Title: Half of my soul and all of my heart
Author: ladydewinter
Email: ladydewinter@gmx.net
Rating: R for language ?
Pairing: W/K first, but I don't really like them...so W/T eventually :-) And this is becoming B/S as well, it seems.
Setting: The story takes place roughly after The Killer in Me, so spoilers up to then. And if you have no idea about Season Three of Angel you'll be spoilt as well...so don't come running to me *lol*
Disclaimer: Willow, Tara, Kennedy, Anya et. al belong to Joss Whedon and ME and - hey you know whom they belong to. The story however is mine. Oh, the title is taken from a book called "Magic's Promise" by Mercedes Lackey. And there may be quotes from the show included in this story - I haven't really marked them, but if it sounds familiar - I mean it as an homage, I don't wanna violate any copyright, really. Please don't sue me!
Feedback: Yes please!!! It makes me happy, and happy's always good!
Distribution: If you want it, you can have it, just let me know where it ends up.
Summary: Fighting. The Spell. Yeah - this is it ;-)
Author's note: This chapter's pretty long, and it has a lot in it. But the only other way would have meant an incredibly unfair cliffhanger (or that's what I thought), and really - I'm not that mean. So here we go :-) Oh, and it's not over yet... but I guess you suspected that already ;-)
***
Already hours before dark everyone met in the living room again. Most of them had done as Buffy had suggested, or at least tried to. But none of them had actually gotten much sleep. The few couples there were had cuddled together somewhere - Anya and Xander, who still claimed they weren't back together had stayed in the living room, Buffy and Spike had disappeared down to the basement and Willow and Tara had gone to their room. But neither of those who didn't have a partner had wanted to be alone. The potentials had gone outside to the garden, taking turns in practising some more moves and lying down on the lawn. After a while, Dawn, Andrew and Giles had joined them. Faith and Angel had taken up residance in the kitchen. Faith enjoyed herself watching Angel try mix his blood the way Spike always did it. Naturally he didn't have the slightest idea how to do it. At some point he debated going down to the basement to fetch Spike, but Faith managed to dissuade him there. In the end Angel reluctantly drank the disgusting result of his experiments. He would have to ask Spike for a recipe or something.
One could practically smell the nervousness in the living room. For Angel and Spike this was actually true; their vampiric senses were overwhelmed when they joined the others - after Spike had shown Angel how exactly to mix the Weetabix and Burbaweed with blood. The two vampires looked at each other, slightly worried. They had a big fight waiting for them, and they needed everyone to keep their heads. Especially the potentials looked scared - understandable, seeing as they would had to fight more or less on their own, without someone stronger, for the very first time. At least Giles would be with them.
Fifteen minutes before sunset, Buffy and Faith both stood up. Faith cleared her throat. "Okay, everybody get ready now. Girls -", she looked at the potentials, "check your weapons. You're going to need them. Don't worry - you'll do fine."
"Yeah," Buffy continued. "You all did well at training. I wouldn't want to be a Bringer right now. Well, I would never want to be a Bringer anyway, so..."
"Um, B? Got any point there?" Faith asked her, raising her eyebrows.
"Sorry." Buffy smiled apologetically. "Right, Willow? Do you guys have everything for the spell?"
Willow nodded. "Everything. We even got each necessary item twice, in case something happens. I have the one bag, Xander the other."
"Good." Buffy was satisfied. "Now, remember; Faith, you are looking after Anya, Angel, you after Xander, and you're taking care of Tara," she said, turning to Spike. "Each of us is protecting his - um, bodyguarding person in the first place. We have to get them to the place where I - you know. That's the most important thing."
"Sure." Faith walked over to the window and peered out. "I think they know what's to come - looks like there's more of them now."
"Well, that had to be expected." Giles joined her.
"You know what to do as well, right?" Buffy asked the potentials.
Dawn rolled her eyes. "No, Buffy, I think we need you to explain again for the zillionth time now, please."
"Dawn, this isn't funny," her older sister told her in her 'I'm you older sister and don't you know it' voice.
She sighed. "I know. We have to split up, run outside and fight so they get distracted. Then you guys try to get by undetected."
"What I still don't get is why Willow can't use one of her protecting spells," Vy asked. "I mean, wouldn't that be the easiest way?"
"Willow needs all her energy for the spell later," Buffy told her. "We can't risk that one not to work."
"I think it's dark enough now," Angel suddenly said.
Vy, Chloe, Molly, Amanda and Dawn went to the kitchen. They would attack the Bringers starting from the backdoor. Buffy put her hand on her sister's arm. "Dawn-"
"I'll be alright." She smiled at her. Then they heard Spike's voice. "Sure you'll be. You're a hell of a fighter. Guess it runs in the family."
Dawn turned to him gratefully. He simply grinned. "Off you go then."
Buffy followed her sister with her eyes, still looking worried.
"You really don't have to worry, luv. I meant what I said."
Buffy took a deep breath and then nodded. "Okay."
Kennedy, Giles, Andrew and the others got ready at the front door. Buffy, Faith, Angel and Spike teamed up with Willow, Anya, Xander and Tara and prepared themselves. They waited for some more long seconds, then Faith gave the signal.
"NOW!!!"
***
Two doors were opened, and the girls and Andrew and Giles stormed outside. The others waited a bit longer, ready to use the chaos out there to their advantage. After a minute or two, Buffy and Faith looked at each other in silent agreement. Angel and Spike caught their looks and got ready to go as well.
"Okay, we have to get past them as fast as possible now," Buffy explained again. "It's too chaotic there, and too dangerous. I guess once we're out of Revello Drive, it'll be easier. If we get separated, you know where we meet."
Everybody nodded.
"Alright. Now, let's go!"
They stepped outside the door, the four more experienced fighters quickly getting themselves an overview of the battle, trying to find a way past the Bringers to a temporary safety.
Tara had never seen a battlefield for real before. Even as she had watched Angel and Spike fighting, it had still had had the touch of something not quite real for her. But this - this was totally different.
There were Bringers everywhere, it seemed - more than they had ever seen before. They probably could count themselves lucky that there weren't any ubervamps around. But the Bringers were causing enough damage as it was. And so were the potentials. Tara didn't have much time to take a closer look, but it seemed they were doing impressively well, swirling their swords and axes, never even pausing to be afraid.
She suddenly felt herself being dragged along. Spike had taken her hand and was now pulling her after him, gesturing to her to hurry up a bit. She did. They ran past Dawn and Amanda, who were fighting side by side and had already wounded three Bringers heavily. Or had they killed them? Tara didn't know, all she had seen were three of those - creatures? - lying on the Summers' front lawn next to the two girls. She still wasn't sure she understood exactly what those Bringers were. But that probably didn't matter that much now.
She couldn't see Willow or Buffy. Angel and Xander were nearby, Angel attacking a Bringer who had come dangerously close to Xander and the bag he was carrying. Spike went over and helped him discard the Bringer with one blow of the sword he was carrying, letting go of Tara's hand. Then off they went again.
Suddenly there were six of them standing in their way. Tara looked at them, horrified. She didn't know what to do - Willow had taught her a few spells but had advised her not to use them except in a case of emergency. Was this an emergency? She wasn't sure. She was afraid - she knew she was panicking, but she couldn't help it. How could she ever have dealt with something like this? She wished she could curl up somewhere and hide.
Then Willow and Buffy were beside them. Either her face showed all her fear, or her girlfriend just knew her too well, because Willow took her hand for a moment and pressed it gently. The touch only lasted for a second, but it was enough to bring her back. Willow smiled and offered her a small sword. Tara took it and tightened her hold on it. She then nodded decisively and the two witches joined the others in the fight. She wasn't too sure she managed to do much damage, but she knocked one of them out. They got away more or less unharmed, Angel with a small scratch on his arm; so one probably could say they had done well.
When they reached the street, they met with Faith and Anya, and three Bringers. Now being in the minority, they were easily defeated. There weren't any in front of them, but when they turned around they noticed some where following them. So they started to run once more.
Soon Tara was out of breath. She didn't know how far exactly it still was, but she hoped it wouldn't be too far. She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep up. It seemed Spike had noticed her exhaustion, for he slowed down a bit. "Wait up, everybody," he called to the others.
Tara was relieved to see that Anya, Xander and Willow were breathing hard as well. They seemed grateful for the short break, each of them trying to catch their breath. Buffy looked around worriedly, noticing the group of Bringers coming near them. Well, now was as good a time to take them out as always.
Angel and Spike stayed a bit behind, prepared to protect the four spellcasters. Buffy and Faith went to attack the Bringers - it was only four of them, and it didn't take them too long to finish them. But as soon as they were out of immediate danger, another group of the First's servants came around the corner.
"Okay, we need to run again for a bit! Now!" Buffy called, and they did.
Not for long though - they had run down two or three more streets, Tara wasn't counting, when some more Bringers came towards them. Three of them, this time - and an ubervamp. It seemed the First had decided to keep the big guns for - well, the other big guns. Tara heard Faith curse under her breath. "What the fuck?"
Buffy bit her lip but looked resolved. Willow had told her about the last one, and how Buffy had finally managed to take him down. This time, they had two Slayers. Faith and Buffy simultaneously attakced the Turok han, while Angel busied himself with the Bringers. Tara was amazed at the fact that he didn't seem to mind his wounded arm at all. He didn't even seem to notice. Spike stayed behind to protect them if necessary. She realized they weren't following Buffy's original plan after all, at least not one hundert percent. But as they were still all alive, that probably was okay.
The Bringers were dealt with easily - even when the ones who had been following them arrived, they didn't pose an immediate threat. Buffy and Faith had a hard time fighting the Turok han, though. Finally, with an especially vicious blow with her sword, Buffy managed to cut off his head. Relieved and breathing hard, the two Slayers returned to the others.
"Right. Not too far away now, is it?" Spike wanted to know from Willow.
"No. Five minutes maybe."
"Good." He smiled at her and at Tara as well. "Sword looks good on you."
Tara blushed at that, but realized he only meant to reassure her. "Thanks," she replied.
"Okay, let's go on. Won't be long now," Buffy commanded. The others followed her, at first only walking fast, then running again.
***
Five minutes later they arrived at the spot where Buffy's grave had been. It was still recognizable, only the stone seemed to have been knocked over. Tara saw Buffy looking questioningly at Spike, who pretended not to notice. She smiled slightly.
"Now, let's get everything ready." Faith was taking charge again. She seemed to like it, always appearing a bit insecure at the same time, if not entirely sure they would listen to her. But they did.
Willow put down her bag and pulled out four candles, a small bag of herbs and four small bowls and some coal. She put some of the coal in each of the bowls and handed one of them to Anya, one to Xander and one to her. The last one she kept for herself.
"Okay, we are going to form the circle now," she explained. "You remember how, do you? It has to be like-"
"Like the one last time," Anya continued. "We know that."
"Good. Buffy, Faith, you have to be inside the circle. Um, Angel, Spike, will you be okay with keeping watch? Buffy and Faith won't be able to help you once we've started the spell."
"Hurry up then, will you?" Spike told her. "We'll be alright, as long as there aren't too many of them. And it seems like they are giving us a short break, so..."
Willow nodded. She assumed her position in the circle. Anya was almost facing her, Xander was standing to her right and Tara to her left. Buffy and Faith were standing inside the circle, looking nervous. It suddenly hit Tara how hard this must be for them - suddenly it was all real. She felt her own fears return to her. But when Willow started to talk again, she almost immediately calmed down.
"Now, everybody please light their candles. And the coal." Waiting until they had done just that, Willow opened the small bag with the herbs in it and put some into her bowl with the coal. Then she handed Xander the bag, who copied her and then handed it over to Anya. After Tara had gotten her portion of herbs, she put the bag down.
"Place your bowls in front of you. Hold your candles. We are going to start the incantation now," she said directed to Angel and Spike. "Try not to interrupt us. This might take a while. Okay?" She waited until everybody had nodded their agreement. Then she started.
"The balance is disturbed."
"From one came two." Xander's voice was shaking slightly, as if he wasn't entirely sure if he was saying it right.
"From two came three." Anya sounded as self confident as she did most of the time.
"Now there are two were there should be one." All her fear was gone. Tara had the feeling she should sound like Xander, but everything just fell into place now. This was what she had to do. What she could do. She hear Willow's voice again.
"The balance is disturbed."
Now they all spoke up together, repeating the incantation again and again.
"Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one."
Every time they repeated the words, their voices rose, becoming louder and clearer and more powerful. Tara felt her body tingle suddenly, starting in her toes and then running through her whole body. She knew the other three were feeling it as well.
She looked at Buffy and Faith. She wasn't sure if they had done it consciously, but they were now holding hands, clasping them tightly. They had their eyes closed.
Still chanting, she directed her attention on Xander, Anya and Willow. Their faces looked calm, peaceful and powerful. Suddenly she noticed they were starting to glow slightly.
"Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one."
The tingle had turned into what felt like a - Tara wasn't sure what was more than a tingle. She simply knew there was power rushing through her, filling her, making her complete. Almost. Her attention focused automatically on the two Slayers now, as had that of the others. The glow had become more intense, and had even affected - effected Buffy and Faith. There was a slight breeze suddenly, and the wind kind of - mingled with the light. Tara would never have believed that was possible.
She felt totally confident now. Their voices grew even louder, only that they had become one voice now, one voice willing the power together.
"Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be-"
Tara had thought that it had been power rushing through her... it probably had been, but it had felt nothing like this did. It was a flood and a storm at the same time, she knew she had to scream now, it was more intense than anything she had ever experienced. She felt her power meeting that of Willow's - so familiar, so easy - then that of Xander's, Anya's.... finally she felt it connect with Buffy's and Faith's. The glow had turned into a bright light by then, and suddenly all Tara knew was that she was willing the Slayer's powers to become-
"ONE!"
Light streamed out of them - out of Tara, Willow, Xander and Anya, meeting in the centre of the circle with Buffy's and Faith's. It became one, streaming straight up into the sky. The slight breeze had by then become a very strong wind, but it didn't feel dangerous. It surrounded them, kept them safe. At the sound of their voice calling "one", the light all of a sudden got brighter and brighter until there was a lightning and as if the storm was breathing, pushing it away it went into the sky - away - to the next chosen one - and then it was over.
***
Author: ladydewinter
Email: ladydewinter@gmx.net
Rating: R for language ?
Pairing: W/K first, but I don't really like them...so W/T eventually :-) And this is becoming B/S as well, it seems.
Setting: The story takes place roughly after The Killer in Me, so spoilers up to then. And if you have no idea about Season Three of Angel you'll be spoilt as well...so don't come running to me *lol*
Disclaimer: Willow, Tara, Kennedy, Anya et. al belong to Joss Whedon and ME and - hey you know whom they belong to. The story however is mine. Oh, the title is taken from a book called "Magic's Promise" by Mercedes Lackey. And there may be quotes from the show included in this story - I haven't really marked them, but if it sounds familiar - I mean it as an homage, I don't wanna violate any copyright, really. Please don't sue me!
Feedback: Yes please!!! It makes me happy, and happy's always good!
Distribution: If you want it, you can have it, just let me know where it ends up.
Summary: Fighting. The Spell. Yeah - this is it ;-)
Author's note: This chapter's pretty long, and it has a lot in it. But the only other way would have meant an incredibly unfair cliffhanger (or that's what I thought), and really - I'm not that mean. So here we go :-) Oh, and it's not over yet... but I guess you suspected that already ;-)
***
Already hours before dark everyone met in the living room again. Most of them had done as Buffy had suggested, or at least tried to. But none of them had actually gotten much sleep. The few couples there were had cuddled together somewhere - Anya and Xander, who still claimed they weren't back together had stayed in the living room, Buffy and Spike had disappeared down to the basement and Willow and Tara had gone to their room. But neither of those who didn't have a partner had wanted to be alone. The potentials had gone outside to the garden, taking turns in practising some more moves and lying down on the lawn. After a while, Dawn, Andrew and Giles had joined them. Faith and Angel had taken up residance in the kitchen. Faith enjoyed herself watching Angel try mix his blood the way Spike always did it. Naturally he didn't have the slightest idea how to do it. At some point he debated going down to the basement to fetch Spike, but Faith managed to dissuade him there. In the end Angel reluctantly drank the disgusting result of his experiments. He would have to ask Spike for a recipe or something.
One could practically smell the nervousness in the living room. For Angel and Spike this was actually true; their vampiric senses were overwhelmed when they joined the others - after Spike had shown Angel how exactly to mix the Weetabix and Burbaweed with blood. The two vampires looked at each other, slightly worried. They had a big fight waiting for them, and they needed everyone to keep their heads. Especially the potentials looked scared - understandable, seeing as they would had to fight more or less on their own, without someone stronger, for the very first time. At least Giles would be with them.
Fifteen minutes before sunset, Buffy and Faith both stood up. Faith cleared her throat. "Okay, everybody get ready now. Girls -", she looked at the potentials, "check your weapons. You're going to need them. Don't worry - you'll do fine."
"Yeah," Buffy continued. "You all did well at training. I wouldn't want to be a Bringer right now. Well, I would never want to be a Bringer anyway, so..."
"Um, B? Got any point there?" Faith asked her, raising her eyebrows.
"Sorry." Buffy smiled apologetically. "Right, Willow? Do you guys have everything for the spell?"
Willow nodded. "Everything. We even got each necessary item twice, in case something happens. I have the one bag, Xander the other."
"Good." Buffy was satisfied. "Now, remember; Faith, you are looking after Anya, Angel, you after Xander, and you're taking care of Tara," she said, turning to Spike. "Each of us is protecting his - um, bodyguarding person in the first place. We have to get them to the place where I - you know. That's the most important thing."
"Sure." Faith walked over to the window and peered out. "I think they know what's to come - looks like there's more of them now."
"Well, that had to be expected." Giles joined her.
"You know what to do as well, right?" Buffy asked the potentials.
Dawn rolled her eyes. "No, Buffy, I think we need you to explain again for the zillionth time now, please."
"Dawn, this isn't funny," her older sister told her in her 'I'm you older sister and don't you know it' voice.
She sighed. "I know. We have to split up, run outside and fight so they get distracted. Then you guys try to get by undetected."
"What I still don't get is why Willow can't use one of her protecting spells," Vy asked. "I mean, wouldn't that be the easiest way?"
"Willow needs all her energy for the spell later," Buffy told her. "We can't risk that one not to work."
"I think it's dark enough now," Angel suddenly said.
Vy, Chloe, Molly, Amanda and Dawn went to the kitchen. They would attack the Bringers starting from the backdoor. Buffy put her hand on her sister's arm. "Dawn-"
"I'll be alright." She smiled at her. Then they heard Spike's voice. "Sure you'll be. You're a hell of a fighter. Guess it runs in the family."
Dawn turned to him gratefully. He simply grinned. "Off you go then."
Buffy followed her sister with her eyes, still looking worried.
"You really don't have to worry, luv. I meant what I said."
Buffy took a deep breath and then nodded. "Okay."
Kennedy, Giles, Andrew and the others got ready at the front door. Buffy, Faith, Angel and Spike teamed up with Willow, Anya, Xander and Tara and prepared themselves. They waited for some more long seconds, then Faith gave the signal.
"NOW!!!"
***
Two doors were opened, and the girls and Andrew and Giles stormed outside. The others waited a bit longer, ready to use the chaos out there to their advantage. After a minute or two, Buffy and Faith looked at each other in silent agreement. Angel and Spike caught their looks and got ready to go as well.
"Okay, we have to get past them as fast as possible now," Buffy explained again. "It's too chaotic there, and too dangerous. I guess once we're out of Revello Drive, it'll be easier. If we get separated, you know where we meet."
Everybody nodded.
"Alright. Now, let's go!"
They stepped outside the door, the four more experienced fighters quickly getting themselves an overview of the battle, trying to find a way past the Bringers to a temporary safety.
Tara had never seen a battlefield for real before. Even as she had watched Angel and Spike fighting, it had still had had the touch of something not quite real for her. But this - this was totally different.
There were Bringers everywhere, it seemed - more than they had ever seen before. They probably could count themselves lucky that there weren't any ubervamps around. But the Bringers were causing enough damage as it was. And so were the potentials. Tara didn't have much time to take a closer look, but it seemed they were doing impressively well, swirling their swords and axes, never even pausing to be afraid.
She suddenly felt herself being dragged along. Spike had taken her hand and was now pulling her after him, gesturing to her to hurry up a bit. She did. They ran past Dawn and Amanda, who were fighting side by side and had already wounded three Bringers heavily. Or had they killed them? Tara didn't know, all she had seen were three of those - creatures? - lying on the Summers' front lawn next to the two girls. She still wasn't sure she understood exactly what those Bringers were. But that probably didn't matter that much now.
She couldn't see Willow or Buffy. Angel and Xander were nearby, Angel attacking a Bringer who had come dangerously close to Xander and the bag he was carrying. Spike went over and helped him discard the Bringer with one blow of the sword he was carrying, letting go of Tara's hand. Then off they went again.
Suddenly there were six of them standing in their way. Tara looked at them, horrified. She didn't know what to do - Willow had taught her a few spells but had advised her not to use them except in a case of emergency. Was this an emergency? She wasn't sure. She was afraid - she knew she was panicking, but she couldn't help it. How could she ever have dealt with something like this? She wished she could curl up somewhere and hide.
Then Willow and Buffy were beside them. Either her face showed all her fear, or her girlfriend just knew her too well, because Willow took her hand for a moment and pressed it gently. The touch only lasted for a second, but it was enough to bring her back. Willow smiled and offered her a small sword. Tara took it and tightened her hold on it. She then nodded decisively and the two witches joined the others in the fight. She wasn't too sure she managed to do much damage, but she knocked one of them out. They got away more or less unharmed, Angel with a small scratch on his arm; so one probably could say they had done well.
When they reached the street, they met with Faith and Anya, and three Bringers. Now being in the minority, they were easily defeated. There weren't any in front of them, but when they turned around they noticed some where following them. So they started to run once more.
Soon Tara was out of breath. She didn't know how far exactly it still was, but she hoped it wouldn't be too far. She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep up. It seemed Spike had noticed her exhaustion, for he slowed down a bit. "Wait up, everybody," he called to the others.
Tara was relieved to see that Anya, Xander and Willow were breathing hard as well. They seemed grateful for the short break, each of them trying to catch their breath. Buffy looked around worriedly, noticing the group of Bringers coming near them. Well, now was as good a time to take them out as always.
Angel and Spike stayed a bit behind, prepared to protect the four spellcasters. Buffy and Faith went to attack the Bringers - it was only four of them, and it didn't take them too long to finish them. But as soon as they were out of immediate danger, another group of the First's servants came around the corner.
"Okay, we need to run again for a bit! Now!" Buffy called, and they did.
Not for long though - they had run down two or three more streets, Tara wasn't counting, when some more Bringers came towards them. Three of them, this time - and an ubervamp. It seemed the First had decided to keep the big guns for - well, the other big guns. Tara heard Faith curse under her breath. "What the fuck?"
Buffy bit her lip but looked resolved. Willow had told her about the last one, and how Buffy had finally managed to take him down. This time, they had two Slayers. Faith and Buffy simultaneously attakced the Turok han, while Angel busied himself with the Bringers. Tara was amazed at the fact that he didn't seem to mind his wounded arm at all. He didn't even seem to notice. Spike stayed behind to protect them if necessary. She realized they weren't following Buffy's original plan after all, at least not one hundert percent. But as they were still all alive, that probably was okay.
The Bringers were dealt with easily - even when the ones who had been following them arrived, they didn't pose an immediate threat. Buffy and Faith had a hard time fighting the Turok han, though. Finally, with an especially vicious blow with her sword, Buffy managed to cut off his head. Relieved and breathing hard, the two Slayers returned to the others.
"Right. Not too far away now, is it?" Spike wanted to know from Willow.
"No. Five minutes maybe."
"Good." He smiled at her and at Tara as well. "Sword looks good on you."
Tara blushed at that, but realized he only meant to reassure her. "Thanks," she replied.
"Okay, let's go on. Won't be long now," Buffy commanded. The others followed her, at first only walking fast, then running again.
***
Five minutes later they arrived at the spot where Buffy's grave had been. It was still recognizable, only the stone seemed to have been knocked over. Tara saw Buffy looking questioningly at Spike, who pretended not to notice. She smiled slightly.
"Now, let's get everything ready." Faith was taking charge again. She seemed to like it, always appearing a bit insecure at the same time, if not entirely sure they would listen to her. But they did.
Willow put down her bag and pulled out four candles, a small bag of herbs and four small bowls and some coal. She put some of the coal in each of the bowls and handed one of them to Anya, one to Xander and one to her. The last one she kept for herself.
"Okay, we are going to form the circle now," she explained. "You remember how, do you? It has to be like-"
"Like the one last time," Anya continued. "We know that."
"Good. Buffy, Faith, you have to be inside the circle. Um, Angel, Spike, will you be okay with keeping watch? Buffy and Faith won't be able to help you once we've started the spell."
"Hurry up then, will you?" Spike told her. "We'll be alright, as long as there aren't too many of them. And it seems like they are giving us a short break, so..."
Willow nodded. She assumed her position in the circle. Anya was almost facing her, Xander was standing to her right and Tara to her left. Buffy and Faith were standing inside the circle, looking nervous. It suddenly hit Tara how hard this must be for them - suddenly it was all real. She felt her own fears return to her. But when Willow started to talk again, she almost immediately calmed down.
"Now, everybody please light their candles. And the coal." Waiting until they had done just that, Willow opened the small bag with the herbs in it and put some into her bowl with the coal. Then she handed Xander the bag, who copied her and then handed it over to Anya. After Tara had gotten her portion of herbs, she put the bag down.
"Place your bowls in front of you. Hold your candles. We are going to start the incantation now," she said directed to Angel and Spike. "Try not to interrupt us. This might take a while. Okay?" She waited until everybody had nodded their agreement. Then she started.
"The balance is disturbed."
"From one came two." Xander's voice was shaking slightly, as if he wasn't entirely sure if he was saying it right.
"From two came three." Anya sounded as self confident as she did most of the time.
"Now there are two were there should be one." All her fear was gone. Tara had the feeling she should sound like Xander, but everything just fell into place now. This was what she had to do. What she could do. She hear Willow's voice again.
"The balance is disturbed."
Now they all spoke up together, repeating the incantation again and again.
"Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one."
Every time they repeated the words, their voices rose, becoming louder and clearer and more powerful. Tara felt her body tingle suddenly, starting in her toes and then running through her whole body. She knew the other three were feeling it as well.
She looked at Buffy and Faith. She wasn't sure if they had done it consciously, but they were now holding hands, clasping them tightly. They had their eyes closed.
Still chanting, she directed her attention on Xander, Anya and Willow. Their faces looked calm, peaceful and powerful. Suddenly she noticed they were starting to glow slightly.
"Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one."
The tingle had turned into what felt like a - Tara wasn't sure what was more than a tingle. She simply knew there was power rushing through her, filling her, making her complete. Almost. Her attention focused automatically on the two Slayers now, as had that of the others. The glow had become more intense, and had even affected - effected Buffy and Faith. There was a slight breeze suddenly, and the wind kind of - mingled with the light. Tara would never have believed that was possible.
She felt totally confident now. Their voices grew even louder, only that they had become one voice now, one voice willing the power together.
"Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be one.
Where there were many, let there be-"
Tara had thought that it had been power rushing through her... it probably had been, but it had felt nothing like this did. It was a flood and a storm at the same time, she knew she had to scream now, it was more intense than anything she had ever experienced. She felt her power meeting that of Willow's - so familiar, so easy - then that of Xander's, Anya's.... finally she felt it connect with Buffy's and Faith's. The glow had turned into a bright light by then, and suddenly all Tara knew was that she was willing the Slayer's powers to become-
"ONE!"
Light streamed out of them - out of Tara, Willow, Xander and Anya, meeting in the centre of the circle with Buffy's and Faith's. It became one, streaming straight up into the sky. The slight breeze had by then become a very strong wind, but it didn't feel dangerous. It surrounded them, kept them safe. At the sound of their voice calling "one", the light all of a sudden got brighter and brighter until there was a lightning and as if the storm was breathing, pushing it away it went into the sky - away - to the next chosen one - and then it was over.
***