Title: Family Ties (Sequel to Sold)
Author: UniDagger
Email: sj10113@alltel.net
Feedback: Yes, please!
Distribution: Just let me know.
Spoilers: none
Pairing: W/T, B/S, X/A…you know, the usual *G*
Rating:
Disclaimers: Joss and Co. own all.
Summary: When grandma calls, Tara and Willow rush back to another dimension to rescue her, aided by the slayer. Is it just a rescue mission? Or is Destiny calling. And if it's Destiny calling, how did she get their number? Inquiring minds, want to know.
NOTE: No bunnies, and no strange men with cheese slices appearing for no reason.

Part 3

Tara was fixing lunch when Buffy finally awakened and came downstairs. Willow was helping Dawn put up thick dark drapes and making sure no light could get in. Buffy yawned then asked what was going on. "Dawn told us about Spike and said you were worried about what we'd say." Willow told her. "I mean, as long as he's not biting ya know." She grinned.

"Are you sure you two are ok with this?" Buffy asked. "It is your house, Buffy." Tara said, bringing her a cup of coffee. "But it's your home too, Tara. I don't want you to agree to this if you aren't really ok with it."

"No, its ok. Besides, who are we to stand in the way of love?" Tara winked at Willow.

"Uh, all this mushy stuff." Dawn feigned disgust then laughed when Tara threw the hand towel she was holding. "Come on, Dawn. Help me with lunch?" Tara asked heading back for the kitchen. "Sure." Dawn skipped pass Buffy who went to sit on the couch. "Rough night?" Willow asked, sitting down next to her.

"About the same I guess. A few more than usual maybe." Buffy sighed.

"Maybe you should get some more sleep. I don't think you're getting enough. Sleep that is." She chuckled.

Buffy laughed. "You're bad Willow." "I know. I try not to be bad, but I'm so bad, that my good turns bad. It's an illness, I'm thinking of seeking counseling." The two laughed.

"So, what are we going to do on this Sunday afternoon? I feel like going out or something." Buffy stated. "We could do that. What would you like to do?" Willow asked. Buffy thought for a bit then looked around. "Um, I don't know. But…where is Chronos*? He makes me nervous when it's this quiet."

"Oh, he's out playing with Logan. He really loves that puppy that Spike got for him." Willow smiled as she talked about her step-son. "So. You and Spike are really…?"

Buffy took a deep breath. "I don't know. I get so confused by my feelings sometimes. I still love Angel, I guess I always will. I told Spike that. When I think about Spike, I don't see it as an ever-after relationship either. I mean, if it couldn't work with Angel and I…or anyone else for that matter. Maybe I'm jinxed?"

Willow squeezed her hand. "Well, I guess it's best to take what happiness you can, while it lasts. Doesn't make it easy. But you know Tara and I are always here for you." "Thank you, Will. You're the best friend anyone could hope to find." Just then Tara announced that lunch was ready and Dawn went out to get Chronos. "I'm starving," Buffy stated as she headed for the dining room, "What's on the menu Oh Fabulous Chef?"

"It's a new dish I found called Chicken-Salad-Ring. I hope it's good." Tara replied. "Of course it will be good. You're the best cook around." Willow piped up, giving her a quick kiss before taking a seat. Chronos came running in with a little black and white puppy at his heels. As he was about to reach the table, Tara and Willow both held up their hands, pointing upstairs and simultaneously said "Hands!"; the boy froze inches from his plate. "Aww." Chronos grinned, then raced upstairs to wash his hands. Dawn set a bowl of food down for Logan and took her place at the table.

When Chronos returned they filled their plates and ate. "When is Uncle Spike coming to move in?" Chronos asked as he reached for more vegetables. Buffy looked around then at Dawn. "Guess everyone knows huh." Dawn shrugged. "I'm sorry. I just thought you'd want to sleep and not worry about anything so I mentioned it." Buffy shrugged, "It's ok. Less chatter for me." "Well?" Chronos asked again. "I don't know, Chro. Maybe tonight." Buffy answered him. "Yay. He can see Logan do his new trick. I throw the ball and he chases it and brings it back."

When they finished their meal they decided to go to the park and called Xander to invite him and Anya. They weren't home so Willow left a message and the group headed out.

Part 4

That night, as Tara and Willow prepared for bed, Willow asked Tara why she was so quiet. Tara shrugged, "I don't know. I keep thinking about grandmother. I feel kind of…anxious, but I don't know why."

"A premonition maybe?" Willow suggested, as she got into bed. Tara turned out the side lamp and snuggled up to Willow, kissing her lips. "I don't know. I… Willow, I don't want to go back there." Willow held her tightly. "Then we won't go back." Willow said simply.

Tara closed her eyes. "But if grams needs me… Vahna said…she said we had a destiny. I think we are supposed to go back." "Tara, I'll support you in whatever must be done. If we go back, we go. If you say no, then its no. Just don't worry yourself ok? We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, even if it includes screaming and running for our lives." The red head grinned. Not getting the response she was going for she moved her other arm around Tara, hugging her tightly. "You're grandma can take care of herself and if she needed help, she would send word to you right?" Tara sighed, "I guess you're right." Willow slid her hand over Tara's cheek, softly. "Of course I'm right." They kissed, a soft loving and passionate kiss.

*********

The next few days went on as usual except that Spike moved into the house. For the most part he stayed in the basement until sundown, then he and Buffy would go out on patrol. Chronos was caught trying to sneak down to see him the second day and had to sit in the time-out chair. "We told you he needs to sleep, Chro." Willow told him sternly. Chrono's lips quivered. "I just wanted to show him my frog." Willow gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and told him he'd just have to learn to wait till evening.

Willow started working for a computer firm the next day, having beaten out 60 other applicants, hands down. The girls had talked it over and decided that for now, Tara would take care of Chronos and the house while Willow worked. Buffy worked part time down at the Magic Box and everyone agreed having the slayer too tired to slay was rather dangerous and quite possibly could end the world. Willow made Tara promise that if she got too bored, and wanted to resume school or take up teaching, she'd let her know. "Will, I'm happy with this. I love teaching Chronos and when he starts school, I'll get my license and try for a job there. That way he wont be there alone."

Everyone settled into routines and life seemed quite normal, if you can call a life filled with vampires, demons, occasional spells gone wrong, and a three year old, normal. Spike had taken to his 'uncle role, much better than any thought possible. As soon as the sun would go down, he'd take Chronos outside where he had set up large lights and the two worked on their tree-house before he went hunting with Buffy.

After Buffy and Spike left that evening to make their rounds, Willow put Chronos in the bath and listened to all the plans Uncle Spike and he had for the tree house and when she finally got him out of the water and into clothes he was finally running down. Tara and Willow read him a story then kissed him good night, shutting the light off and going down stairs. "Maybe after I've worked awhile, we should try to get our own place." Willow suggested.

"No! You cant!" Dawn came around the corner. "Oh Dawnie. It would probably be along time before.." Willow started. "Don't you like being here? Is it Spike? Is it me, did I do something wrong?" Tara walked over quickly and put her arms around the teenager. "You know it could never be you, Sweetie. We're just talking is all. Chronos needs his own room you know and it won't be that long and you'll be going off to college so you wouldn't even miss us?"

"He can have my room. I don't want you to move out." Dawn pleaded.

"Hon, you don't have to give up your room. Where would you sleep?" Tara inquired.

"Well, on the sofa or," Dawn grinned then mischievously, "Buffy could move down with Spike."

"Well, we'll just have to see how things work out. Who knows, maybe we could just buy a house next door. Then we wouldn't really be like gone." Willow suggested.

"Maybe." Dawn sulked.

Dawn finished her homework and Tara looked over it while they watched T.V. before they all headed for bed. As they got ready for bed, Tara sat on the edge of the bed while Willow combed her hair. "Do you really want to move out?" she asked Willow.

"Well no. I feel like its home here. But I just thought maybe Spike and Buffy…if they go through with this relationship, would need their space. And we do need a room for Chro." Willow stopped brushing. "Sometimes I feel like I'm crowding others." Tara turned to look at her lover. "Well stop. Because you aren't crowding anyone. We'll work things out. Maybe we can just hire Xander and build onto the house. Why don't we bring it up to Buffy in a few months."

"Did I ever tell you how cute you are when you're practical?" Willow smiled. "No. I don't think so." Tara teased. "No? Well…" Willow grabbed Tara and pulled her closer planting a big kiss on her lips. Tara chuckled, then stopped when Chronos stirred in his sleep. "Shhh." Tara froze, looking at the little boy curled up in his race car bed in the corner, then glanced at Willow. "Now I see why you're talking about rooms." Willow cocked her head. "Ha, its not just that."

"I know hon." Tara got up and placed the brush on the dresser and looked into the mirror, then gasped at what she saw. The mirror had grown foggy and her grandmother's face stared back at her. "G-grandmother?"

"Tara. I need you. Go to the caves, Lyle will be there waiting and will guide you. It's time to face your destiny." The cloudy image spoke to her.

"B-b-but…now?"

Amilia looked off to the side, then back at Tara. "Dear, I know its frightening. But I wouldn't ask this if there was any other way. Please, will you come give us aid?"

"Of course Grandmother. I'm coming."

"Thank you." The woman said, then faded away, the mirror became just a mirror again.

Tara turned to look at Willow, worry and fear in her eyes. Willow stood up and embraced Tara. "It's ok. Let's get ready to go. I'll put Chronos in with Dawn and let her know where we are going." Within an hour, the girls were walking down the street, heading for the caves. As the girls passed the cemetery, they heard Buffy call out their names; they waited for her to catch up. Once Buffy and Spike arrived, the girls filled them in on their mission. "I'm coming with you." Buffy said. "But you're needed here." Willow argued. "No, when my friends are in trouble, that's where I am needed. Spike, will you look after Dawn and Chro?"

"Of course, Love."

Buffy gave Spike a kiss and thanked him, then the three girls continued on towards the caves. Lyle (a long time friend of Amilia's, and fellow rebell whom they had met almost a year ago) was waiting for them. Without a word, he motioned them to follow. They walked a couple miles into the surrounding woods before Lyle stopped and started an incantation to open a portal. He looked back at them, then still saying nothing, walked through. Buffy followed next, then Tara and Willow. It didn't take long for them to appear on the other side. Tense and unsure what to expect, they looked for Lyle but didn't see him anywhere.

"I don't like this." Buffy muttered.

"Why'd he leave us?" Tara whispered. "I think we shouldn't stay here….maybe head east." Willow suggested. Buffy looked in the direction Willow suggested then agreed. "Lead the way, Captain." Buffy said bringing up the rear, watching to make sure they weren't being followed.

They traveled some time without a word, then Willow stopped and motioned the others to hide. They heard a couple voices talking quietly but they came no nearer, and were soon lost into the night. Slowly the threesome ventured out again. They soon reached an area that Tara and Willow recognized as one of the camps, but no one was around. "Now what?" Willow asked in a whisper.

"Can you do a location spell?" Buffy asked. "They can feel it, and if they know we are coming they'll be waiting for us to do just that." Tara answered. "So they could like track us. Dang." Willow yawned and rubbed her eyes. "Should we head for the town and see if we can learn anything?" Tara shrugged. "I wish Vahna would pop in."

Buffy watched her two friends do a synchronized yawning routine, then suggested they bed down for the night. "I'm used to being up nights so I'll take watch. You two need to sleep." After trying to argue but having their words cut off by yawns they finally assented and curled up together under a tree. Buffy stepped away into the moon cast shadows to watched over them. Tara stirred for awhile before settling down. "Worried about her grandmother, no doubt." The Slayer thought to herself.

Buffy found the stillness of the night allowed her mind to wander places she'd rather not go. But unable to stop herself, she began thinking about Spike. She'd kept telling herself it was just sex, but that didn't ring true anymore. She still didn't know what it was she was feeling but it was nice to have him around. It was true that he had changed a lot the past year and it couldn't all be contributed to that blessed chip. "Maybe its like being given a soul." She mused. Buffy watched an owl float overhead as it disappeared on the hunt. She should be hunting right now.

Tara rolled over in her sleep, whimpering. Before Buffy could move towards her, Willow's arm had snaked around her lover and pulled her close, neither waking, but Tara quieted down and grew peaceful again. The Slayer smiled. Even in sleep the two were there for one another. She wondered if she'd ever find someone like that. She sighed and leaned back against the tree. Looking again at Willow and Tara's slumbering forms, she was glad she had come. They had confided in her some of what had happened the last time they'd been to this realm and she was amazed by their courage to venture back. "Will and Tara are braver than we give them credit for," she mused, "including themselves."

True words, indeed, Friend.

Buffy said straight up, her back stiff and every muscle ready to spring into battle. She peered through the dark but could see nothing, and had heard no one approach. She took a deep breath and wondered if she had finally gone insane. A soft chuckle did nothing to reassure her otherwise.

"Who - ?" She started to speak but was hushed.

You do not need to speak outwardly. No need to wake your friends just yet. You will only be safe here a few more hours.

Buffy swallowed hard and thought "Who are you?"

I am Vahna. Tara spoke of me to you.

Buffy swallowed again. In truth, when Tara had mentioned speaking to a Goddess, she'd just assumed it was an hallucination or something, or some kind of title. Again, the soft laughter echoed in her mind. "Quite happy to amuse you, Vahna. It is why I'm here after all. "

Tara's grandmother has been taken and held on trial. She will not be re-enslaved as they see her as a threat.

"That's good news, right? No slavery."

No. Instead she will be executed.

"Oh. Not good." Buffy sighed. "Uh, shouldn't you be talking to Tara? I mean, it's a pleasure to meet..talk.. you and all..uh…your uh, goddess…ness…" Unsure of what to say, she stopped and looked at Tara wishing she was awake. What do you say to a god. "Or rather a god that wasn't trying to kill you." She corrected herself as thoughts of Glory rose unbidden.

Again, Vahna chuckled before continuing. Their powers will be much used in the next few days. When you awaken them in an hour, take them North to the Lake and follow it's easterly coarse. When you reach the town of Blithen, find a man named Corwitthen. He will help you join up with the rebels.

Buffy nodded. "Then what?" When no answer came, Buffy frowned and asked again. Distantly Vahnas voice said, You must find the way. Buffy groaned. "Why does everyone always get so cryptic?" She waited about thirty minutes before rousing her friends and telling them about her conversation. "Then North it is." Willow stated as she stretched out the kinks from sleeping on the ground.

Though they only stopped to rest once, it was well past noon before they reached the lake and began their way east again. Tara hadn't spoken much, wrapped up with her worries for her grandmother. An hour to sundown, tired and hungry, they reached the edge of the forest and found that it opened into a large meadow.