one place then grabbed the elf's hand. "Come on Ash – let me introduce you to the bounteous joy of human food."

The young woman dragged Ash from the living room into the kitchen. Buffy waited until the two were gone before she turned back to the problem at hand.

"Bigger? What could be bigger than Glory and the First?" Buffy asked dropping down on the couch next to Faith. Tara shrugged.

"I don't know exactly. It's like I have a feeling, a sense of what it is b-but nothing definite."

"What do you mean baby?" Willow asked reaching out a hand towards the blonde witch. Tara dropped her head down and bit her lower lip. How could she explain? She closed her eyes and focused on the presence just beyond her senses that she'd been ignoring all night.

Willow was about to try and coax more information from Tara when her lover lifted her head and opened her eyes. The hacker gasped.

The blonde's normally blue eyes where now silver. The pupils were gone and a strange, powerful energy pulsated from Tara. The redhead knew instantly that Tara was no longer in control of her body. Even though Willow knew instinctually that the presence in her lover's body was benevolent it didn't keep the redhead witch from being any less creeped out.

Willow looked quickly at the two Slayers on the couch. Both were staring at Tara wide eyed.

"Peace be among you." Tara, or at least what looked like Tara, said. No one said word.

"I know that this is unusual for you. Though my essence is something the Sorceress," The being in Tara's body looked at Willow, "is familiar with, I know that this is disconcerting for all of you."

Tara smiled gently. "Always inquisitive, aren't you Slayer" I am the Goddess' spirit. The one you call Tara is my prophetess. A vessel in which I work and speak through."

Willow managed to stay upright on the couch. She'd always known that Tara was special but she'd never in her entire life thought she was THIS special. The Sorceress' attention was drawn back as Buffy found her voice again.

"Why are you here? I mean... not that you need to explain your omnipotent presence." The Slayer managed.

"I'm here because the time has come for you to understand your place in the grand scheme of things." The Goddess spoke.

"There is a precious balance in existence," The Goddess began. "Life. Death. Creation. Destruction. All these things come together to form a delicate circle that is, what you consider, reality. When the Slayer died and was resurrected by the Sorceress a small nick in the wheel was formed. Since that time the wheel of reality has been moving forward unevenly causing existence to fragment."

Willow groaned. It was her fault. How many times would the world almost be destroyed because of her choice to resurrect Buffy?

"It is not the Sorceress fault. She was meant to restore the Slayer to life. Her decision was not hers. She acted because of me." The Goddess came to Willow's defense.

"But why? Why would you allow me to do something that would throw reality out of whack?" Willow asked.

"Because that one spell wasn't the first bifurcation in existence. The descent downwards started long ago, when humanity separated itself from the rest of my children. Humans were never meant to live separate from the rest. That in itself upset the balance of things."

"Do you honestly believe that humans are the beginning and end of all that is good? Human reaction to anything different is proof enough that you've already Fallen completely away from nature. Every time one of my creatures happens upon the human realm you react as though it's evil and needs to be dispatched. For example, the half elf. She comes from a realm that has existed before humankind and yet you yourself Slayer thought she was evil, as well as the Sorceress."

Willow looked down sheepishly. True, she had reacted badly towards Ash but that was because of Tara, right?

"Okay, so I'll be the first to admit that humans are all messed up but what does that have to do with the First or Glory or this supposed new big bad?" Faith inquired.

"The First and Glorificus are a test, a distraction." The Goddess replied sagely. "There are two powers coming, a duality. One can not exist without the other; though it tries vehemently to destroy it's other half."

"The powers of Creation and of Destruction. The duality. The ultimate force in the balance of existence. With the resurrection of the Slayer it paved the way towards it's reawakening but it wasn't enough to bring it to 'life'. With the resurrection of this place and all that lived in it – the balance of existence was tipped enough to allow it room to be. Now that it has started its journey there is no stopping it. The Power of Destruction seeks to destroy that is its only purpose. It will use any means possible to keep its other half, Creation, from fulfilling its purpose. If that should happen – of all reality, all of existence, every being of every form – including myself will cease to be."

"No. There are three emissaries that serve Destruction. They submit to the will of that force. There are also three emissaries that serve Creation. The emissaries of Destruction will stop at nothing to destroy those of Creation. If they succeed then Destruction will have dominance and all will cease to be. If the emissaries of Creation remain alive then Creation shall fulfill its purpose and existence will be brought into balance." The Goddess finished.

"I don't get it. Are you saying that this Destruct-o thing is going to come but as long as we keep the missionaries of Creation alive everything will be okay?" Buffy asked.

"Yes. Destruction will have its moment of fury but just as the night turns into day so shall Creation restore all of existence to its proper balance. If you are confused, my prophetess can always reach me with your questions. Blessed be." With that the Goddess was gone and Tara's head dropped to her chest.

Buffy looked around. "Okay, anyone else feeling a little overwhelmed?" At that moment her stomach growled loudly. "And just the tiniest bit hungry?"

"Now, there's really only one food group in humanity and that is the shake group...how do you like them?" Dawn asked Ash as the elf gulped down her third chocolate-Oreo-Lucky charms milkshake in less than five minutes.

The young woman watched in fascination as the elf chugged. Getting to the bottom of the glass, Ash slammed it down and winced, putting the heel of her hand to her forehead and groaning: "I love them."

She opened to top of the blender and dumped the rest of the chocolate ice cream in, followed by the Oreo's and Lucky Charms.

"What are you two doing in here? Making Margaritas?" Buffy asked entering the kitchen followed by Tara.

"Nope. We're making shakes. Much better than alcohol." Dawn spoke cheerfully over the blender.

Three tubs of ice cream were out and empty. Cookie packages littered the counter and a box of Lucky Charms lay on its side.

Dawn opened her mouth to reply but Ash cut her off by holding up the Lucky Charms box and pointing to the leprechaun caricature on it. She grinned at Tara.

"I know him. Well, knew him. He disappeared a while ago. He's so nice to have come up with something this good and shared it with the world." She babbled happily and then chugged the glass of shake Dawn had handed her. The elf's hands trembling noticeably.

"Back to my first question," Tara didn't look at Dawn as she spoke; instead, all eyes were on Ash as the half elf recovered from the brain freeze.

"My god, that's a lot of shake." Tara commented, her blue eyes as wide as saucers.

"More?" Ash asked again. Nobody moved. Ash looked from person to person. "What?"

"OH." Ash exclaimed. "Oh! AH! WHOO-HOO! Whoa, what was that?" Ash wanted to know. Suddenly, she twitched her head and laughed. "Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce?" She began to chant.

"No...well...Dawn, I don't think Ash has ever had sugar before. And now, she's had lots and lots of it..."Tara started to explain. Dawn began to nod in understanding.

"What?" Ash wanted to know switching her chant to: "Boing, boing, boing, boing..."

"Oh, Ash..." Tara sighed. She sank down in a chair dropping her head into her hands.

"Hi. Hi!" Ash greeted them. "Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy... Hey, this is FUN! How do I stop?"

"Well, sweetie, you wait for the sugar to go through your system." Tara reached over and soothed her hand down Ash's arm.

"I-I-I need to go....do something. Something." Ash told them getting out of her seat. "Gotta go outside." She dashed out the back door.

"Whoa, she is gonna crash hard." Faith commented. She bellied up to the bar. "Hey cutie, got any of that for yours truly?"

Buffy pointed out after Ash. "Follow her. Make sure she doesn't get into trouble."

Faith shot Buffy a look and followed after the elf, muttering under her breath, and slamming the door shut behind her.

"No, you're cute – it's just Faith can't think so." Buffy told her sister firmly.

"Because, it's Faith! And... it's Faith!" Buffy repeated trying to make her sister understand.

"I think what your sister is trying to say-" Tara began but was interrupted by a loud crash into the side of the house.

"What is it now?" Buffy sighed. She went to the backdoor and looked out questioningly, then went outside.

"God, B can be so anal." Faith muttered as she stepped out the back door. She caught sight of Ash, who had stripped off her T-shirt, revealing only a dark, form hugging, tank top underneath that showed off the elf's lean body and firm "assets".

The Dark Slayer lifted an eyebrow. "Well now," she murmured, "What do we have here?"

Faith watched as Ash executed flawless forward layouts without the use of her hands. When the elf reached one end of the yard she straightened, bent her knees and began doing standing back flips, again without the use of her hands.

"Damn Ash! Let me call the Olympic team," Faith said in awe. She knew the elf's height made the moves difficult but the height added a beauty and grace she'd never seen to the maneuvers.

Ash did one final flip and landed directly in front of the Dark Slayer. The elf looked her in the eyes and then with a small smile began to look Faith up and down.

Ash rolled with the blow and used her momentum to fling Faith off of her and against the house.

"Ow – nice move there Ash." The dark Slayer straightened and then flung herself onto Ash trying to pin her. The two grappled for a moment playfully. Faith was too focused on the way Ash's body was moving to hear the door slam.

"What are you two doing?" Buffy demanded. Her answer came in the form of Faith whipping out a leg and tripping the blonde Slayer. The Dark Slayer moved off of Ash and pinned Buffy.

"Nothing, just showing Ash here how to 'rassel." Faith winked seductively at Buffy. Buffy opened her mouth to reply when Ash tackled Faith off of Buffy. The two women rolled, Faith again came up on top.

"Don't give up just yet." Faith leered, "We're just getting – oof!" The Dark Slayer was cut off by Buffy knocking Faith off of the Elf.

"Whoa – go B." The Dark Slayer grinned as she looked up at Buffy who now had her pinned. The Blonde Slayer smiled back.

Ash had come up behind Buffy and had dog piled herself onto the two Slayers. With a quick movement she was straddling both Slayers.

"Ha! I win." The elf shouted gleefully. Both Slayers looked disbelieving at the elf and then at each other. Buffy could see the lust in Faith's eyes and though she wouldn't admit it outwardly she knew the same lust was in her own.

"What's going on out here?" Tara asked from the door way. Ash nearly broke her neck whipping her head around.

"Nothing," Ash replied. Tara started toward the three women on the ground. "We were just 'rasseling."

When Tara was close enough she could see the spark and lust in the two Slayer's eyes. She groaned inwardly. She knew that Ash had an effect on women. Tara herself had given into it and in the short time the two had been together – she'd seen quiet a few other women responded to the half elf's presence. Tara realized now that Ash might have a problem with naivety about her power.

'Ash, honey, why don't you get off the Slayers and come inside?" Tara offered her hand. The half elf grinned and stood.

"Thanks for taking all the fun away, Blondie." Faith growled as she stood. "It was just starting to get interesting."

"I bet," Tara muttered wrapping her arm around Ash's waist. Faith spread her hands.

Tara rolled her eyes and guided Ash towards the door. As the elf and the Prophetess entered the Summers' house, Ash asked:

"Because, honey, 'rasseling is-" She stood on her tiptoes and whispered the words into Ash's ear. The elf's eyes went wide.

"Oh. I see." The warrior replied but then frowned. "But I want to, you know, 'rassel."

Tara smiled and pressed herself into the taller woman. "That's okay, baby, you can 'rassel me tonight."

Before Ash could reply, Tara heard a disgruntled Willow harrumph and then angry footsteps out the front door. "Oh Goddess." She looked at Ash. "You stay here okay?"

"And no more sugar, you got that?" Ash nodded again. Dawn came into the kitchen at that moment. "Dawn," Tara ordered. "No more sugar for Ash."

"Willow!" Tara called after the redhead, who was stalking rather quickly down the sidewalk. "Will! Honey, hold on!"

But Willow wasn't listening. Tara's heart wrenched. She hadn't meant to hurt the other woman...well, not really. It was just that she didn't know what to do about Willow's supreme jealousy of Ash.

Tara realized that she had once been in Willow's place when Oz had returned unexpectedly. The difference was, then, Tara had known that Willow and Oz had an intense past together. She'd almost been able to accept losing her new found love. Almost.

Back then, if Will had chosen Oz, despite Tara's assurances to her, the blonde had known she wouldn't have been able to remain friends.

Now, Willow was (sort of) in Tara's shoes. The difference was that Tara was NOT about to give up Ash for Willow or Willow for Ash.

*Will?* She tried mind to mind but found herself blocked rather successfully. She tried again anyway. *Willow? Please, baby, slow down we need to talk. Willow!*

Suddenly, Willow veered off the sidewalk and towards the park. Tara knew the park gates were locked at night and wondered how Willow would get in. However, by the time Tara made it to the fence, there was no sign of the redhead.

Sighing, Tara studied the chain link fence, knowing that she could never scale it. Then, about two feet to her left, she felt a slight tingle, that of magicks being used. She turned, but saw nothing. The aftertaste that was there, however, Tara knew was Willow.

Drawing on some of her newfound power, Tara levitated herself over the fence. As soon as she was on solid ground once more, she felt a trail. Willow was trying to lead her somewhere.

Curious, Tara followed. The trail of magicks led Tara on a meandering path. Then, suddenly, in front of the big metal slid, the path ended.

Confused, Tara began to circle the base of the slide. She walked all the way around it and saw no trace of Willow or anyone else. Bewildered, the blonde tried to search the playground from her position but the lack of moon light or street lamps of any kind made that difficult.

Tara was beginning to tire of whatever game Willow was playing. She REALLY needed to talk to her, try to explain about her and Ash. Just as she was about to go home – Tara heard her name, almost a whisper, carried on the wind.

This wasn't Willow; Willow didn't use magicks like this anymore. Not even as a tease. Who was it? Where was Willow?

"What's the matter? You have a fight with your lover? Again? Tsk. Terrible how we always seems to meet like this."

Tara froze, scared stiff. Everything in her screamed to flee, throw up all kinds of shields and never look back. But, she couldn't move. Memories flared in her mind:

*Sitting alone on a bench in this same park. Feeling as though her world had ended. A hand slipping into her own. A face, framed by long, curly reddish hair. An evil, purely malevolent smile. Such brightly intense eyes.

And then the pain; pain so intense it would have taken Tara to her knees had she been standing.

Still. That same cold smile. Those eyes. She couldn't call for help. Nobody could save her then. Or now.*

Tara was visibly trembling now, as Glory approached her. The hell god circled her like cat getting ready to pounce. Tears began to fall from Tara's eyes as she relived over and over that day in the park.

Glory finally stopped circling her and stood directly in front of Tara, only a foot away. Tara wanted to cower or run.

"Without you, we win." Glory replied simply. "Shh," she added as a whimper escaped Tara. "First you, then the witch, then the elf. Real easy. But first..." The god leaned forward until her face was only centimeters away from Tara's. "I've always wondered what this would be like..."

Willow was suddenly beside her and Glory did back up. Willow grabbed Tara's hand and the blonde sighed with relief.

The god laughed manically. "Oh, this is too perfect! Mmm, two birds with one stone. Yummy."

"I don't think so, hellbitch." Willow shot back. "If I were you, I'd run now. Go back to your non-corporeal master before we kick your skinny ass back to last Tuesday."

"Oooh," Glory mocked, "Are you gonna hit me with lightning again? Or will it be knives? Please!"

The redhead's mouth was set in a determined line. Her green eyes narrowed to a glare at the hell god.

Tara felt a swell of pride and courage. She stopped shaking and faced Glory the same way she had when the god had threatened her before. Tara had been strong for Dawnie then, she could do the same for Willow now.

The blonde witch straightened her spine and stood as tall as she could. She saw Willow smile faintly.

Glory noticed the change and smirked. "Oooh. Got a spine after all? No problem. It'll just be more fun when I rip it out."

The redhead uttered one word and the god disappeared. Willow stumbled and Tara helped her to the ground.

"Will, are you all right?" Tara questioned, concerned. Even as powerful as Willow was, that teleportation spell had always been difficult.

"Could never to that without you," Willow replied. "And look – no headache or bloody nose. I'm just drained. Are YOU okay?" She reached a hand up to touch Tara's cheek, then hesitated and dropped her hand.

"Where did you come from?" Tara asked, her heart sinking a bit when Willow lowered her hand without touching her. *Ouch*

Willow swore as Tara helped her to her feet. Willow's eyes roamed over the figure of the hell god, who was smirking at them. "Aww, isn't this a sweet sight?"

Willow opened her mouth to say something, and then snapped it shut. Her eyes narrowed at Glory, and then she looked at Tara.

"See, we're standing in sand and look, footprints. That," Willow pointed with her thumb, "has no footprints. It's non-corporeal."

The First shifted and became the creepy Preacher. "Very good," it drawled, "You're always a surprise, witch. Tell me, where did you send Glorificus?"

Willow shrugged. "Guess you'll have to find her, won't you? I never was very good with that spell. Come on Tara, let's go." Willow guided Tara and they turned their backs on the First.

"Stupid, sinning bitches. You'll regret this." Caleb sputtered ineffectually. The two continued walking.

After Willow showed Tara the hole in the park fence she had used to get in, they began the walk home in silence. Finally, Tara couldn't stand it anymore.

"Cleveland. Our old apartment. It'll take a while for the First to bring her back and it'll think twice about sending her after us again." Willow replied with a grin. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah. Just...Glory. You know?" Tara replied. Willow nodded. She led Tara over to a bench along the sidewalk.

"But how... You did...Ash...And you said... you didn't want me tonight." Willow moped.

"You said you wanted to 'rassel her. And I understand that you didn't know me a day ago, but you do now... and you love her more than me." Willow almost finished in a wail.

"Sweetie. Willow, try to think of it like this: You love the Goddess, right? You serve her. You do magicks and are bound to her. But you were born Jewish and also have ties to that part of your life."

"Um, try this one instead. I am a conduit for the Goddess now. Ash opened my mind when she gave me back to you and that is part of this whole thing. It's something I just KNOW. You saw the Goddess speak through me earlier." Tara took a breath letting that sink in for Willow.

"Well, like the Goddess, my love is big enough that I can love more than one person Will. I know it seems strange and I know that you have every right to be hurt and angry and resent Ash. You should give her a chance, though, she's really quite sweet."

"Xander said the same thing about Anya. Do you remember the Troll?" Willow protested.

"Yes, I do." Tara replied with a slight smile. "I also remember that when you and Anya finally talked it out, things were okay."

Willow opened her mouth and then closed it, without saying a thing. Tara knew she'd gotten her point across. She stood and held her hand out.

"I know we still have some things to talk about baby. But, could we go back to the house? I'm kind of chilly." The blonde raised an eyebrow.

"Sure." Willow took her offered hand and got to her feet. She swayed and Tara caught her.

Tara laughed aloud. She drew Willow into a hug and then bent her head down a bit, meeting her love's waiting lips. Willow sighed sadly when they finally parted.

Wrapping her arm around Willow, Tara smiled to herself. Yes, Willow definitely need some Tara snuggles.

Tara giggled. "I just want to check on Ash. I'll be right up. I promise, sweetie."

Tara laughed again and fully embraced Willow. She laid her head on Willow's shoulder and nuzzled the redhead's neck. Her hand rubbed up and down the length of Willow's back. After a few minutes, she let go and stood back.

Ash and Dawn were seated on the couch in front of the TV. They appeared to be watching Lord of the Rings, a battle scene.

Actually, Ash was the only one watching; Dawn had fallen asleep with her head pillowed comfortably on Ash's chest.

The elf, however, was wide awake and mesmerized by the movie. On her lap was a giant blue plastic bowl, half empty, of Carmel popcorn. She also held a can of soda which she absently moved to her mouth to take a sip. Other cans of various flavored carbonated beverages sat empty on the coffee table.

"Dawnie," she spoke the young woman's name and Dawn startled awake. She quickly wiped a hand across her mouth to make sure she hadn't been drooling.

"Hi. Um, I thought we said no more sugar for Ash?" Tara scolded gently, though she was smiling.

"Sugar? Oh, yeah. Um...would you believe that the pop is sugar free? Diet? And, um," She looked at the now nearly empty bowl of popcorn. "Hey, Ash, I told you that was MINE. No more sugar for you. Gimme." She swiped the bowl off of Ash's lap.

Without taking her eyes off the television, Ash reached out a hand and grabbed futilely at the air, never once even coming close to the bowl. She frowned, then sighed, took a drink, and gave up.

Dawn stood up, yawned and stretched. "Maybe I should head upstairs to bed," she suggested.

Tara raised her eyebrows. "Upstairs? Isn't Jeanette – I mean Faith – downstairs?"

"Yeah. You're right. Buffy went to bed already but I bet Faith would like some company. And popcorn." Dawn grinned. "Thanks for being so cool about it. You should give Buffy lessons."

"Huh? Hey." Ash replied not looking away from the battle scene. "This is extremely inaccurate but way cool. Way cool?" She shrugged, still not understanding a lot of the words that came out of her mouth.

Tara had to smile at that. "Ash, I'm going up to bed. With Willow," she told the elf.

Rolling her eyes skyward, Tara stuck her hand in front of Ash's eyes. Ash simply ducked out of the way. She took another drink of soda and unleashed a belch loud enough to be heard in the next county.

Again, Tara moved her hand in front of Ash's face. The half elf used her free hand to reach up and move Tara's hand.

"Ash." Tara said, a bit impatient. *Note to self.* She thought, *Ash plus T.V equals bad.*

*Okay, now, she's apparently channeling my inner child.* Tara glanced around, spotted the remote to the TV on the coffee table, picked it up and pressed the POWER button. Lord of the Rings winked out. Ash's response was instantaneous.

"Huh? Wha – NO! Bring it back! I wanna know what happens! What happens?" she cried.

"Oh. Hey! That's not fair!" Ash protested. She pried her eyes from the blank television screen and up to Tara. "Ta-ra!" She whined.

Tara had to fight to keep a straight face. Ash's big blue eyes were just too cute.

"Honey, maybe you should go upstairs to bed." She suggested trying her best seductress voice. The voice that always worked on Willow.

"Neither am I." Tara bent down and whispered the words into Ash's delicately pointed ear. "You owe me a 'rasseling match."

Tara giggled as Ash jumped to her feet, grabbed Tara by the hand and ran for the stairs. Tara, however, planted her feet and Ash nearly yanked her arm out of the socket.

Holding back a grimace, Tara tugged Ash into her and wrapped her arms around the elf. She stood on her tip-toes and planted a kiss on Ash's lips. After a moment, Ash kissed her back.

"Honey, why don't you go on and I'll meet you upstairs in the bedroom? I want to check on Dawnie."

"First door on the left, across from the bathroom." Tara told her. She gave Ash one more kiss.

"Absolutely. I promise. Just meet me in the bedroom." Tara ordered. Ash grinned, and then made for the stairs almost at a run.

Tara herself grinned and settled back down on the couch. She turned the television back on. As she began to watch, she wondered idly just how much time she should give them.

Ash decided that she needed to use the bathroom before she went to bed. At least she could figure out how a toilet worked, although she couldn't figure out why humans called it a toilet.

While she was there, she noticed a container that Tara had had in her dorm. Tara called it clothes hamper. She said that it was where she put her dirty laundry before she went to bed. Ash looked down at her clothes. They were torn and covered in dried demon guts.

So, she stripped down and deposited them in the hamper. Then she crossed the hall and opened the bedroom door. She stopped short at the sight that greeted her.

She was lying on the bed as naked as Ash was in the doorway. Her eyes were closed and she was deep in meditation. Or so it seemed.

"Ash!" she cried. She grabbed at the blankets and quickly burrowed under them, her face turning a bright shade of crimson. "W-what are you doing here? Where are your clothes?"

The elf shrugged. "Tara sent me up here. My clothes are in the hamper," she replied matter-of-factly. She was intrigued by Willow's reaction to her. "Are you okay?"

All Willow was doing was staring at her. Then, the redheaded sorceress was projecting subconsciously into Ash's mind:

"Tara sent you up here?" The redhead squeaked she still had the blankets pulled up to her chin.

The taller woman nodded, deciding to project her own thoughts into Willow's mind:

Willow closed her eyes trying to clear out the steamy images. Ash noticed that Willow, like the elf, was breathing heavily. The redhead opened her eyes. The green there was smoldering.

"What else did Tara say?" Willow managed letting the covers drop. For the first time Ash took in the erotic sight that was the Sorceress' breasts.

Her nipples were swollen hard. The breasts themselves were just barely a hand full but they beckoned deliciously to Ash. The elf shifted her weight uncomfortably as she noticed her own wetness begin to form at the luscious sight before her.

"She said that she would be up in a minute and that I should wait for her here," Ash replied completely entranced by the way that the sheets had fallen to Willow's hips.

Just above the dark blue of the soft material, the elf could see a thin strip of red curls the led down to Willow's center. Even from where Ash stood she could smell Willow's arousal and it was all she could do not to lunge herself towards the Sorceress and nuzzle her way down to the source.

"That's funny she said the same thing to me," Willow stated, her voice husky. "Now, what do you think she could be planning?"

Ash shook her head as she licked her lips. Her mind really wasn't on what Tara's intentions for them were; she was focused on what Willow's intentions for her were. There was silence.

The elf didn't need to be invited twice. In a flash Ash was kneeling in front of Willow. The elf's lips were mere inches from the Sorceress'.

"Can I kiss you?" Ash asked her breath warm on Willow's face. The redhead nodded slowly and closed her eyes as the warrior passionately caught her lips in a feverish kiss. Willow reached out her hands and caught Ash's breasts in them. Causing the Warrior to inhale sharply and gently bite Willow's lower lip.

Willow moaned into the kiss and squeezed Ash's nipples as she pressed back into the kiss and tried to get the upper hand on the elf.

The redhead pushed forward, never breaking the lip lock, as she too got up onto her knees. Her hands ran down Ash's front to the woman's hips and she dug her fingers into the toned flesh there.

It was Ash's turn to moan as she reached out and traced down the sides of Willow's breasts before breaking the kiss and moving her mouth to Willow's neck. The redhead groaned and tilted her head to the side to allow the warrior more access to her sensitive neck.

Willow pushed her hands around from Ash's hips to her butt and squeezed. She'd always been a self proclaimed breast woman but the elf's ass was firm and the redhead found herself turned on by the soft muscled flesh under her hands.

The Sorceress' gasped as Ash bit the side of her nipple. There was a small amount of pain to the bite but it served to increase the redhead's arousal.

"Please," Willow managed as the elf sucked and nipped at the taut flesh. The redhead could no longer deny the wet ache between her legs. "Please."

Willow would later realize that Ash wasn't one to deny. At the redhead's plea the elf detached herself from her breast and lowered her upper body, wedged her shoulders between and then behind the Sorceress' thighs. Then with easy strength lifted the redhead onto her shoulders so that Willow's center was level with Ash's mouth. The elf shuffled forwards a foot until Willow's back was pressed against the wall above the head board.

Ash raised her shoulders slightly so that Willow literally slid into the warrior's mouth. Ash began to lick the side of the redhead's clit. Slowly, agonizingly avoiding direct contact. The desire built up inside of Willow until she was pressing her shoulders against the wall and pushing herself more into Ash's mouth.

Willow bucked trying to get direct contact. Just once would send her over the edge. But the elf skillfully kept her tongue away from the Willow's clit. Ash snaked her tongue down until the tip was just inside of Willow. She then began to run her tongue on the rough flesh just inside the Sorceress' entrance.

"Oh fuck, god damn it!" Willow screamed as she bounced against Ash's shoulders. Her build up was becoming too much she needed release. She reached down and grabbed the elf's hair pulling her head into her tighter. She needed something, anything, to send her over the edge.

Willow and Ash's desire hit Tara hard. It was enough to blur her vision and make her chest heavy.

She panted heavily as she turned off the television and looked up towards the stairs. She smiled knowingly as she caught the mental flashes that Willow and Ash were passing back and forth to each other.

I knew those two couldn't resist each other, she mused panting slightly from the sheer sexual energy she could almost see pouring down the stairs.

The blonde nearly bolted upstairs as the desire began to build. She was half way up when she felt the first wave of pleasure come from Willow. It was enough to make her lean heavily against the wall. She smiled seductively to her self, knowing that Ash had probably taken Willow into her talented mouth.

Tara grinned madly. Willow didn't cuss often in bed unless she was built up to the point of no return. The blonde pushed open the door and saw an amazing sight that increased her arousal ten fold.

Ash had Willow seated on her shoulders facing her. The elf's head was buried between Willow's thighs as the redhead bucked helplessly against the wall, her hands gripping the elf's hair tightly.

Tara knew that Willow was close but Tara also realized that Ash wouldn't give her what she needed to come until Willow asked. Taking pity, selfishly, on Willow. Tara pulled off her shirt and slipped out of her bra. She pulled off her pants and silently stole up to the bed.

Tara could smell both women's arousal and it made her mouth water. She wanted desperately to taste the ambrosia that Ash was feasting on. She wanted equally to pin the elf down and ravish her.

She released a silent moan and slid up beside the two. Reaching below Willow with her right and sliding down Ash's front with her left she plunged into both Willow and Ash at the same time.

Willow's eyes shot open and Ash's body tensed as they simultaneously climaxed from the unexpected penetration. Their mutual sexual energy and gratification shot through Tara, pooling in her abdomen and bringing the blonde to orgasm.

"Taaaraaa!" Willow screamed as she continued to buck against Ash's face and Tara's hand. Tara was so involved in the sight of Willow and her own orgasm she didn't notice Ash adjusting so that she could drop her right arm and reach around the blonde and entering her from behind.

"Ash," she managed as she felt the elf's fingers find her dripping opening and enter her. The elf didn't stop there she used her thumb to gently massage her sphincter muscle driving the blonde to another orgasm. At that moment – the elf bit down on Willow's clit sending both witches over the edge.

The elf stilled and let the two ride out their mutual waves of pleasure. Willow and Tara had locked eyes as they experienced their climaxes. Ash gently pulled herself from Tara and gently let Willow down off of her shoulders.

"You're telling me," Tara smiled leaning down and kissing the redhead passionately.

"She's strong." Willow stated looking at Ash who was ginning slightly sitting with her elbows rested on her knees.

"I know. She's never done that with me." Tara pouted in good nature at the elf. Ash's grin got bigger.

"No, it isn't." Tara smiled and Willow's mouth went dry. She knew that smile. It was her Dom smile. The blonde looked at Willow. The elf didn't stand a chance.

"I mean," Tara replied running her finger tip in circles over Willow's stomach while she looked steadily at Ash. "Did you get a chance to lay claim to her?"

Willow shook her head as her smile grew. She'd missed this. Missed it when Tara took charge in the bedroom. Heck. She'd just missed Tara period. But, especially, when she got all take charge in the bedroom.

"Will. Honey. Do you have any toys?" Tara asked huskily. She paused and looked quickly at Willow breaking character for a second. "You still have some right?"

Willow went to the closet and rummaged around until she found the harness and dildo she was looking for and returned. Tara smiled approvingly as she moved to let Willow put the harness onto her.

The Sorceress' looked up at Ash who looked equal parts intrigued and scared. The redhead cheered silently. Only Tara could make someone look like that.

Yep, it's good to have her back. Willow smiled to herself as she adjusted the harness on Tara's hips.

As Willow tightened the final harness strap on Tara's hip she sighed lustfully. She'd always loved it when Tara used toys. She was so sexy when she slipped into the dominating side of her psyche.

Tara's eyes were hooded with desire and the need to possess. Her full breasts moved with the heaving of her chest. The redhead could smell the sweet arousal coming from the blonde Wiccan and from the small, almost unnoticeable, movements Tara was making with her hips – Willow knew what was going to happen next.

Tara was going to fuck somebody. Whoever it was was in for the ride of their life.

Willow silently hoped it was her. It'd been so long since she'd used toys in the bedroom. Kennedy wasn't one for them. She'd always be vehement, "If I wanted a penis I'd get a man."

"Will, honey, could you crawl up to the head of the bed behind Ash?" Tara's voice cut into Willow's lustful thoughts.

The Sorceress nodded and started towards the head of the bed where Ash was sitting staring wide eyed at the silicon appendage fastened to Tara's crotch.

Well, it might be fun. I don't think the Elf has any idea what's going to- "Oh Gods!" Willow cried out as she felt the dildo thrust into her from behind.

She'd been moving up towards the Elf with her back to Tara, giving the blonde easy access to take Willow from the back.

A smile spread across Tara's face as she withdrew almost all the way before slamming deeply into the redhead. It had been a long time since Tara had taken Willow like this and the blonde had almost forgotten what an exhilarating feeling it was to take the beautiful redhead in this position.

The two witches fell quickly into a natural rhythm. For each of Tara's thrusts, Willow bore down on the dildo, grinding the base into Tara's clit. Combined with Willow's grunts and panting – the stimulation was about to send Tara over the edge.

Fighting the overpowering urge to come, Tara ran her hand up Willow's spine as she continued to thrust harder. She wrapped her hand around the back of Willow's neck and growled: "Let's give her a show."

Willow's arousal shot up several notches at Tara's comment. Willow might have been a self proclaimed voyeur – but she wasn't beyond exhibitionism.

Pushing up from the bed she settled herself down on Tara's thighs as she continued to thrust up and down on the dildo. She opened her eyes to see Ash staring in wide eyed lust at her body and breasts which bounced with each thrust.

Willow moaned she was almost there. Tara reached around and began to pull and twist Willow's nipples as the redhead ran her hands up to her hair.

The blonde began to whimper a little and Willow knew Tara was coming. Thrusting down hard one last time the two witches came together, screaming each other's name.

They collapsed in a sweaty heap. Tara gently withdrew the dildo kissing Willow's neck softly.

"I love you baby," she whispered as she detached the strap on and laid it aside. The two cuddled just enjoying each other's presence.

Ash looked questioningly at the strap on the lay next to her knee. She'd seen males before but the thing she couldn't get passed was why would humans recreate various parts of anatomy to be used in sex?

Picking up the strap on, Ash held it up in front of her face and studied it. It was covered in Willow's sex and the sight and smell was turning the Elf on even more than the sensuous sight of Tara claiming her lover from behind. Ash licked her lips an idea half forming in her head.

"Something interesting, sweetie?" Tara asked. She'd tilted her head to look up at Ash when she'd caught bits of the Elf's thoughts. Ash tore her eyes from the toy and looked at Tara who had a half smirk on.

"Sure. You can try it out. Will? Would you be so kind?" Tara's voice had taken on its husky quality again as she took the strap on out of Ash's hand.

Willow grinned and nodded. The blonde witch helped her into the strap on and tightened it down on the redhead's hips.

"Play nice," Tara whispered into Willow's ear before moving away and taking up her position behind Ash. The Prophetess pulled the Elf back so that Ash was reclining against her. She gently ran her finger tips over Ash's arms and breasts.

"Just relax," she whispered into Ash's ear as Willow came up between Ash's legs. The redhead smiled as she positioned the tip at Ash's entrance.

"Willow knows what she's doing," Tara continued assuring Ash. She could sense the half elf's nervousness. Willow ran her hands up Ash's thighs lightly before gripping Ash's hips tightly and thrusting into the elf.

Ash's sharp intake of breath was half discomfort and half arousal. Willow found a gentle rhythm at first. Slow and steady, while Tara caressed Ash's nipples and breasts. The redhead kept the pace until she noticed Ash beginning to counter thrust harder. Smiling to herself, Willow began building the tempo and power.

"That's it," Tara finally whispered when she could feel both of her lover's arousals were at the breaking point. "Let her take you Ash. Come for her."

At Tara's words, Ash let out a primal cry and climaxed. Her energy being enough to push Willow over the edge.

Willow cried out and collapsed onto Ash breathing heavily. Tara stroked Willow's hair with one hand and Ash's face with the other. She smiled at the sight of her two lovers spent from their passion.

Tara looked out the window at the beautiful sunny morning. Down below Ash and Willow were out in the back yard meditating.

This wasn't unusual. In the past three weeks the two had become very close. Willow had decided, after their night together, to let her animosity towards the half elf rest and the two had become fast friends even though they for some odd reason refused to be anything more than that with each other.

Willow had confessed to the blonde witch that while she cared about and for Ash – she couldn't bring herself to be anything more because she was in love with Tara and there was no one else that could ever even come close towards possessing her heart the way Tara did. Though, in a moment of pure Willow babble, the redhead had admitted a strong physical attraction to the elf and she wouldn't be opposed to the occasional "monkey lovin'" session with her.

Tara had confessed, in return, that she too loved Willow with every fiber of her heart, soul and body but she couldn't deny her feelings for Ash and that the elf would always be close to her in one way or another.

It took a few days for Willow to accept the idea that there was no getting rid of the half elf and after that knowledge was accepted the redhead had warmed up to Ash. Even going so far as to inviting the elf to audit some of her human sexuality, psychology and sociology courses at UC Sunnydale, which Ash enjoyed immensely.

The elf had subsequently amazed the redhead and Tara by her capacity for comprehension and understanding of these 400 level classes. The two would involve themselves in a debate for hours after they returned home, disputing theories just for disputing sake. Most of the time their arguments were even lost on Tara.

The Slayer at these times would leave and go patrolling. The First and Glory had seemingly gone on hiatus and all that was around Sunnydale in the past few weeks were the garden variety of vamps and demons passing through.

The Scoobies didn't delude themselves though. They knew that it was only a matter of time before they returned and when they did – it was most likely going to be on an apocalyptic scale.

Giles, Buffy, Willow and Xander spent nearly every day combing through old volumes trying to come up with any reference towards the prophecy the Goddess had made reference to – but to no avail.

Ash had told them one day while messing around Giles' kitchen trying her hand at cooking, that there was no way they were going to find anything in human books about the prophecy. That they only record she knew of was held in the elfin lands by the council.

Once in a while after meditating, Ash would come in with some useful information that she had received from her "hook-up". The most interesting piece, though not so interesting to the blonde, was that Ash, Willow and Tara were the three emissaries of Creation.

Giles' and everyone instantly hit the books and began to research. Tara on the other hand had shrugged and gone outside to garden.

She had already known this. Glory had inadvertently told her. Also, for some reason she felt as though she had always known this. Besides, she had her own problems to think about.

Tara sighed, pulling her eyes away from the window and her revelry and looked at the clock beside the bed:

It was the impatience, Tara mused, and that had been her first sign that was wrong.

No, it wasn't the impatience – it was the mood swings and the irritability. It was the crying over stupid commercials on T.V while fighting off the urge to vomit. It was the nauseous feeling that stayed with her every morning and then went away only to come back the next morning.

But the coup de grace was the fact that she hadn't had her period in the seven weeks that she had been back.

Tara knew it was impossible. But then again she'd lived on a hell mouth long enough to know that the impossible was very possible. Proof of that was, she was alive when she was suppose to be dead, living in a town that had been obliterated and sleeping with an elf two to three nights a week.

The blonde flexed her fingers. She decided that it was entirely possible that the past three minutes were the longest in her life. Stupid test.

Tara closed her eyes and breathed deeply, trying to quell the questions that flooded her mind.

What was she going to do if she was pregnant? A better question was how did she get pregnant? Obviously, the pregnancy was of the supernatural type, was it a good supernatural or a bad supernatural? But most of all how was Willow, the love of her life, going to take the news?

Tara moved slowly towards the dresser that she had set the test down on. She felt the urge to close her eyes and try and delude her mind into thinking it was all just a dream, but she resisted that urge. Summing up all of her courage, she reached down and picked up the test in her shaking hands.

The blonde Wiccan felt a ray of emotions well up inside her. She was inherently happy that she was pregnant but that was mostly overwhelmed by the sick nervous feeling that was playing about in her stomach.

She set the test back on the dresser with a laugh even as the tears started coming out of her eyes. Stupid mood swings.

Suddenly, the sick nervous feeling gave way to just a sick feeling and the blonde lunged towards the window ripping it open, wanting nothing but fresh air.

Ah, Prophetess it's an honor to finally be able to speak with you. A gentle voice entered her head.

Great, I'm losing my mind and hearing voices now. Tara mused bitterly as she sucked in huge gulps of fresh air.

You are not losing your mind. I am Aleora, Elderess of the Elfin Council and Ashlan's benefactor and friend. the female voice introduced herself.

You have proof that elves exist. You've taken one into your bed and now you carry her child. Aleora soothed Tara through her telepathic link to the Prophetess.

Tara turned her head and glanced out the window and down into the yard. Willow and Ash were now running through focusing exercises that reminded the blonde of Tai Chi. Ash had taught Willow the exercises in payment for Willow teaching Ash how to make coffee.

"We put it to techno music," the Warrior had joked when Tara had asked her how such a calming and graceful movement routine that looked anything but strenuous could zap all of Willow's physical energy. The blonde had looked Ash confused and then realized why everyone called Tara's humor quirky – if the elf's jokes were anything like hers.

You're worried about how your soul mate will take the news? Aleora's voice brought Tara out of her memory.

Don't worry the child is also hers. Your pregnancy and the child were prophesized a long time ago. This was meant to happen. The Goddess has willed It. Aleora assured her.

Why this? Why now? Tara questioned desperately as she watched her lovers move in synchronicity with each other.

Tara's mind was whirling. How had things changed so drastically? Her life, her death, her resurrection and now she was pregnant against all probability. How had it all arrived here?

The blonde sobbed and leaned heavily against the window sill. She wanted nothing more than to return to the way things had been. Before Glory, before everything. She wanted to return to the moment when she'd first laid eyes on Willow. That simple, pure moment when nothing was complicated and everything was clear.

Worry not, dear child. Things shall work out fine. I know right now is not the best time for a discussion. But we MUST talk. When you are at a better point emotionally we shall contact you. Until then, fear not and protect the unborn child. with that the presence from her mind was gone.

No wonder Ash always complains about the council – could they be anymore blunt, vague and short with me? Tara wondered.

Taking a few deep breaths Tara tried to figure out her best course of action. She had to tell them somehow. She just didn't know whether or not to tell them both at once or one at a time.

She and Willow had always talked about how they wanted to start a family. Willow had even gone so far as to look at a few spell books to see if there was anyway that they could make a child together without the help of a third party. But Ash…

Tara didn't know how the elf felt about children, let alone how she would feel about being a parent. She didn't know how Ash would react to the news that somehow Tara had gotten pregnant, most likely, by Ash's doing.

Making her decision, Tara straightened and headed downstairs. She had to do it now before she lost her nerve. Hopefully, Willow would react the way that Tara had always envisioned – happily with lots of kisses.

Tara pushed open the back door just as the two were finishing up. The blonde made her way across the yard. The dew making her bare feet slick with moisture.

"Hey lady," she said and come forward to hug Tara, but the Prophetess in her worried emotional state, hesitated and dropped her head down so that her hair fell forward hiding her face.

Ash stopped in her tracks. She knew from her joining with Tara, that the veil was Tara's way from shielding herself from a situation. The elf cocked her head at the blonde wanting desperately find out what was wrong but knowing that Tara wouldn't say anything until she was ready.

Ash thought about trying telepathically but with one touch of Tara's mind she knew the blonde's mental shields were up high.

"Willow c-can I talk to you? Please?" She asked quietly looking desperately at her lover.

"Sure baby," Willow soothed realizing that there was something troubling Tara. "Do you want us-?"

"NO!" Tara didn't mean to shout but it came out that way. From behind her hair she saw Ash flinch at the outburst and then the Elf dropped her head down a little. "I just want to talk to you, r-right n-now." The blonde finished quietly.

Willow looked sideways at Ash with a sympathetic smile. The redhead could see the visible hurt and confusion on the half elf's face. She could sympathize - she'd been on the receiving end of Tara shutting her out emotionally before. It was painful. Having Tara's love was like having the sun to yourself and when it was gone suddenly it felt cold and dark.

The redhead didn't know what Ash had done – but she could at least sympathize with the elf. She didn't envy Ash's position.

Willow went to Tara and offered her hand to the blonde. Tara took it and with a look at Ash started inside.

The Warrior watched them go. Tara turned briefly looking at Ash over her shoulder before going inside. The door shut and suddenly Ash's emotions flared inside her chest.

Hurt. Pain. Confusion. All of these things tore through the elf's heart. Ash felt as though she couldn't breathe.

Without a second thought, Ash took off out of the yard and down the street. She didn't know what she was doing or where she was going – but she felt that she needed to run as fast as she could or else her chest would explode.

Tara felt guilty as she followed Willow's lead into the house. She hadn't meant to shun Ash the way she had. She had just wanted to talk to Willow first.

She wouldn't be able to handle the rejection if Ash reacted that way, and Tara needed to know that she had Willow's support first if for some reason the elf was to reject her. She couldn't do it alone.

Perhaps, it was the insecurity that had caused Tara to react the way she had to Ash, but whatever it was, when Tara turned back to look at Ash, all she could see was pain across the elf's features.

It was all she could do not to run back and comfort the half elf. But she reminded herself that she needed to make sure Willow would be there before she could make things clear and right with Ash.

Please, baby, don't do anything rash. Tara begged the Elf silently but she could feel that Ash was blocking her mentally. The blonde kicked herself. She shouldn't have been so short with the warrior. Ash was sure to take it the wrong way and react accordingly.

"So, what's on your mind baby?" Willow asked shaking Tara from her revelry. Tara looked around and realized that they were in the living room. Luckily, Buffy and Dawn weren't home.

"Um… it's.. a-ah….," Tara swallowed hard. She didn't want her stutter to come out. Not at a moment like this. The blonde said a quick prayer to the Goddess for strength.

"It's all right sweetie, you can tell me." Willow ran her hands over Tara's arms.

The blonde looked into Willow's eyes. All she found was truth, compassion and love there. Tara relaxed a little as she felt Willow give her hands a squeeze.

Encouraged, Tara swallowed one last time and then looked Willow square in the eye.

The world shifted a bit under Willow's feet and she suddenly found it very hard to stay upright.

Stupid shifty world. Always moving when you don't want it to. Earth just feels the need to move on it's axis at the wrong times. Spinning at a thousand miles per hour at the equator…

"Willow? Are you okay baby?" Tara's voice was small and unsure. Willow pulled herself out of her mental babble.

"Uh, yeah. Um, here's a silly question – how? 'Course, it's only a silly question everywhere else in the world – because everywhere else in the world it's obvious how a woman gets pregnant, but not on a Hellmouth, because things like this are more of a how instead of a who, especially when it comes to things like pregnant lesbians who haven't been with a man." Willow paused and looked at Tara with desperation in her eyes. "You haven't been with a guy have you? I mean not that there's anything wrong-"

"Willow!" Tara interrupted the Sorceress' rant. "I-I think it had something to do with Ash."

The statement felt like a punch to the gut. Willow managed to find a wall to lean against.

"No, no – not like that," Tara went to Willow but the redhead just shrunk away from the blonde's arms. Hurt, Tara stepped back.

"I-It's not what you think. I-I kinda got a me-message today from a-another elf. Some sort of Elderess and she said that it was both yours and Ash's baby." She explained quietly.

Willow didn't reply she just let the information swirl around her head. She had read enough tomes and books to know that two women could not procreate unless there was a very powerful third party involved or there was a blessing from a deity. The only way a deity would grant such a request was if the child had a foretold destiny.

It made sense to Willow. With Tara being the Goddess' Prophetess and Willow being a Sorceress and Ash, well, being Ash, then it was entirely probable that the child had a foretold destiny.

Willow swallowed. She and Tara had always wanted to have children together and now it was happening, granted Ash was in the equation. So, shouldn't she be happy?

The redhead looked at her lover and soul mate. She saw that Tara was nervous and scared.

Come on Rosenberg, quit trying to debate the small points and show some support soldier!! Willow let a genuine smile spread across her face, moved forward and embraced her love.

"This is great, honey. I'm so happy." Willow soothed as she pulled Tara's head down to her shoulder and rocked the blonde gently in her arms.

"You realize that this all plays into whatever we're going up against, right?" Tara asked lifting her head up from Willow's shoulder. Willow nodded. "You know that she's probably not going to get much of a normal life, right?"

Willow nodded again but with a smile. "Hey, Dawnie was just a big ball of mystical energy put into human form, but Buffy managed to make her life normal with the groundings and the bickering matches and the clothes stealin'."

"Don't worry, baby. Our kid is going to have a life so normal it's boring. Kinda like me." The Sorceress quipped and then frowned. " 'cept, it's going to be kind of hard to explain how she has three genetic mothers… unless, I'm actually a father…er… Ash is the father? Hey, how does this work?"

The redhead's questioning was lost on Tara as her eyes widened. "Oh Gods! Ash. Willow, I was completely cold to Ash this morning."

"Yeah, you were a little bit." Willow agreed trying to down play the blonde's actions.

"Again, a little. She'll understand once you tell her. I mean, hey, you were trying to deal with the news and sometimes you don't mean to hurt people but you do. It'll be okay, babe. She'll understand." Willow tried to reassure her lover but she could tell that it wasn't helping much.

"I know she'll understand if she gets back. I don't think you understand how utterly rash she can be. She's probably out somewhere getting herself in trouble." The blonde's voice took on a panicked quality.

"Come on, Tara. She's probably just trying to deal with her emotions." Willow reasoned.

"Willow, she doesn't understand her emotions. She was raised in a place where human emotions are virtually nonexistent." Tara replied. "We have to go find her before she gets herself in trouble."

Ash had run down Revello drive and walked around town for a few hours before heading out towards the docks. She felt like the world was closing in and she needed some time to breathe and figure things out.

She didn't know why Tara was mad at her and she wanted desperately to ask but she had a nagging feeling if she did her would get a reply along the lines of "If you don't know what you've done then I'm not going to tell you…."

"Women." Ash grumbled trying to push down her hurt with anger. She arrived at the docks and walked out onto one and looked out over the water.

"The water obviously," Ash replied not turning. Faith came up beside Ash and shoved her hands into her pockets joining the Elf in her contemplation of the water.

"Oh, so Red, Buffy and Xander are all over there?" Faith asked. Ash looked sideways at the dark Slayer.

"No. Willow and Tara are home with Dawn. I thought you were there too." The elf returned. There was something bothering Ash about Faith's line of questioning. The dark Slayer's face twitched.

"No, uh, I just went for a walk and I saw you coming down here so I thought I would just chat. I thought maybe you had company."

"Oh, that's too bad. But since you're alone you wouldn't mind if I-" Faith didn't finish her question, she spun and kicked Ash's feet out from underneath her.

The warrior, taken off guard, fell hard to the dock. In a flash, the dark Slayer had stomped the elf in the chest and kicked her repeatedly in the small of her back.

Ash curled defensively into a ball. Faith kicked Ash hard in the face. Dazed, the warrior tried to roll away from Faith's assault but only succeeded in opening herself up more for the brutal beating the dark Slayer was raining down on her.

Faith kicked Ash hard in the ribs, smiling at the sickening cracking sound that followed.

"Now, listen, I know you know B. So I want you to take a little message back to her. Tell her I'm awake and I'm looking to hook up with her. If you can't remember that I'll just have to write a note."

With a smile Faith stood over Ash looking down at the mess she'd made of the Elf. Both of Ash's eyes were blackened, her nose was bleeding as well as the split down the center of her bottom lip.

"Um, maybe I need to be a little clearer about who sent this," She contemplated thoughtfully. Pulling out a knife, Faith straddled the Warrior and ripped open the elf's shirt. The dark Slayer ran her hand down the smooth skin of Ash's stomach.

With that she brought the tip of the knife to Ash's stomach and began to carve. The pain was unbelievable, but the Elf was too out of it to register it. Her head just lulled to the side as she passed out from the pain.

"Hopefully, she gets the message," she chuckled and with a hard kick she sent the elf off the dock and into the water. Proud of herself, Faith turned and headed towards town.

The cold water woke the Elf as she hit it. She wanted to struggle and pull herself to the surface but the cloudiness that had shown up from the first kick to the head came rushing back into her brain and suddenly it seemed like too much work to struggle.

Ash gave in to the darkness that overtook the cloudiness and sank slowly down into the water.

Damn Legolas. Where in the hell are you? The Slayer was scouting out the half elf's usual haunts wondering what could have happened to make Ash run out so quickly. She'd gotten a phone call from Willow interrupting her morning ritual of research.

That was three hours ago and the Slayer was now getting frustrated. Where in the world was Ash? Buffy began to think that maybe Ash didn't want to be found. And if that was the case, the Slayer wondered what exactly Tara had done to her.

She didn't have time to wonder long as someone slammed into her as she passed by the Espresso Pump.

"Oh, hey B. What's up?" She asked the smile still not leaving her face. Buffy shrugged.

"Not much. Just trying to find a missing elf. She took off this morning and Tara's really worried about her."

"Dawn? What are you…?" Buffy began but looked between to two identical smiles and the coffee cups and trailed off. "Never mind, I don't want to know."

The two dark hair women grinned at each other before Dawn spoke up. "So who are you looking for?"

"Ash," Buffy began walking again. Faith and Dawn followed her. "She took off this morning and the local lesbian wiccans are worried about her."

Buffy looked at her sister surprised. "Yeah, Willow did say something to that effect. How did you know?"

Dawn shrugged. "Tara's been acting all weird the past few weeks. It was just a guess."

"No, she's just been acting really strange- Hey, there goes Ash." Dawn pointed up the street.

Buffy looked up. Ash was headed rather quickly down the street. "You two stay here, I'm going after her."

Faith opened her mouth to protest but Buffy was running before she could get anything out. The dark Slayer frowned then turned to Dawn. "Coffee?"

Buffy followed the elf down the street. She tried to catch up but Ash would manage to disappear in the crowds at times. She followed the woman down to the docks. When she arrived she didn't see her.

"How do you lose a six foot elf?" Buffy wondered aloud and started searching the docks one by one. She was half way to the end when her hearing picked up the sounds of a fight. Buffy took off down to the last dock and stopped short gasping at the sight.

"Hey!" Buffy shouted and broke into a sprint. The dark Slayer didn't hear her as she turned and ran in the opposite direction as Buffy was coming. Buffy watched as Faith disappeared behind some crates. Without thinking, Buffy ran out onto the dock and dove into the water where she saw Ash disappear.

The water was murky from the silt. Buffy opened her eyes and the salt water stung them. Despite the burning she pushed herself down ward until she saw Ash's limp body sinking. Buffy wrapped her left arm around Ash's shoulders and started towards the surface.

As the Slayer broke the surface, she gasped for air. She had begun to make way towards the dock ladder when a hand extended.

"Grab hold B." Faith said. She was kneeling on the dock looking pensive. Buffy grabbed Faith's hand as the Dark Slayer grabbed hold of Ash's collar and heaved the two onto the dock.

"Are you alright?" Faith asked. Buffy looked down at Ash and nodded, then without warning hit Faith with a vicious right hook.

"She's the one who did this to Ash. I saw her." Buffy growled taking up a fighting stance.

"How could she? She was with me the entire time." Dawn stepped between Faith and her sister. Buffy opened her mouth to reply but then blinked. She had left Faith with Dawn when she'd seen Ash.

Buffy opened and shut her mouth a few times as she looked at Dawn's fierce gaze. "Are you sure?" She asked in a small voice.

"Oh no." Buffy breathed and looked at Faith and then down at Ash who was unconscious.

"Double? You mean… there's another one of me from four years ago?" Faith asked. Dawn nodded. "Oh, this could be bad."

"Ya' think?" Buffy replied sarcastically as she knelt down next to Ash and checked her to see if she was breathing.

The elf was breathing but both of the elf's eyes were starting to blacken and swell. Her bottom lip was split open. The Slayer noticed that the bottom half of Ash's Souxsie & the Banshees T-shirt was ripped to shreds.

"I think so," Buffy replied lifting up what was left of the T-shirt. The Slayer groaned a little. "Yep, this was definitely Faith's handy work."

The Slayer pulled the shirt up for the other two women to see. Dawn squeaked as she saw the deep cuts that spelled out Faith. The sea water had washed away most of the blood, but the deep purple blood was already beginning to fill the wounds again.

In an instant, Faith had ripped off her own shirt and was pressing it to Ash's stomach trying to stop the bleeding.

"We got to get her to a hospital," Buffy looked at the Dark Slayer. Faith looked up at Buffy.

"We can't. For the same reason we can't take demons to the hospital. She's not human, well, not human enough to pass. We gotta get her back to your place." Faith turned her head a little. "Dawn call Xander, tell him to get the car down here."

The younger Summers nodded and pulled out her cell phone pressing the speed dial for Xander's number. The two Slayers listened as Dawn frantically told Xander to get the car down to the docks.

"This is bad." Buffy murmured as she watched Faith's shirt start to soak through with blood.

"Really B? Didn't notice." The Dark Slayer growled looking over at the pale face of Ash.

"No, I mean, yes – this is bad. But what I was referring to was you, I mean, the old you coming back around." Buffy replied.

"Okay, Xander will be here in a few minutes." Dawn spoke up turning back to the two women. "Is she going to be okay?"

"I'm sure." Buffy assured her sister. She'll be okay but what about the rest of us?

Xander screeched the car to a halt, when he saw Buffy, Faith and Dawn all standing around the prone figure of Ash. He hadn't got all the answers out of Dawn when she had called. The youngest Summer just insisted that Ash was hurt and they needed the car to get her home.

"Maybe she went swimming and got stung by a jelly fish? I've heard those things can be really painful despite their relatively harmless appearance," Anya spoke up beside him.

"I don't think it was a jelly fish, Ahn." Xander sighed as he opened the door and got out. He hadn't wanted to bring Anya – but they had been in the middle of something and he couldn't honestly leave without bringing her.

"Well, she better not of just slipped and fell. She better be teetering precariously on the edge of death because I don't like having my orgasms interrupted." The ex demon pouted as they headed towards the dock.

"Xander! Xander is here!" Dawn shouted. Faith and Buffy looked up as Xander and Anya arrived at the scene.

"Hey, wha – dear god, what happened to Ash?" Xander asked his eyes bugging slightly at the pale, bloody visage of the elf.

"What's going on? Why is Faith here? Why is she in her bra? Why is Xander picking up- oh my god, Ashlan?" Anya had started firing off questions only to stop herself at the sight of the elf. "Why is Ashlan here? What's she doing out of the Elfin Lands?"

Anya shrugged. "Of course, I know her. I knew her and her family. Back about oh, seven hundred years ago. Her mother called for vengeance against the dark elves that killed her father. That was quite the undertaking-"

"Okay, we can have story time later," Buffy cut in putting up a hand to stop Anya. "Let's get her home."

"What did you mean you did this?" Xander asked Faith who was still holding her shirt to Ash's stomach.

"Your… oh god, Buffy did you call home. Where's Willow and Tara?" Xander asked his voice pensive.

"They're – shit! Dawn call home and tell them to lock the doors and don't let Faith in." Buffy ordered her sister.

"We have to find a different name for one of us." Faith growled. "Because it's going to get really confusing."

"That was Dawn," Willow said hanging up the phone. "She said they found Ash and not to let Faith in. I wonder what that's about. I thought Dawn liked Faith?"

"They found Ash?" Tara asked her voice flooded with relief. Willow nodded and moved to her lover.

"Yep, they said they were on their way home." Willow wrapped her arms around her lover.

"Is she okay?" Tara asked. She'd been trying to find Ash telepathically but she kept hitting a wall.

"I'm sure. They would have told us right?" Willow assured her lover. "Don't worry; I'm sure Ash is still just a little upset. But you can explain everything to her when she gets back."

Tara nodded and leaned her head down against Willow's shoulder. Silently, she thanked the Goddess for having found such a strong, caring lover in Willow.

"Okay, Dawn you go get the first aid kit. Faith help Xander with Ash. I'm going to call Giles and get him over here. Anya, you ….do whatever." Buffy ordered in a rush. Dawn nodded and jumped out from the back seat and rushed to the house.

"Dawnie, where's Ash?" Willow asked as the youngest Summers burst through the door.

"Xander and Faith are bringing her in." She yelled as she ran up the stairs and to the bathroom.

Willow looked at Tara. The blonde's eyes were suddenly fearful. "They're bringing her in?" Tara repeated softly. Willow opened her mouth to reply when Xander and Faith came through the open door. Xander carrying Ash and Faith holding her shirt to Ash's stomach.

"What happened?" Tara demanded as the two started upstairs towards the bedroom she and Willow shared.

"You happened? Hey, wait a minute, I'm not supposed to let you in." Willow called out.

"Not me you half wit," Faith snapped back. "My double. Oh, by the way Red, good job with that – you brought my old self back with a vengeance."

Willow opened her mouth but shut it quickly. Tara glanced back at Willow with a sympathetic look and then followed Xander and Faith up the stairs.

Willow's stomach turned acidic. She suddenly felt like throwing up. It was all her fault wasn't it?

"Willow, I'm calling Giles. I have to get him and Mom over here. We got another little problem on our hands."

"Right, so I figured. Anything you want me to do?" She asked a little relieved that there wasn't any judgement in Buffy's voice.

"Hello Willow. Did you see which way Xander went with Ashlan and the bra clad Faith?" Anya asked.

"Watch her." Buffy finished looking at Anya and then turning to go to the phone. Willow groaned inwardly just the person she didn't want to see.

"Set her down on the bed." Tara ordered. Xander complied and set the half elf gently on the bed.

"Great. Um, Dawnie go get Willow. I need her up here." Tara asked sitting on the edge of the bed and opening the first aid kit. Dawn nodded and turned only to run face to face into Anya.

"I'm here to help. I don't want to see my favourite elf die." She said plainly. Tara looked sharply at Anya. How did Anya know Ash?

No time for that – focus McClay. "Okay, everyone out." Tara ordered. She saw a glimpse of red hair towards the back of the group. "Willow, I want you to stay. I need your help."

Willow pushed her away around the group. Dawn and Xander left the room herding a protesting ex vengeance demon out the door.

"I'm sorry," Faith muttered. Tara looked at the Dark Slayer and saw the guilt in her eyes. The Prophetess gave a small half smile.

"I know. I just…" She trailed off. Tara sensed that Faith needed to do something to feel as though it wasn't her fault.

"Faith, I could use another pair of hands. D-do you know anything about First Aid?" Tara asked gently. The dark Slayer's eyes brightened.

"Hell yeah. I picked up a few things when all the Slayerettes were around. I do a mean suture. Shit, I even know the technical term." Faith replied coming over to Tara's side.

"Okay, well let's just see what we're dealing with." Tara steeled herself and carefully removed Faith's shirt.

There carved into her lover's stomach was Faith's name. Tara tensed as she felt her anger flare towards Faith. It's not her fault.

Tara removed a pair a scissors and cut off the rest of Ash's shirt. A deep purple bruise was forming on Ash's chest. Her sternum looked uneven as though it had been broken. Tara looked at the battered body of her lover.

"You'll be fine, sweetie." She whispered. The blonde looked up at Willow. "Will, I'm going to need your help baby."

"Yeah, but I'm need you to try and stop the bleeding Faith." Tara looked at the Dark Slayer.

Willow sat down on the opposite side of Ash. The redhead gently reached down and caressed the elf's face. Tara's heart melted and clenched at the same time as she saw the gentle gesture.

Ash, you have to make it. For all three of us. She projected to her unconscious lover as she rested her own hand on her abdomen.

"Ready baby?" Willow asked extending her hands over the elf and towards Tara. Tara nodded sadly. "Don't worry, sweetie. She'll be okay."

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From Dust Returned

by Renegade

Copyright © 2003

renegade@wrongmail.com