Chapter 1

It was a dark and stormy night in the small town of Sunnydale, California as the Scoobies were all dressed in black. They stood over the casket containing one of their own. Inside the satin casket laid the resting body of one Tara Maclay who was shot down in her youth.

Willow Rosenberg stood in front of the casket of her soulmate, her girlfriend Tara. The redhead's body looked like death as she was being gently held by her friends, Buffy Summers and Xander Harris.

"We come here to pay our last respects to a dear friend of ours. Tara, you came to us as a stranger, someone we didn't know anything about at the beginning except that you were friendly with Willow and that in time you became her girlfriend, her partner. We soon came to find out in time that you were the gentlest soul of us all. We will deeply miss you and hope that you are happy wherever you rest. We all love you Tara and you will be deeply missed." As the speech ended Giles walked away, leading a quiet Willow to the car.

Buffy watched somberly as her friend left her sight as the car drove off to the airport, and then walked away to patrol the monster-filled town.

: One year later :

Ring Ring

"Dawn, get the phone, will you? I'm in the shower and I've got soap in my eyes."

"Got it Buffy!"

"Hello?"

"Hey Giles, yea she's here, she's in the shower. Want me to get her?"

"Ok."

"Buffy, its Giles he seems a bit distressed even more than usual you better talk to him."

Buffy raced out of the bathroom wearing a thick pink robe and picked up the phone.

"Hey Giles, what's wrong?"

"Buffy, I'm afraid to tell you that there's been a horrible accident. The plane Willow was scheduled to return to Sunnydale on was blown up. I'm afraid she's dead."

"What? No! No! It's not true… it can't be!"

With a crash, the slayer fell onto the floor and began screaming and howling in anguish.

"Buffy? Buffy? You there Buffy?"

: England :

A blond haired girl looking to be around seventeen walked through the halls of the offices of a massive military base.

"Hey babe, you got a letter from a snitch. Looks like we got a live one on that case you're working on for the U.S. government and our own police forces."

"You mean Shadowlaw? Great, it's about time. I'll be in my office."

The young girl walked into her office, locking the door behind her, then gently opened up a vanilla envelope.

: Dear Lady White, I have found out some valuable information for you concerning your quiet case. I have looked over documents on the criminal enterprise, Shadowlaw and found out about a secret organization I mentioned to you. The Watcher's Council have a dark subgroup and it's just came to my attention on multiple levels. One of those levels is that three days ago a plane leaving England to California was blown up, no survivors. At first, I didn't want to tell you. However, I found out from a former friend that the Council blew up the plane to hide a kidnapping of a close friend of mine. I have sent you the name of a friend of mine who can help you to get this friend back. I am sorry to be cryptic but this is an extremely dangerous situation; your half sister Tara Maclay, but I am afraid she was killed a year ago. I only found out recently. I am sorry for your loss and hope that this information can help you take down Shadowlaw and the dark sections of the Watcher's Council. Your friend, A.

Tears began to form in her eyes as she picked up her phone. "Rory, get me a plane ticket to a Sunnydale, California. I'll be taking some time away personal matters."

"Sure Cammy, you've earned some time off. I'll get it for you, have fun babe."

: Watcher's Council :

"Mr. Trevors the package has arrived as expected and we have her sedated as ordered. When shall we begin testing?"

"Give Ms. Rosenberg some time. Just remember to use the blocks so she won't be able to use her magic. Also, contact Mr. B and tell him the time has arrived. We will begin to extract Ms. Rosenberg's magic and begin our conquest for power."

: Thailand :

"My lord, we have received transmission from the Watcher's Council. They have the witch."

"Good. Now have my daughter come to me; I have gotten reports her mother has left England and has headed to the states. She must be trying to get a hold of the Slayer. We will move gently with everything. This Buffy Summers won't know what hit her when she meets my daughter, Kathren White."

"As you command, my lord."

: Summerland :

Tara watches with tears in her eyes as events uncoil. She had seen her soulmate kill for revenge, then watched as the redhead worked tirelessly through her pain, grief, and guilt. Seeing her taken by the Watcher's Council, powerless as the plane full of men, women, and children died by the Watchers' evil hands.

She looks over her shoulder and sees a being of glowing hair walk toward her. "Mother, please, there must be something I can do- she's my life. I love her, I need her… I must save her from them."

"The gods have decreed you are right, little one. You will be given life again and will be able to go save your love and be with her. But beware, events are always in motion, and anything can happen."

"Will I remember any of this?"

"In time, but for now all you will remember is your life and the forgiveness you gave Willow on the day you died. Other than that, we cannot give you anything. But you won't be alone in this… your friends will help you in your time of need, and the Goddess has sent someone to watch over you. Now close your eyes and in time you will return to your friends."

With that, Tara closed her eyes and all things went black.