Chapter Fifteen-Vampires, Horses and Holidays
Willow thought of herself as a logical person. She had been the premier Hellmouth related researcher for much of her adult life. No vampire, demon or god could escape her inquiry. She had answered questions and resolved issues of all kinds for both a Slayer and her Watcher. Print or virtual, knowledge was the tool of her trade, augmented by witchy skills.
The sphere sat quiescent on her table, mocking her research and magickal talents. Its owner, mode of travel and purpose still eluded her after several months of consistent effort to uncover its mysteries. It perched itself on the table where she dined, unconcerned for her distress, with its shiny metallic surface and carefully etched magickal phrases in the language of Khul. Even her ability to read the etchings provided no clue as to how the Grappler demon had used the device.
'What am I missing!' Willow thought to herself yet again with immense frustration until the ringing of her cell phone distracted her.
"Hey Buffy. What's up?"
"Just wondered if you wanted to patrol with me tonight. Haven't seen you in a few days and I've been a lonely Slayer."
"Sure. Can't have the chosen one in all the world be just one woman all alone. Meet you at 10:00? Anderson crypt?"
"Sounds good Will. See you there."
Willow arrived at the designated crypt early. She felt some nostalgia for this particular location. Inside was where the portal had opened when she returned from Khul to Sunnydale.
'Portal. Khul. Sunnydale.' As she repeated the words in her head, a shiver of excitement ran up the witch's spine. She ran to the crypt, opened the doors, and stepped down inside.
After a few minutes she heard Buffy call out her name and exited the space disappointed.
"Why the sad face?" The Slayer asked.
"I had an idea. I thought maybe instead of focusing on the sphere, I could sense the energy of the portal, or sense something on the other side, the Khul side."
"Good idea. It had to come through somewhere, right?"
"Yes. Except I don't feel anything. Zippo magickal signature. Nothing has happened here since I opened the portal. I could tell if someone else used it. Buffy, the sphere didn't come through here."
"Then where did it come through? It's not like there are a bunch of portals, right?"
"Doesn't have to be a bunch love."
The Slayer and Light Witch both assumed an instinctual defensive posture at the sound of an intruding voice.
"Don't get your knickers in a bunch ladies. Just couldn't help but overhear your discussion. Interesting stuff, portals and such."
"Spike." Both the Witch and the Slayer intoned.
The women relaxed slightly and Buffy stepped toward the bleached blond vampire.
"Been a few years Spike. Thought we wouldn't see you again and I wasn't too broken up about that."
"What can I say, Sunnydale got boring. Headed out to find more interesting goings on in the world."
The Vampire turned toward Willow and gave her a long look. "Your fault really."
Willow looked at him confused, "What's my fault?"
"After your big dark magick suck and unexpected departure with that blighter Rack things got boring around here."
"Sorry you couldn't stay sufficiently entertained in my absence Spike. So is there a reason you're back? One I'm not going to like?" Willow inquired.
"Heard a big mojo witch was in Sunnydale. A redhead. Figured it had to be you, returned to the bosom of your Slayer and her misfit family."
Buffy had heard enough. "The lady asked you nicely Spike, why are you here?"
Spike lit a cigarette and answered. "Things happening here again. Like I said, portals and such. Rumor of a major financial reward for a redheaded witch, and an even bigger one for a little redheaded witch."
Willow passed Buffy in a flash and had Spike on his knees with a stake hovering in front of his chest before his cigarette had time to hit the ground.
"I am not the little girl you used to know Spike. Do not play games with me. You will tell me what you know, now, or I will make sure you never have to worry about boredom again."
"That's why I'm here Red, to talk. Don't get all impatient. Could you move the sharp stick away?"
Willow took one deep breath and allowed the stake to lower. "Talk."
"I came to find the Slayer. Didn't really expect you to be with her, Red. Thought maybe your Bird, or ex-Bird I guess, would be around. Last time I was here she and the Slayer were tight buddies and you were gone. Heard blondie had a little one, with red hair. Couldn't help but think she is probably a little witch too, what with her lineage and all."
Spike looked from Willow to Buffy who hadn't moved during the conversation before continuing.
"Bounty is gettin substantial. Rumor is that some vamps tried a few months ago and got dusted. Then three Grapplers failed to collect on their contract courtesy of the Slayer and her friends."
Buffy turned to Willow, "The Vamps. The ones we dusted that night. He said they were trying to bait the witch."
The redhead blanched. "That means someone has been trying to get to me almost since I've been back!"
Buffy strode up and planted her feet in front of the Vampire. "Who is behind the money Spike? How and why?"
"Can't tell you the why or the specific who. But I do know he's using a portal from another dimension to send his messages. Also sends little trinkets that he thinks might be helpful."
"Spike, I know the location of the portal and it hasn't been used in months, since I came through." Willow offered.
"Like I said love, doesn't need to be a bunch of portals, just one other will do. And before you ask, I don't know where it is, yet."
"You didn't come back planning on collecting the reward did you Spike?" Buffy inquired.
"Sod off. You know I like to be where the action is. Besides, I like blondie. She was always nice to me. I don't like buggers messing with the little ones either, it's not right."
Spike stood up slowly and deliberately, then reached into his coat for another cigarette.
"Seems like the biggest mistake blondie made was getting involved in your sorry lot. Red here gets all dark and disappears. Now she's back and someone wants her and the kiddo. Awful big coincidence if you ask me."
Willow sighed. "Get your shots in now Spike. This is a one time offer. I don't need to hear about my past mistakes from you."
Spike's eyes narrowed at Willow's comments. "Well, that's all I know anyway. Think I'll be going. I'm sure I'll see you around ladies."
Willow and Buffy watched Spike walk away until all they could see was the burning tip of his cigarette glowing in the night.
"Well, look at you, all with the backpack and books and things!" Willow exclaimed as she ran to catch up with the Slayer on one of the many walkways leading across the UC Sunnydale campus.
"Watch it witch. I'm going to end up with a degree before you and who in their right mind would have thought that would happen." Buffy said as she elbowed Willow in the ribs. "What brings you to our illustrious place of higher learning?"
"I'm doing some contract work for the IT department. Needed to talk to one of the project managers."
The two walked together for a few minutes, apparently headed the same direction.
"I'm going crazy trying to figure out what's going on with the sphere and the demons and now Spike." Willow offered. "I keep thinking about what he said about portals. Could someone be using the Hellmouth?"
"I really don't think so." Buffy answered. "I check it out regularly and there just hasn't been any activity. We can go by tonight for a look see if you want."
"Thanks Buffy. I'd like to, just to make sure all of our bases are covered."
Willow again lost herself in thoughts of portals and interdimensional travel until Buffy got her attention.
"This is my cutoff Will. I'll see you later?"
Willow looked up to answer her friend, but no words came out of her mouth as it hung open.
"Will? You Ok?"
Willow grabbed Buffy by the shoulders and turned her around so that both women were facing the same direction, directly in front of Fischer Residence Hall.
"Remember what Spike said? How there didn't need to be a bunch of portals, just one other?"
When Buffy nodded Willow continued. "Well, that building holds the only other portal to Khul that I know for sure ever existed."
Willow started to walk towards Fischer Hall agitated and waving her hands. "I can't believe I didn't think of this. I opened the portal to Khul in Tara's dorm room!"
The witch stopped when they reached the front doors. "Buffy, do you know what room Tara was in? I actually never came to the door."
"I was only there twice, to help Tara move out. I know it was on the first floor, to the left I think. You never came to the door?"
"Uh, I sort of teleported in using dark magick and then I was sucked into the portal to Khul."
"Oh. Right. Let's try down here." Buffy indicated with her hand down a passageway with doors on either side.
The two women walked along, looking at the colorful pictures and phrases decorating the doors of the college girls. The rooms were singles and each door was labeled with one name. About halfway down the hall, both women stopped as they came to a plain undesignated door.
"She left school."
Willow and Buffy turned to see a young woman walking down the hall. She stopped across the hall where the name Kathy was written in multicolored calligraphy across the door.
"Excuse me?" Willow asked the presumed Kathy.
"If you're looking for Jill, she left school. She had that room last year and over the summer. She was supposed to come back for the Fall, but changed her mind and stayed home to help her parents. So nobody has been in that room this term."
"Oh, well, thanks for the information Kathy." Willow responded.
Kathy had unlocked her door and gave Willow a smile with a little wink before going into her room and closing the door.
"Somebody thinks you're cute!" Buffy teased the redhead.
"Buffy, be serious. Do you think it was this room?" Willow asked her friend, blushing.
"Seems about right, but I can't be sure."
"Well, we won't be bothering anybody if we take a look, will we?" Willow stated before uttering a short phrase and turning the now unlocked doorknob.
As soon as the witch entered the room, she knew this was the location of the portal. Waves of dark magick passed over and through her, eliciting sudden nausea and well as a brief flashback to the last time she had stood in this place. She found herself doubled over in pain.
Buffy saw the emotions pass over her friend's face and immediately placed a strong arm around her shoulders.
"Willow? You Ok?"
"This is definitely the place. This portal is using dark magick, strong dark magick. It's been used recently. Oh Goddess Buffy. It makes me sick. This is what I used to feel like? This is what Tara felt from me? It's just terrible. I need to get out of here."
"You go. Wait for me in the hall. I'll take a quick look around."
Willow just nodded and lurched for the door, not breathing until she was in the hall. She thought she might pass out.
The door across the hall opened again and Kathy stepped out. She saw the pretty redhead bent over at the waist with her hands on her thighs, leaning against the wall.
"Are you sick? Where is your friend? Come in here and sit down."
Willow started to argue, but thought she probably did need to sit, so she followed Kathy into her room and sat down in a chair near the door.
"My friend will be back in a minute. Thanks. My name is Willow by the way."
Kathy handed her a bottled water and told her to drink. "Nice to meet you Willow."
After a couple minutes Buffy's head appeared in the open doorway. "Hey, I finished. Didn't see anything worth mentioning. I really need to get to class. You Ok? We can meet up later to finish our discussion."
"Sure. Go on, I don't want to contribute to any delinquency. I'm fine now. I'll catch up with you later."
After Buffy had hurried off, Willow thanked Kathy for her help and started to leave.
"Willow, is this about the room? Jill's old room?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Jill used to tell me she got weird feelings in there sometimes. And she used to get really bad nightmares. People with black eyes and things that weren't even people. Like they were zombies or something."
Guilt washed over Willow. Yet again, she was reminded that her actions had long-lasting consequences. The dark magick portal she had opened had caused an innocent young college student to have nightmares and see things she never should have been exposed to. She would have to find a way to close this portal using Light magick alone, not an easy proposition.
"Kathy, do you know where Jill is now?"
"Sure. She works at her parent's farm, just outside town. Do you need to talk to her?"
"Yes. She might be able to help me with a uh, research project I'm working on. What is her last name?"
"Silverman. You've probably heard of them, they run Silverman Stables of Sunnydale. The Triple S ranch. She gives riding lessons."
"Stables? Riding lessons, as in horses?" Of course, Willow thought. Payback is always Hell.
After Buffy had finally stopped laughing, she had agreed to sign up for a horseback riding lesson with the redhead. She wasn't sure how Willow was going to get a riding lesson when she couldn't even be in the barn with an actual horse, but she sure wasn't going to miss out on this opportunity for entertainment at her friend's expense.
The semi-private lesson for two was scheduled for a Saturday morning in the middle of November. The weather was just starting to cool, but it was still a beautiful day for a ride. If you rode horses. Or even if you wanted to enjoy the company of the four-legged creatures, which Willow most certainly did not.
"Why not just ask if you could come out to meet her and talk?" Buffy asked her oldest friend.
"Oh sure. Hi I'm Willow. Nice to meet you. Let's chat about the dark magick portal in your old dorm room and the various demons and black-eyed witches haunting your nightmares? That'll really go over well, Buff."
The Slayer just snorted in response.
"No. We need to put her at ease. And the best way to do that is to be in her environment, doing what she does. Then I can come up with a way to ease into the subject."
Buffy looked skeptically at Willow from the passenger seat. "So you're going to bring up this girl's worst memories with ease as you run screaming from the barn? No offense, but I still don't get how this is going to work Will."
"We will figure out a way. I'll be strong." Willow stated with more certainty than she felt. "This has to work. Please don't make me sign up for the 10 lesson package."
This time the Slayer snorted more forcefully.
"We're here." Willow added.
The Triple S ranch was situated on 40 acres of rolling hills on the dry side of the city. The landscape of the area was pretty with plenty of conifer and oaks trees, but was not suitable for farming or orchards. The Silverman's had established the ranch two decades ago, but were now getting up in age and were happy their daughter was taking over the business.
Willow and Buffy parked and started walking towards the barn when they were met by a petite brunette who introduced herself as Jill.
"So, this is a beginner lesson. Have either of you done any riding before?" Jill inquired.
Buffy snorted again as Willow elbowed her in the ribs. "No. We haven't. My friend here has kind of a horse phobia. She's hoping you can help her get over it. I've never gone riding, but I'm sure it won't be a problem."
Jill looked at Willow sympathetically. "Did you have a bad experience with a horse?"
"Pony actually. Birthday party pony. Tried to eat my arm. Very traumatizing." Willow added with a little pout.
"Oh you poor thing. Well, we'll take it nice and easy for you Ok? I promise a positive experience." Jill responded with a little smile. "Let's head down to the stable. I know just the horse for you Willow, she's very gentle."
As the three young women turned to walk down the path, Buffy found herself nearly elbowed to the back by Jill. 'Oh brother.' She thought to herself.
When they arrived at the stable door, Jill asked the two friends to wait while she got the horses ready. As soon as she was out of hearing distance, Buffy turned to Willow.
"What the heck Will?"
The witch looked back at her innocently. "What do you mean?"
"You have got to be kidding me, she is totally flirting with you! This is getting to be ridiculous. First that girl Kathy and now Jill? It's not fair. I insist the next research outing include meeting a cute guy who wants to flirt with me!"
"I don't have any idea what you are talking about Buffy." Willow tried to keep a straight face.
"Oh you poor thing, let me get you a nice gentle girl to make you feel better Willow." The Slayer mocked.
Willow could only giggle as Jill came walking around the side of the stable. "This way ladies. I have the horses over here."
Three beautiful horses stood saddled within the corral. Jill indicated the Palomino was hers. She pointed to a quiet brown mare with a pretty white mark on her head. "That is Star. She is the nicest horse I have ever had. I promise no arm biting Willow."
Jill then turned to Buffy. "That is your horse for today. He is a really good guy, nice and easy, shouldn't cause you any difficulty. His name is Parker."
Willow thought she was going to choke on her laughter. "Sorry. I'm sure Buffy and Parker will get along just fine, right?"
Buffy glared at Willow and leaned over whispering in her ear, "I'm starting to think you've done something witchy."
Willow held her hands up, "No spell. This is just your typical Scooby Hellmouthy goodness, I promise!"
"Hmm." Was all the Slayer said, but she couldn't stop the grin from forming on her face. "Ok, so what's next?"
Jill spent the next hour going over the basics of riding and safety as well as introducing both women to the horses. She took Willow by the hand and led her step by step up to Star, until the redhead was able to pet the gentle horse on the nose and feed her a carrot.
"Great job Willow. You are doing really well." Jill beamed.
"Well, you are a really good teacher." Willow responded.
Meanwhile Buffy had been petting and feeding Parker carrots, but as soon as she gave him everything she had, he just walked away.
"Time to mount and ride." Jill announced.
"I'll bet it is." The Slayer mumbled.
After helping Buffy into the saddle Jill turned to Willow. "Do you want to ride alone? I mean, if you are scared we could ride Star together."
Willow glanced at Buffy quickly who just rolled her eyes. "I think I'll be Ok. Just stay close to me?"
"Of course Willow. I'll be right beside you."
Jill led the two women out of the corral and onto a wide trail where all three horses could walk side by side. Willow used the opportunity to strike up a conversation with the brunette.
"So Jill, have you always taught riding?"
"No, I went to UC Sunnydale for a year, but college just wasn't right for me."
"Really." Willow jumped on the opening. "Buffy and I used to go there. We were roommates. Lived in Stevenson Hall. Were you in the dorms?"
"Yes. Fischer Hall. But I didn't like it there." Jill frowned.
"Did something happen? I mean, Buffy and I had some really weird experiences in the dorms."
"Really?" Jill looked up at Willow surprised.
Suddenly Parker let loose a loud whinny and reared up. Buffy leaned forward and grabbed his mane, trying to stay in the saddle.
"Crap." Jill exclaimed and pointed to a black reptile slithering across the path in front of them. "Snake on the trail."
With that, Parker wheeled around and took off back down the path a gallop, the Slayer clinging on for dear life. Horse and rider reached a sharp turn and Buffy found herself unable to keep her balance. She flew off the side of the saddle and landed hard on the ground.
Jill had turned her horse and Star around and started after Parker and Buffy telling Willow to follow slowly.
By the time Jill caught up, the Slayer was sitting on the side of the path looking glum.
"Are you alright?" Jill asked as she jumped down.
Buffy nodded and allowed Jill to help her up. "I'm so sorry. He never does that. Must have been the snake."
Star trotted up carrying a concerned Willow. "You Ok Buffy?"
"Yes Willow, I am fine." She answered through gritted teeth.
"Buffy, why don't you ride my horse back to the stable and I'll ride with Willow. I'll come back for Parker later."
"Sure Jill. That sounds great for everyone."
Willow knew she shouldn't say anything. She really should just keep quiet. But it was right there for the taking and no internal admonishment was going to stop it, no matter the consequences.
"So Parker dumped you, eh Buff?"
"You are so dead Will."
"I know. Oh, by the way, you landed in some poo, it's on the back of your jeans. I think you got dumped in Parker poo."
"They'll never find your body witch."
"I know. But it is so worth it. I can't even really pretend to be sorry, as long as you aren't hurt." Willow added with a laugh.
"Can we go now?" Buffy hissed as she hiked herself onto Jill's horse.
Buffy rode a little ahead of the other two women sharing a ride on Star, hoping it would give Willow the chance to finish her earlier conversation. And it would get her back to the stables faster.
"Sorry about your friend." Jill started after settling in behind Willow and reaching around her waist to take the reins.
"Oh, she's alright. Don't worry. Buffy is tougher than she looks. I'm just sorry that whole horse running wild thing interrupted our conversation."
"It's Ok Willow. I don't really like to talk about it. I had weird nightmares when I lived in the dorms, that's all."
"Do you still have them?" Willow asked quietly.
"No. They stopped when I moved home. I'm fine now." Jill answered.
"That's not why you quit school is it?" Will inquired with dread at the answer.
"No. I missed this, riding, the farm, everything out here. I was going to change dorms if I stayed in school, though. There was once over the summer I swear there were monsters in my room, flashing lights and stuff. I thought I was going crazy! But in the morning my door was still locked. Wild dream."
"I don't think you are crazy. You've been really nice today." Willow saw that they were back at the corral. "People in Sunnydale have vivid dreams. I'm just glad you don't have them anymore."
"Thanks Willow. I'm really glad you came out today."
"Oh she did that a long time ago, right Will?" Buffy smirked as she walked up to the two women dismounting from the horse.
Now Jill was blushing as she escorted her guests to the parking lot. "I'd love to see you again Willow. For another ride, I mean. I could give you a discounted lesson rate."
Willow had her hand clamped over Buffy's mouth before she could say a word. "Thanks Jill, that's really nice of you. I'll let you know. " She gave a little wave goodbye and got in the driver's seat of her car.
The redhead turned to her blond best friend. "Why don't you get a towel out of the trunk to sit on? I really don't need any Parker poo on my seats."
Buffy did as instructed with a pout on her face. After they pulled out of the drive and onto the highway, the best friends looked at each other and simply burst into laughter which continued all the way back into town.
Holidays growing up had equaled extra cooking, chores and avoiding angry drunk male relatives for Tara. So Thanksgiving had taken on special meaning to her for the last six years with the Scoobies, even more so for the last four, soon to be five, with Isobel. Cooking for an appreciative crowd was a pleasure and she had taken over responsibility for the annual Thanksgiving feast several years ago, much to the relief of those who had eaten the Slayer's cooking the year before.
Isobel loved having everyone at the house and was nearly hyperventilating waiting for Willow to come over for dinner. She had been talking incessantly to Buffy, Dawn and Tara about having all her family together for the first time on a holiday.
For her part, Willow was excited, but nervous as well. She had asked both Buffy and Tara if it was really Ok for her to attend, not wanting to pressure anyone, ie, Tara, with her presence. Buffy wanted Willow there without reservation. Tara had trouble articulating it, but she also wanted Willow to come over. They were not spending any time alone together, but the time they spent with Isobel made Tara realize how much Willow had changed. She was still smart and energetic, but her drive for perfection seemed to be tempered. Maybe that was just age and maturity, but Tara thought there was a sadness in Willow that came through sometimes. Of course, she was still sexy and beautiful and Tara found herself gazing for long moments when she had the chance to do so surreptitiously.
After what everyone in attendance agreed was the best Thanksgiving feast ever, Willow and Buffy asked the others to stay for a Scooby update. Anya took Isobel for a quick trip to the park and the others gathered in the living room.
"I just wanted to let you know I have continued to research the sphere and portal issues, but without much success." Willow started. "The sphere is still silently challenging me. The portal in Fischer Hall is still open, but does not seem to have been used too recently. Probably not since the sphere came through before the Grappler attack. After Buffy and I had our horseback riding experience I tried to close it, but it is being kept open from the Khul side with some seriously strong dark magicks that I cannot affect from this side. I also formulated a spell to look for any additional portals, but it looks like Spike was right and there are just the two in Sunnydale."
Xander spoke next. "Well, it's been pretty quiet since Summer. Maybe after the failed attempts, whoever it is just gave up."
"I would agree, except for Spike showing up. That worries me. He does like to be around trouble." Buffy said.
Tara added with concern, "I don't like that someone is keeping the portal open. And we still don't know what he or she wants with Isobel, she's just a child."
"I agree. We need to keep our guard up. I'll keep researching our options. I just wanted to let you all know where we stand." Willow shifted nervously from one foot to another before continuing. "On a personal note, I also wanted to thank you, all of you, for letting me back into your lives. A year ago I could never have hoped to be back home and spending the holidays with my daughter and my friends. So, thanks."
This time it was Dawn who spoke up. "We love you Willow. We see how hard you have worked and we should be the ones thanking you for everything you have done for us."
Tara felt like she wanted, needed to say something. She wanted to say she agreed with Dawnie and could see the positive changes Willow had worked so hard to achieve, all on her own. Before she had the chance to formulate her thought into words, the front door opened and a small red-haired whirlwind flew into the room followed by a haggard Anya.
"Mama, Mommy! Aunt Anya and me saw a deer! It was walking right at the edge of the trees and it was so pretty!"
"That's really nice honey." Tara said as the dusty child landed in her lap. "How about now we go get you a bath."
"Can I?" Willow offered.
"Sure. Have fun ladies." Tara responded as the redheads ran up the stairs.
"I see how you look at her Tara." Anya stated as she sat herself on the couch.
"You see that I'm glad they are both happy."
"You look at Willow like you want her to give you an orgasm right now." Anya smirked.
"I do not." Tara stated, trying to look offended.
"She's never going to say anything, let alone make the first move Tara. She thinks you could never love her again after everything that has happened." Buffy added.
"Well, she's probably right. I'm not sure we could ever be together again, regardless of our feelings." Tara ended with a sigh.
"Don't be ridiculous. You love her and she loves you like crazy." Anya said.
"Love isn't everything and you two know it." Tara responded.
"Maybe not. But it is a whole lot. I'd give anything to have half the love you feel for each other with someone. Willow has made it clear to me she has no interest in being with anyone else, ever. And I've seen some pretty cute girls flirt with her. It's like they don't even exist. I mean, she's nice to them, but she never even flirts back." The Slayer got up and stretched. "I'm going for a quick patrol if I can move with all this turkey in me. I'm just saying Tara, you will have to tell Willow how you feel. She is going to leave it all up to you."
Tara thought hard about what Buffy had said. The idea of cute girls flirting with Willow had never crossed her mind. Of course they would, the redhead was beautiful. She was still glad she had never been witness to the flirting. She had no right to be jealous, but the thought of Willow with someone else made her feel off, unbalanced, like it just wasn't right.
The blond had never been the one to initiate in her relationship with Willow. Could she now? Would she be able to put everything from the past aside and try to start over again? Part of her wanted to do just that, but there was still that nagging doubt, especially with the unanswered questions about the Grappler attack, the sphere being from Khul and who it was that wanted to kidnap her daughter.
Maybe it was best to just wait a little longer. She decided there was no harm in keeping things the way they were for now, right?