Title: Dream Lover (1/?)
Author: Melanie M./Shai/Misty AKA SailorFireStarr@aol.com/SSailorUranuss@aol.com
Archive: please ASK if you want to archive it.
Pairing: eventually W/T & Bianca/Rain
Rating: NC 17 (probably)
Disclaimers: I don't own any of the shows used or anything attached to any show and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this fic. Well, accept for maybe feedback. Also, this isn't my best writing (since I wrote it months ago) but it gets better (all who know me know I have low self esteem but oh well).
Comments: I need feedback. Remember, FEED ME!
Dream Lover
"Shhh, I won't hurt you precious," a voice whispered, with strong arms gripping her waist and pulling her back.
"W-Who are you?" Tara gasped as the strangers hand traveled down between her legs in the dark.
"You'll find out soon enough but til then I'm gonna make you squeal like nobody else has," a feminine voice, that seemed to be getting more familiar, answered as she placed her lips on the blonde's pale neck.
Tara was breathing hard now with her eyes shut tight as this familiar stranger played her body like a finely tuned instrument. So soft, sensual and earth shattering was the melody being played on her. Every moan finding a more intense note, every pant and growl finding its own place in this song of passion and desire.
Tara couldn't help but play back for she was far to gone to think of anything but pleasure. She roughly scratched her nails up the woman's outer thighs, receiving a playful growl and even more blinding pleasure to her senses. It was like she was getting pleased physically and mentally, inside and out.
So close. So close yet so far away. Her eyes shot open, her chest rising and falling rapidly as her heartbeat tried to calm. She blinked, now realizing she was in her room, awakened by her heated dream. She squinted her eyes shut as she tried to calm her raging breathes. She couldn't recall the dream itself at this point but she could still feel it. She could still feel her all over her body.
She opened her eyes for a moment. She let a sigh escape her lips as her own hand brushed against her stomach. She hadn't done this since she'd met Willow but now was not a time for thoughts of her ex. It was simply because she was curious as to how turned on this dream had actually made her. With her hand between her thighs she gasped. She'd never been so hot and wet before. She pulled her hand away as that voice came to her mind. Her eyes widened as she jumped out of bed. She had to get answers, now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Faith tossed and turned as a familiar dream came to her mind. She calmed now, her tense body easing under her relaxing sleep.
"You look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you."
Faith knew this part oh so well. She took the form by the hand and led this woman into the restaurant. The dream now flashed to them sitting under the stars, watching the moon shimmer as they snuggled.
"Make love to me," she could hear the woman beg. And she would every time. The only thing she ever remembered was stroking that soft blonde hair and the hot, wet mess the dream itself left behind.
Faith stirred now, staring at the ceiling of her cell. Angel was bailing her this week due to good behavior but she wasn't the same Faith. She'd learned some pretty hard lessons in jail. Those lesson would help her and she'd never forget them.
"Spencer!"
Faith raised her head. "Yeah Tish?"
"Letisha to you honey. You got a handsome friend out there who just paid your ticket outta here. I better not see you in here again."
"You won't." Faith sighed. She only really had two friends in there. Tish, one of the guards, and her cellmate Raven. She looked to see Raven sleeping and smiled. "Raven," she whispered.
The girl stirred and turned to face the brunette, her charcoal pupils hypnotizing the slayer for a moment.
"Raven, I gotta go."
Raven simply smiled, her pale skin looking like a porcelain mask. She slid her hand behind Faith's neck and pulled her close. "I love you Faith. See you when I get out. I'm glad you're free sweet angel because you deserve to fly," she whispered in a sad voice. She closed her eyes majestically as she kissed the warrior with a passion only described as pure, raw and true.
Faith felt tears well up in her eyes as she kissed back softly. "Oh god, I love you too Raven," Faith sobbed as she cried on the girl's neck.
Raven draped her arm over the slayer and smiled sardonically. "Baby, you have to go."
Faith looked into her eyes. She gave her one last kiss before she stood.
"Hey, can you wait for me out there? I mean, can you resist the temptation on the outside? I think we should press the pause button. Ya know, take a breather."
Faith knew she was right. She didn't want to betray the woman she loved more than life itself and this was the only way to stop the inevitable from hurting them both. "I love you and I always will but I know you're right. On hold til you get out, got it. I'll come visit before I leave. I'm going outta town to see some old friends. I-I'll talk to you tomorrow." Raven nodded and Faith headed out of the cell. She looked back and blew her lover a kiss. She mouthed "I love you" then went to gather the things she'd gone in with.
--------------------------------------
"What does this mean?" Tara sighed.
"Do you want me to dissect the dream itself or just dive in and fish out the reason behind the dream?"
"I don't care what you do but I have to know."
"Tara, calm down sweetheart. I know this is stressful but you have to remain calm if you want me to figure this out."
"Sorry Rain. Ok, I'm ready," Tara sighed. She'd re-met Rain shortly after she'd met Willow but they hadn't really started hanging out until recently. They'd known each other from their younger days in Port Charles, NY. Tara went off to college and Rain was kicked out by her mother for being gay.
It was by chance that they ran into each other. Rain was on her way to a job interview a few blocks from the Magic Box when Tara exited the shop and they collided. They exchanged smiles, hugs and phone numbers. From there they had kept in contact. Letters and short phone calls.
Now that Rain had a steady schedule and Tara didn't have much of a schedule, they found time to spell, go to the Bronze and other stuff. Rain was a powerful witch like Willow accept she knew how to control her magik. She was actually a Wiccan Priestess which, to Tara's knowledge, was the highest rank a witch could achieve. "I still have much to learn, as we all do," Rain would say when asked about being a priestess.
Tara closed her eyes as the other girl took her hand. She trusted Rain with her life and that would never change.
"Stay calm," Rain whispered as she traveled into the witch's mind. Information flooded her mind and she let go with a gasp.
Tara's eyes shot open. "What's wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing. It was just very intense. There's a tale about the chosen one and her chosen witch. Something like "for every slayer born there is a witch. One destined to accompany the slayer through her journeys". That's all I. . ." Rain paused as all of her repressed memories bombarded her. She fell unconscious to the ground.
"Rain?" Tara looked around and found a familiar face. Thank the goddess! "Xander! Xander!"
Hearing his name Xander spun around to find Tara waving her arms in the air to get his attention. He smiled and walked over to her. "Hey Tara. Long time no see. What's up?"
"My friend, she collapsed. I think it has to do with Scooby business."
"Oh. . .OH! Gottcha! I'll carry her, you make sure I don't run into anything."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bianca sat silently on Opal's couch with her knees to her chest. How could Frankie be dead? Why? Why was her beloved taken from her? Her cell rang, shattering her thoughts. "Hello," she whispered shakily.
"Miss Montgomery. It's time. Pack your things, we must be going as soon as possible."
Bianca straitened her back and put her feet on the floor. "She's ready?"
"No. She almost killed an innocent."
"I'll be packed in an hour. Pick me up at home."
"Miss Smythe will assist you."
"But. . ." then she heard the dial tone. She sighed and walked outside to find Greenlee parked out front.
"Hop in. They want you at the airport like yesterday."
Bianca nodded and got in the car.
--------------------------------------
"Giles?"
"Tara? Hello. I came to check on everyone and the shop of course. Anya went to inform Buffy and Willow of my return and I offered to watch the shop. They should be here shortly."
Tara bowed her head. "Then we'd better figure this out before they get here."
Giles spotted Xander and the unconscious girl.
"Hey G-man. Where do you want her?"
Giles glanced at Tara then pulled a chair out. "Who is she?"
"Her name's Rain. She's a Wiccan Priestess. She was reading into a dream I had and collapsed."
"What was the dream about?"
"She said something like "for every slayer born there is a witch" and then she passed out."
"Welcome back Giles."
They all looked at the door to see Buffy, Willow and Anya standing there.
Tara fidgeted nervously, glancing at Rain then looking desperately at Giles.
"Thank you Buffy. I have some books in my hotel room that may help us. Xander will fill you in. Tara, could you help me?"
Tara sprang to her feet. "Sure."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Are you staying with me?"
"Unfortunately. Only for a week, until you get settled in. Well, unless they want me to stay longer."
"Why do you hate me? Tell me that Greenlee."
"I don't hate you Lesbianca, I just like picking on you."
"Gee, thanks."
"You're welcome."
Bianca rolled her eyes. Here she was in a strange town stuck in a car with Greenlee Smythe.
"You're lucky y'know. You're pretty special. At least they think so," suddenly Greenlee looked uncomfortable. Things with Leo and Jake were really starting to piss her off. She was sticking to her bet with Laura. She didn't need a man. Lately it seemed she'd often found herself staring in those intense, sullen eyes of her current living companion. Yup, since the trial had been postponed Bianca had been staying at Greenlee's place.
Greenlee actually enjoyed living with Bianca. When they weren't swapping insults they were in a deep conversation or just hanging out. They'd bonded but that's what worried her. She was getting a little too close to Binks and her biggest fear was that something would happen between them.
--------------------------------------
"I think I found something!" Anya squealed.
Giles put his glasses back on, his face strained with worry. He and Tara had spoken about her edginess around Willow and now he was conspiring against them to get them back together. "What is it Anya?"
"It says here that further into the legend of the slayer it goes into detail about another council. The Witches Council," the baffled ex-demon mumbled.
"Witches Council?" Willow asked nervously.
"Yes. I've heard of them. It is said for each slayer born, a witch is born to assist that slayer in her journey through life, both personal and business related," Giles replied.
"So this witch is like a sidekick? What does this mean?" Tara whispered as she caressed Rain's hair.
Willow was jealous of Rain to say the least. Her eyes were burning right through Tara, her face redder than a ripe tomato. It hadn't taken Tara long to find a new girlfriend and that thought tore Willow up inside. How could she have let such a love slip from her grasp?
Giles studied Tara, then Willow and sighed. "You're the chosen Tara. Therefore your Mystic is probably on her way here, if not already within the city limits searching for you."
"Mystic? What do we know about these people Giles? I mean we have to know something. Are they British too?" Buffy finally questioned.
"Mystics in the Witches Council are the equivalent of Watchers. They're always American, female and are usually around the age of the witch they must train. No more than a ten year age difference I believe. Mystics train the chosen for the last task as well as their duty to the slayer. These Mystics are very special. They are of the few Priestess' out there who posses the highest ranking of light magik," Giles began.
"Last task?" Tara whispered, her eyes still focusing on Rain's pale face.
"Yes. Once a witch has learned all she possibly can she is put to a test to prove her rank. The last task. If she passes she is granted true Priestesshood," he explained.
"What if she refuses to listen to them like Buff did with the council?" Xander wondered aloud.
Giles smiled. "She isn't forced to do anything like the Watchers council attempted with Buffy. It's all up to the witch. She does have to fight alongside the slayer and without training her powers may backfire, like Willow's did at first."
"What does this have to do with Rain?" Tara murmured.
"I'm not quite sure," he replied, taking his glasses from his face to rub the bridge of his nose.
"Who is she?" Willow tried to say calmly, her voice dripping with jealousy.
"A girl I grew up with. We lost contact for a while but bumped into each other shortly after I met you. We didn't start hanging out until. . .after Dawn was in the crash," Tara whispered.
"Guys, can I say something for once? I have an idea. . ."
"Dawn, don't get involved," Buffy scolded.
Giles looked up. "Buffy, let her speak. Perhaps she has a reasonable idea."
Dawn smiled triumphantly. "Ok, we have two witches here. Don't either of you feel it, or is it a key thing? She's radiant, glowing with energy even. What if Rain is a Mystic? Tara's Mystic?"
Willow calmed her emotions. She could feel it. So strong and powerful, yet colorful and warm. "I feel it too."
Giles pulled the girls sleeve up and nodded. "Dawn, she is part of the Witches Council but we can't know how high her ranking is until she comes to."
"Something isn't right. She would have told me," Tara argued.
"Maybe they made her forget until the time was right or something? Can they do that?" Xander babbled.
"It's possible. However, the situation must have been quite complex for them to do so."
"Tara. . ." Rain gasped.
"Shhh, it's ok. I gottcha sweetie."
"So cold. It hurt. Broken memories whole. . ."
"Take it easy. You need some rest. I'll take care of you." Tara stood, trying to lift the girl.
Xander hurried to her side, gently slipping the girl into his arms. "I'll take her Tara."
"Need a lift?" They all looked t the doorway where Spike stood in all of his bad boy glory.
"Since when do you have a car?" Buffy snorted.
"Since I knocked off this Volox demon. Mate of mine gave me a van as payment. So you need a lift Blondie?" the cocky vampire replied.
"She doesn't need your. . ."
"Yes, thank you Spike," Tara whispered, cutting Willow off. Xander sighed and let the vampire take the girl from his arms.
"Lets be off then. Where you and your lady friend wanna be dropped?"
"M-my dorm." Tara felt uneasy. She knew what he was implying and it made her squirm. She'd never. . .not with Rain. They were like sisters.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Faith sighed as she sat on the couch at Angel Investigations. She'd just said goodbye to the only love she'd ever really had and now going back to Sunnydale seemed so pathetic and pointless. Nobody would be glad to see her. She'd just be more trouble but Angel was practically pushing her out the door.
She'd met the rest of the crew, including Angel's son. The kid seemed to be the only human that liked her. Gunn nearly killed her, Wesley was just a stuck up asshole to her, Fred gave her the silent treatment and Cordi treated her like she was a deadly virus.
Lorne loved her to death. She hung out at his club a lot and after she'd stopped two demons from annihilating his club yet again he couldn't thank her enough. She'd actually become security and got paid to keep order. She loved her job but she'd had to take a small vacation to go to Sunnydale.
Angel didn't give her a choice. He'd already spoken with Lorne and gotten her time off so she figured it couldn't hurt going back. She knew Buffy and Willow would treat her the same way Cordi had and Xander would probably hate her with a fury. 'I hope they can forgive me,' she thought.
"You ready?"
Faith looked up in slight shock. Cordelia was actually speaking to her. Maybe it was the joy of getting rid of her. "Yeah. You drivin?"
"Yup. The others are on a case. Listen Faith, I just wanted to tell you that I'm proud of you. You've changed a lot and I hope Buffy can see that. I also wanted to tell you I'm sorry for treating you the way I have been. You're not who you use to be and I want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be here," Cordi confessed. She'd actually been the only one who spent enough time with Faith to notice the changes and it amazed her that a person so corrupt could do a complete 180 in a matter of months.
"Thanks," Faith whispered, more shocked than anything else. They exchanged friendly glances as they headed to Angel's car.
--------------------------------------
Tara sighed as she dialed a number that seemed so foreign to her. "Alison? Hey, it's Tara."
"Tara? OMG! How are you? Has Rain contacted you yet? Is she alright?"
"I'm ok. Rain's surviving. She's a little sick but she's doing better. How about you and Livvie?"
"We're great. Both of us have found the most amazing boyfriends. Do you remember Jack and Jamal?"
"Yeah. Those guys I had to chase away when I was babysitting?"
"Yup, those two. I'm dating Jamal and Jack's dating Livvie. We've been through a lot. Do you have a boy. . .oops, sorry, girlfriend?"
"I did. She's my heart."
"What happened? What's her name?"
"Willow. It's complicated. Anyway, I called to do a little catching up. What happened after I left?"
"Rain told her mom she's gay and got kicked out of their house. She stayed with Livvie for a little while then boarded a train and took off. She told us not to worry and that she'd get back to us if she didn't bump into you first. Nothin else of much interest has happened since then, accept for your phone call. Tara, I'm glad you called. I really miss you."
"I miss you too Aly. I might come visit for a week or so during summer if I can find the time and money. It would be great to see you all again. I gotta go though. I have to take care of Rain."
"I understand. I hope things with you and Willow work out. Tell Rain hi for us. We miss you both."
"K, bye."
"Bye."
Tara hung up the phone. How horrible. Rain had been kicked out? Had she been a drifter? What had happened before she'd come to Sunnydale? These could only be answered by Rain, when she was well enough. She began to stir and Tara rushed to her side. "Easy there."
"Tara?"
"Yeah, I'm here."
"Take me to that magik shop. I need to be there. . ."
"Why? You're not well enough"
"I don't know why but I can manage. Just. . .please, help me get there."
"Ok, I'll call Xander or Giles. They can drive us there so you won't have to walk."
--------------------------------------
"Who are you?" Willow demanded.
Rain closed her eyes. "My name's Rain Wilkins. I'm Tara's friend. We sorta grew up together. She use to babysit Alison, Livvie and me. After she left for college way the hell on the other side of the states I ended up getting kicked out. My ma isn't very open minded. I stayed with Livvie for a little while, in her basement so her dad wouldn't find out. I knew I couldn't stay there forever so I hopped a train and headed wherever it would take me. Ended up in this little place called Pine Valley. A lot of shit went down and I was paid to get lost and never find my way back." Rain smiled briefly then continued. "I remember Tara sayin she was gonna be as far away from her family as possible so I tried LA. That's where I met Cordelia and Fred. Stayed with them for a little while until they told me where I could find Tara. They said they could call and set up a place for us to meet but I told um I'd find her in time. Came here and started settling down. Got me a job, a place, a phone and even cable."
"That's all great but what do you know about Mystics?" Willow snapped. They'd put those two in a room so the witch could interrogate the girl but they didn't know how vicious Willow could be.
Rain smiled. "I know my purpose now. After I left Pine Valley they took me. They introduced me to magik and offered me peace of mind. They said I didn't have to stay but I wanted to. I learned a great deal back then. I remember them clearing my mind. They made me repress the memories of my purpose and placed a trigger on it so I would remember when the time was right. When I read Tara's dream those memories came back and drained me of power. Is that what you wanted to know?" Rain asked.
"So you're her Mystic and Buffy's her slayer?"
"Buffy? Who's she? A slayer? Yes, I'm their Mystic. Tara and Faith."
"Buffy's THE Slayer. Wait, did you just say Faith? She's locked up, isn't she?" Willow was worried. What if Faith was out of jail? What if this was true? Would Tara be in danger?
"She was. She'll be here soon. I can sense it. She wants you all to. . ." before Rain could finish Willow was out of the training room and in the main part of the Magic Box.
"Will are you. . ."
Willow cut Buffy off. "Faith. She's coming back. Rain's their Mystic. Tara and Faith are suppose to be a team. Tara was right about Rain not telling her about the council and stuff. They made her repress certain memories until the time was right."
"What?" Buffy growled. This wasn't happening, not now. "She can't come back. She won't."
"Yes, she will. Don't try to stop her from being here Buffy. I won't let you hurt her. She's changed and you should trust me on that because I can tell what she's feeling. I can do the same with Tara if she lets me. They can hide their emotions but Faith can't right now because she doesn't know I can feel what she is feeling. Don't stand in my way slayer," Rain hissed from the doorway of the training room.
"She can't change. . ."
"Then neither can you!"
"I have before."
"Then so can she."
Buffy tried to grasp this concept. Anyone could change but had Faith changed? It was a question that could only be answered in time. The door to the Magic Box opened and they all looked in that direction, expecting Faith. Instead they stared blankly at the brunette with dark chocolate eyes, straight shoulder length brown hair and white velvet skin.
"Bianca?" Rain gasped.
The woman eyed the Mystic and raised a brow. "Rain? What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I came here on a . . . to talk to Buffy and Willow about some stuff. Why are you here?"
"Uh, I'm just hanging out with my friend Tara."
"Excuse me. Bianca, right? What do you need to talk to me and Buffy about?" Willow interrupted.
"Business," she hinted darkly.
Buffy nodded. "We'll talk in the training room." She motioned for Willow and Bianca to follow as she headed for the training room. They followed and the door was shut tight.
"So what's this business, Bianca?" Buffy asked softly, being very polite to the girl.
"Have you read the tale of the Mystic?" Bianca countered with a friendly smile.
"We know about it. Why?" Buffy was curious though she could already tell where this was going.
"Willow, I am your Mystic and you probably already know that Buffy is your slayer. I hope I can help you with your powers. Not only for your well being but for everyone else's too."
"I've quit magik," Willow whispered.
Bianca smiled. "I can return you to your path Willow. We'll start slow, without casting spells and we'll work our way up at your pace."
"Ok," Willow sighed.
"Wait, two Mystics? Two witches? This is complicated," Buffy mumbled.
"Two?" Bianca questioned.
"It make perfect sense Buffy. Two slayers, two witches. Two witches, two Mystics. I think that's right," Willow replied.
"Who are the others?" Bianca beamed eagerly.
Both Willow and Buffy frowned. "Tara's the witch," Willow whispered.
"Rain's the other Mystic," Buffy informed.
"And the slayer?" the brunette wondered aloud.
Buffy gritted her teeth. "Faith Spencer," she spat bitterly.
Bianca could feel the tension and shifted backward. "I take it you don't like her."
Giles walked in and sighed. "I can tell by the stillness in the air that the topic must be Faith. Buffy, would you and Willow wait in the shop. I'd like to speak with Bianca alone. I'll be sure to tell her about Faith."
Buffy nodded and led Willow back to the group.
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Faith swallowed hard. This would be the hardest thing she'd ever done but she had to. She saw Cordi nod and open the door. In they went, head first into the lions den. Instead of the expected hail of insults she found them sitting there quietly.
"Sorry to break the silence but I brought you a guest," Cordelia whispered.
The others looked up. Again Buffy and Willow looked like they were about to blow a fuse. Rain stood. "Welcome Faith. Sit. We have a lot to talk about."
"Who are you?"
"My name's Rain."
~~ TBC ~~
Author: Melanie M./Shai/Misty AKA SailorFireStarr@aol.com/SSailorUranuss@aol.com
Archive: please ASK if you want to archive it.
Pairing: eventually W/T & Bianca/Rain
Rating: NC 17 (probably)
Disclaimers: I don't own any of the shows used or anything attached to any show and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this fic. Well, accept for maybe feedback. Also, this isn't my best writing (since I wrote it months ago) but it gets better (all who know me know I have low self esteem but oh well).
Comments: I need feedback. Remember, FEED ME!
Dream Lover
"Shhh, I won't hurt you precious," a voice whispered, with strong arms gripping her waist and pulling her back.
"W-Who are you?" Tara gasped as the strangers hand traveled down between her legs in the dark.
"You'll find out soon enough but til then I'm gonna make you squeal like nobody else has," a feminine voice, that seemed to be getting more familiar, answered as she placed her lips on the blonde's pale neck.
Tara was breathing hard now with her eyes shut tight as this familiar stranger played her body like a finely tuned instrument. So soft, sensual and earth shattering was the melody being played on her. Every moan finding a more intense note, every pant and growl finding its own place in this song of passion and desire.
Tara couldn't help but play back for she was far to gone to think of anything but pleasure. She roughly scratched her nails up the woman's outer thighs, receiving a playful growl and even more blinding pleasure to her senses. It was like she was getting pleased physically and mentally, inside and out.
So close. So close yet so far away. Her eyes shot open, her chest rising and falling rapidly as her heartbeat tried to calm. She blinked, now realizing she was in her room, awakened by her heated dream. She squinted her eyes shut as she tried to calm her raging breathes. She couldn't recall the dream itself at this point but she could still feel it. She could still feel her all over her body.
She opened her eyes for a moment. She let a sigh escape her lips as her own hand brushed against her stomach. She hadn't done this since she'd met Willow but now was not a time for thoughts of her ex. It was simply because she was curious as to how turned on this dream had actually made her. With her hand between her thighs she gasped. She'd never been so hot and wet before. She pulled her hand away as that voice came to her mind. Her eyes widened as she jumped out of bed. She had to get answers, now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Faith tossed and turned as a familiar dream came to her mind. She calmed now, her tense body easing under her relaxing sleep.
"You look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you."
Faith knew this part oh so well. She took the form by the hand and led this woman into the restaurant. The dream now flashed to them sitting under the stars, watching the moon shimmer as they snuggled.
"Make love to me," she could hear the woman beg. And she would every time. The only thing she ever remembered was stroking that soft blonde hair and the hot, wet mess the dream itself left behind.
Faith stirred now, staring at the ceiling of her cell. Angel was bailing her this week due to good behavior but she wasn't the same Faith. She'd learned some pretty hard lessons in jail. Those lesson would help her and she'd never forget them.
"Spencer!"
Faith raised her head. "Yeah Tish?"
"Letisha to you honey. You got a handsome friend out there who just paid your ticket outta here. I better not see you in here again."
"You won't." Faith sighed. She only really had two friends in there. Tish, one of the guards, and her cellmate Raven. She looked to see Raven sleeping and smiled. "Raven," she whispered.
The girl stirred and turned to face the brunette, her charcoal pupils hypnotizing the slayer for a moment.
"Raven, I gotta go."
Raven simply smiled, her pale skin looking like a porcelain mask. She slid her hand behind Faith's neck and pulled her close. "I love you Faith. See you when I get out. I'm glad you're free sweet angel because you deserve to fly," she whispered in a sad voice. She closed her eyes majestically as she kissed the warrior with a passion only described as pure, raw and true.
Faith felt tears well up in her eyes as she kissed back softly. "Oh god, I love you too Raven," Faith sobbed as she cried on the girl's neck.
Raven draped her arm over the slayer and smiled sardonically. "Baby, you have to go."
Faith looked into her eyes. She gave her one last kiss before she stood.
"Hey, can you wait for me out there? I mean, can you resist the temptation on the outside? I think we should press the pause button. Ya know, take a breather."
Faith knew she was right. She didn't want to betray the woman she loved more than life itself and this was the only way to stop the inevitable from hurting them both. "I love you and I always will but I know you're right. On hold til you get out, got it. I'll come visit before I leave. I'm going outta town to see some old friends. I-I'll talk to you tomorrow." Raven nodded and Faith headed out of the cell. She looked back and blew her lover a kiss. She mouthed "I love you" then went to gather the things she'd gone in with.
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"What does this mean?" Tara sighed.
"Do you want me to dissect the dream itself or just dive in and fish out the reason behind the dream?"
"I don't care what you do but I have to know."
"Tara, calm down sweetheart. I know this is stressful but you have to remain calm if you want me to figure this out."
"Sorry Rain. Ok, I'm ready," Tara sighed. She'd re-met Rain shortly after she'd met Willow but they hadn't really started hanging out until recently. They'd known each other from their younger days in Port Charles, NY. Tara went off to college and Rain was kicked out by her mother for being gay.
It was by chance that they ran into each other. Rain was on her way to a job interview a few blocks from the Magic Box when Tara exited the shop and they collided. They exchanged smiles, hugs and phone numbers. From there they had kept in contact. Letters and short phone calls.
Now that Rain had a steady schedule and Tara didn't have much of a schedule, they found time to spell, go to the Bronze and other stuff. Rain was a powerful witch like Willow accept she knew how to control her magik. She was actually a Wiccan Priestess which, to Tara's knowledge, was the highest rank a witch could achieve. "I still have much to learn, as we all do," Rain would say when asked about being a priestess.
Tara closed her eyes as the other girl took her hand. She trusted Rain with her life and that would never change.
"Stay calm," Rain whispered as she traveled into the witch's mind. Information flooded her mind and she let go with a gasp.
Tara's eyes shot open. "What's wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing. It was just very intense. There's a tale about the chosen one and her chosen witch. Something like "for every slayer born there is a witch. One destined to accompany the slayer through her journeys". That's all I. . ." Rain paused as all of her repressed memories bombarded her. She fell unconscious to the ground.
"Rain?" Tara looked around and found a familiar face. Thank the goddess! "Xander! Xander!"
Hearing his name Xander spun around to find Tara waving her arms in the air to get his attention. He smiled and walked over to her. "Hey Tara. Long time no see. What's up?"
"My friend, she collapsed. I think it has to do with Scooby business."
"Oh. . .OH! Gottcha! I'll carry her, you make sure I don't run into anything."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bianca sat silently on Opal's couch with her knees to her chest. How could Frankie be dead? Why? Why was her beloved taken from her? Her cell rang, shattering her thoughts. "Hello," she whispered shakily.
"Miss Montgomery. It's time. Pack your things, we must be going as soon as possible."
Bianca straitened her back and put her feet on the floor. "She's ready?"
"No. She almost killed an innocent."
"I'll be packed in an hour. Pick me up at home."
"Miss Smythe will assist you."
"But. . ." then she heard the dial tone. She sighed and walked outside to find Greenlee parked out front.
"Hop in. They want you at the airport like yesterday."
Bianca nodded and got in the car.
--------------------------------------
"Giles?"
"Tara? Hello. I came to check on everyone and the shop of course. Anya went to inform Buffy and Willow of my return and I offered to watch the shop. They should be here shortly."
Tara bowed her head. "Then we'd better figure this out before they get here."
Giles spotted Xander and the unconscious girl.
"Hey G-man. Where do you want her?"
Giles glanced at Tara then pulled a chair out. "Who is she?"
"Her name's Rain. She's a Wiccan Priestess. She was reading into a dream I had and collapsed."
"What was the dream about?"
"She said something like "for every slayer born there is a witch" and then she passed out."
"Welcome back Giles."
They all looked at the door to see Buffy, Willow and Anya standing there.
Tara fidgeted nervously, glancing at Rain then looking desperately at Giles.
"Thank you Buffy. I have some books in my hotel room that may help us. Xander will fill you in. Tara, could you help me?"
Tara sprang to her feet. "Sure."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Are you staying with me?"
"Unfortunately. Only for a week, until you get settled in. Well, unless they want me to stay longer."
"Why do you hate me? Tell me that Greenlee."
"I don't hate you Lesbianca, I just like picking on you."
"Gee, thanks."
"You're welcome."
Bianca rolled her eyes. Here she was in a strange town stuck in a car with Greenlee Smythe.
"You're lucky y'know. You're pretty special. At least they think so," suddenly Greenlee looked uncomfortable. Things with Leo and Jake were really starting to piss her off. She was sticking to her bet with Laura. She didn't need a man. Lately it seemed she'd often found herself staring in those intense, sullen eyes of her current living companion. Yup, since the trial had been postponed Bianca had been staying at Greenlee's place.
Greenlee actually enjoyed living with Bianca. When they weren't swapping insults they were in a deep conversation or just hanging out. They'd bonded but that's what worried her. She was getting a little too close to Binks and her biggest fear was that something would happen between them.
--------------------------------------
"I think I found something!" Anya squealed.
Giles put his glasses back on, his face strained with worry. He and Tara had spoken about her edginess around Willow and now he was conspiring against them to get them back together. "What is it Anya?"
"It says here that further into the legend of the slayer it goes into detail about another council. The Witches Council," the baffled ex-demon mumbled.
"Witches Council?" Willow asked nervously.
"Yes. I've heard of them. It is said for each slayer born, a witch is born to assist that slayer in her journey through life, both personal and business related," Giles replied.
"So this witch is like a sidekick? What does this mean?" Tara whispered as she caressed Rain's hair.
Willow was jealous of Rain to say the least. Her eyes were burning right through Tara, her face redder than a ripe tomato. It hadn't taken Tara long to find a new girlfriend and that thought tore Willow up inside. How could she have let such a love slip from her grasp?
Giles studied Tara, then Willow and sighed. "You're the chosen Tara. Therefore your Mystic is probably on her way here, if not already within the city limits searching for you."
"Mystic? What do we know about these people Giles? I mean we have to know something. Are they British too?" Buffy finally questioned.
"Mystics in the Witches Council are the equivalent of Watchers. They're always American, female and are usually around the age of the witch they must train. No more than a ten year age difference I believe. Mystics train the chosen for the last task as well as their duty to the slayer. These Mystics are very special. They are of the few Priestess' out there who posses the highest ranking of light magik," Giles began.
"Last task?" Tara whispered, her eyes still focusing on Rain's pale face.
"Yes. Once a witch has learned all she possibly can she is put to a test to prove her rank. The last task. If she passes she is granted true Priestesshood," he explained.
"What if she refuses to listen to them like Buff did with the council?" Xander wondered aloud.
Giles smiled. "She isn't forced to do anything like the Watchers council attempted with Buffy. It's all up to the witch. She does have to fight alongside the slayer and without training her powers may backfire, like Willow's did at first."
"What does this have to do with Rain?" Tara murmured.
"I'm not quite sure," he replied, taking his glasses from his face to rub the bridge of his nose.
"Who is she?" Willow tried to say calmly, her voice dripping with jealousy.
"A girl I grew up with. We lost contact for a while but bumped into each other shortly after I met you. We didn't start hanging out until. . .after Dawn was in the crash," Tara whispered.
"Guys, can I say something for once? I have an idea. . ."
"Dawn, don't get involved," Buffy scolded.
Giles looked up. "Buffy, let her speak. Perhaps she has a reasonable idea."
Dawn smiled triumphantly. "Ok, we have two witches here. Don't either of you feel it, or is it a key thing? She's radiant, glowing with energy even. What if Rain is a Mystic? Tara's Mystic?"
Willow calmed her emotions. She could feel it. So strong and powerful, yet colorful and warm. "I feel it too."
Giles pulled the girls sleeve up and nodded. "Dawn, she is part of the Witches Council but we can't know how high her ranking is until she comes to."
"Something isn't right. She would have told me," Tara argued.
"Maybe they made her forget until the time was right or something? Can they do that?" Xander babbled.
"It's possible. However, the situation must have been quite complex for them to do so."
"Tara. . ." Rain gasped.
"Shhh, it's ok. I gottcha sweetie."
"So cold. It hurt. Broken memories whole. . ."
"Take it easy. You need some rest. I'll take care of you." Tara stood, trying to lift the girl.
Xander hurried to her side, gently slipping the girl into his arms. "I'll take her Tara."
"Need a lift?" They all looked t the doorway where Spike stood in all of his bad boy glory.
"Since when do you have a car?" Buffy snorted.
"Since I knocked off this Volox demon. Mate of mine gave me a van as payment. So you need a lift Blondie?" the cocky vampire replied.
"She doesn't need your. . ."
"Yes, thank you Spike," Tara whispered, cutting Willow off. Xander sighed and let the vampire take the girl from his arms.
"Lets be off then. Where you and your lady friend wanna be dropped?"
"M-my dorm." Tara felt uneasy. She knew what he was implying and it made her squirm. She'd never. . .not with Rain. They were like sisters.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Faith sighed as she sat on the couch at Angel Investigations. She'd just said goodbye to the only love she'd ever really had and now going back to Sunnydale seemed so pathetic and pointless. Nobody would be glad to see her. She'd just be more trouble but Angel was practically pushing her out the door.
She'd met the rest of the crew, including Angel's son. The kid seemed to be the only human that liked her. Gunn nearly killed her, Wesley was just a stuck up asshole to her, Fred gave her the silent treatment and Cordi treated her like she was a deadly virus.
Lorne loved her to death. She hung out at his club a lot and after she'd stopped two demons from annihilating his club yet again he couldn't thank her enough. She'd actually become security and got paid to keep order. She loved her job but she'd had to take a small vacation to go to Sunnydale.
Angel didn't give her a choice. He'd already spoken with Lorne and gotten her time off so she figured it couldn't hurt going back. She knew Buffy and Willow would treat her the same way Cordi had and Xander would probably hate her with a fury. 'I hope they can forgive me,' she thought.
"You ready?"
Faith looked up in slight shock. Cordelia was actually speaking to her. Maybe it was the joy of getting rid of her. "Yeah. You drivin?"
"Yup. The others are on a case. Listen Faith, I just wanted to tell you that I'm proud of you. You've changed a lot and I hope Buffy can see that. I also wanted to tell you I'm sorry for treating you the way I have been. You're not who you use to be and I want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be here," Cordi confessed. She'd actually been the only one who spent enough time with Faith to notice the changes and it amazed her that a person so corrupt could do a complete 180 in a matter of months.
"Thanks," Faith whispered, more shocked than anything else. They exchanged friendly glances as they headed to Angel's car.
--------------------------------------
Tara sighed as she dialed a number that seemed so foreign to her. "Alison? Hey, it's Tara."
"Tara? OMG! How are you? Has Rain contacted you yet? Is she alright?"
"I'm ok. Rain's surviving. She's a little sick but she's doing better. How about you and Livvie?"
"We're great. Both of us have found the most amazing boyfriends. Do you remember Jack and Jamal?"
"Yeah. Those guys I had to chase away when I was babysitting?"
"Yup, those two. I'm dating Jamal and Jack's dating Livvie. We've been through a lot. Do you have a boy. . .oops, sorry, girlfriend?"
"I did. She's my heart."
"What happened? What's her name?"
"Willow. It's complicated. Anyway, I called to do a little catching up. What happened after I left?"
"Rain told her mom she's gay and got kicked out of their house. She stayed with Livvie for a little while then boarded a train and took off. She told us not to worry and that she'd get back to us if she didn't bump into you first. Nothin else of much interest has happened since then, accept for your phone call. Tara, I'm glad you called. I really miss you."
"I miss you too Aly. I might come visit for a week or so during summer if I can find the time and money. It would be great to see you all again. I gotta go though. I have to take care of Rain."
"I understand. I hope things with you and Willow work out. Tell Rain hi for us. We miss you both."
"K, bye."
"Bye."
Tara hung up the phone. How horrible. Rain had been kicked out? Had she been a drifter? What had happened before she'd come to Sunnydale? These could only be answered by Rain, when she was well enough. She began to stir and Tara rushed to her side. "Easy there."
"Tara?"
"Yeah, I'm here."
"Take me to that magik shop. I need to be there. . ."
"Why? You're not well enough"
"I don't know why but I can manage. Just. . .please, help me get there."
"Ok, I'll call Xander or Giles. They can drive us there so you won't have to walk."
--------------------------------------
"Who are you?" Willow demanded.
Rain closed her eyes. "My name's Rain Wilkins. I'm Tara's friend. We sorta grew up together. She use to babysit Alison, Livvie and me. After she left for college way the hell on the other side of the states I ended up getting kicked out. My ma isn't very open minded. I stayed with Livvie for a little while, in her basement so her dad wouldn't find out. I knew I couldn't stay there forever so I hopped a train and headed wherever it would take me. Ended up in this little place called Pine Valley. A lot of shit went down and I was paid to get lost and never find my way back." Rain smiled briefly then continued. "I remember Tara sayin she was gonna be as far away from her family as possible so I tried LA. That's where I met Cordelia and Fred. Stayed with them for a little while until they told me where I could find Tara. They said they could call and set up a place for us to meet but I told um I'd find her in time. Came here and started settling down. Got me a job, a place, a phone and even cable."
"That's all great but what do you know about Mystics?" Willow snapped. They'd put those two in a room so the witch could interrogate the girl but they didn't know how vicious Willow could be.
Rain smiled. "I know my purpose now. After I left Pine Valley they took me. They introduced me to magik and offered me peace of mind. They said I didn't have to stay but I wanted to. I learned a great deal back then. I remember them clearing my mind. They made me repress the memories of my purpose and placed a trigger on it so I would remember when the time was right. When I read Tara's dream those memories came back and drained me of power. Is that what you wanted to know?" Rain asked.
"So you're her Mystic and Buffy's her slayer?"
"Buffy? Who's she? A slayer? Yes, I'm their Mystic. Tara and Faith."
"Buffy's THE Slayer. Wait, did you just say Faith? She's locked up, isn't she?" Willow was worried. What if Faith was out of jail? What if this was true? Would Tara be in danger?
"She was. She'll be here soon. I can sense it. She wants you all to. . ." before Rain could finish Willow was out of the training room and in the main part of the Magic Box.
"Will are you. . ."
Willow cut Buffy off. "Faith. She's coming back. Rain's their Mystic. Tara and Faith are suppose to be a team. Tara was right about Rain not telling her about the council and stuff. They made her repress certain memories until the time was right."
"What?" Buffy growled. This wasn't happening, not now. "She can't come back. She won't."
"Yes, she will. Don't try to stop her from being here Buffy. I won't let you hurt her. She's changed and you should trust me on that because I can tell what she's feeling. I can do the same with Tara if she lets me. They can hide their emotions but Faith can't right now because she doesn't know I can feel what she is feeling. Don't stand in my way slayer," Rain hissed from the doorway of the training room.
"She can't change. . ."
"Then neither can you!"
"I have before."
"Then so can she."
Buffy tried to grasp this concept. Anyone could change but had Faith changed? It was a question that could only be answered in time. The door to the Magic Box opened and they all looked in that direction, expecting Faith. Instead they stared blankly at the brunette with dark chocolate eyes, straight shoulder length brown hair and white velvet skin.
"Bianca?" Rain gasped.
The woman eyed the Mystic and raised a brow. "Rain? What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
"I came here on a . . . to talk to Buffy and Willow about some stuff. Why are you here?"
"Uh, I'm just hanging out with my friend Tara."
"Excuse me. Bianca, right? What do you need to talk to me and Buffy about?" Willow interrupted.
"Business," she hinted darkly.
Buffy nodded. "We'll talk in the training room." She motioned for Willow and Bianca to follow as she headed for the training room. They followed and the door was shut tight.
"So what's this business, Bianca?" Buffy asked softly, being very polite to the girl.
"Have you read the tale of the Mystic?" Bianca countered with a friendly smile.
"We know about it. Why?" Buffy was curious though she could already tell where this was going.
"Willow, I am your Mystic and you probably already know that Buffy is your slayer. I hope I can help you with your powers. Not only for your well being but for everyone else's too."
"I've quit magik," Willow whispered.
Bianca smiled. "I can return you to your path Willow. We'll start slow, without casting spells and we'll work our way up at your pace."
"Ok," Willow sighed.
"Wait, two Mystics? Two witches? This is complicated," Buffy mumbled.
"Two?" Bianca questioned.
"It make perfect sense Buffy. Two slayers, two witches. Two witches, two Mystics. I think that's right," Willow replied.
"Who are the others?" Bianca beamed eagerly.
Both Willow and Buffy frowned. "Tara's the witch," Willow whispered.
"Rain's the other Mystic," Buffy informed.
"And the slayer?" the brunette wondered aloud.
Buffy gritted her teeth. "Faith Spencer," she spat bitterly.
Bianca could feel the tension and shifted backward. "I take it you don't like her."
Giles walked in and sighed. "I can tell by the stillness in the air that the topic must be Faith. Buffy, would you and Willow wait in the shop. I'd like to speak with Bianca alone. I'll be sure to tell her about Faith."
Buffy nodded and led Willow back to the group.
--------------------------------------
Faith swallowed hard. This would be the hardest thing she'd ever done but she had to. She saw Cordi nod and open the door. In they went, head first into the lions den. Instead of the expected hail of insults she found them sitting there quietly.
"Sorry to break the silence but I brought you a guest," Cordelia whispered.
The others looked up. Again Buffy and Willow looked like they were about to blow a fuse. Rain stood. "Welcome Faith. Sit. We have a lot to talk about."
"Who are you?"
"My name's Rain."
~~ TBC ~~
