Magneto was unsure if he should be proud that his cousin shared his
confidence and backbone, or if he should be annoyed by her inability to
understand that as her elder, he knew best.
"Erik, it is vitally important that I be allowed to return home. Tara says that a demon is scheduled to rise in Sunnydale, and that she needs me to help cast the spell to defeat it. I have to go back!"
"I believe you told me that demons are quite common in Sunnydale. What makes this one more dangerous than the others?"
"Um...Tara didn't get that far. She didn't have time to give all the details - "
"And on this basis you propose to endanger your security and that of my people?"
"No, well, of course not. But Tara wouldn't have brought it up unless it was something bad. Like mega destruction bordering on apocalyptic."
"And Tara wouldn't exaggerate in order to speed your return?"
Hey. Hey! He was insulting Tara!
"Tara would NEVER do something like that. If she says it's important, then it is important. She doesn't lie. Tara is sweet and nice and smart and never mean and wouldn't do that. She's always being really responsible about magic and the consequences and is really better at the Wicca thing than I am and you should NEVER insult her integrity like that."
Of course, Magneto told himself, insulting Willow's girlfriend, even only slightly, would be unwise. However, it did not mean he wanted to give in to her demands. He proceeded with his arguments.
"If she is a better witch, than why is your help required for this...spell."
"Tara's power is stronger in the more natural parts of magic - like reading auras. I have what's basically a bigger magical battery, at least that's what Tara tells me, and for a spell fighting demons, that can be a key factor. Besides, some spells automatically require two witches. I don't know which it is, but Tara says she needs me. I'll be going, one way or another."
Magneto was, unfortunately, understanding her position. But the security of his people and their mission would come first. Willow's departure could, and most likely would, jeopardize them.
"I do not care. You will not be allowed to leave, Willow. Not until I feel assured that the danger of recapture is past."
"For me, or for you," Willow muttered. He was being incredibly single minded about this. Good for his cause, bad for her. And possible very bad for Sunnydale.
"Listen, Erik. In about five hours, I am going to cast a spell that will enable me to talk to Tara. I will then learn precisely what the situation is in Sunnydale. I will then explain said situation to you. Then you and I will make arrangements for me to quietly return to Sunnydale. If it makes you feel better, you can follow me there to ensure that I am not in any way, shape or form taken by your pursuers. But I WILL be returning. Do you understand?"
Magneto considered this. He disliked being dictated to, but he had to admire Willow's audacity of giving him orders when she was the uncertain guest.
"You may contact Tara. Once I have been informed with regards to the situation, I will decided on if it merits the risk. If it does, then arrangements will be made."
Willow decided to acquiesce for now. She hoped that he would see reason later on, but if not? Magic can hotwire a car quite well, thank you.
"For the communication spell, I'll need to build a fire, preferably using some pine mixed in with a harder wood like oak. And I'd like to see your spice cabinet if you have one. The spell will work with just the fire and incantation, but there are some common herbs which can strengthen the connection."
"We are in the middle of an extensive forest, you should be able to find what you need. I'll have Pyro show you where the kitchen is, along with escorting you into the woods. As for the fire, I would prefer you to build it outside."
Fair enough. Willow suspected the escort might be to keep her out of certain areas, but she wasn't going to pry. Not yet anyway.
***
With less than an hour left, Willow stood in the small yard behind the lodge, arranging the firewood according to the spell instructions. The oak branches had to be set in the shape of a pentagram, with the pine on top. Kindling included twigs from ash, birch, sycamore, yew, and most importantly, a weeping willow. She hoped the willow would create a magical signal strong enough to make the connection with Tara. It could possibly work better than the traditional herbs since willow was, obviously, one she bore a special connection to.
Pyro lounged against the house, joined by his friends. They were interested by what they called her "telepathic tricks". They didn't understand that true magical telepathy, either mind reading or mental communication, were far beyond her skills. The communication spell was closer to the magical equivalent of a phone call.
Willow stepped back to survey her work. The fire's base looked like the one she remembered from her spell book. It should work fine.
"Now what?"
That would be Pyro. Willow checked her watch to check the time. In five minutes, she would begin the incantation.
"When the time comes, I light the fire and recite," Willow waved the piece of paper with the spell on it, "this incantation. If it works, I'll be talking to Tara."
"And if it doesn't?"
"I'll feel very stupid and we'll toast marshmallows."
Two minutes left. Willow scanned the spell over, the better to ensure she made no awkward mispronunciations or pauses. One minutes left. She knelt in front of the soon-to-be fire and cleared her mind in preparation, summoning her inner strength. Thirty seconds.
The kindling burst into flame.
"Pyro!"
He smirked, "Just helping."
Willow quickly snuffed the flames out. "When a spell says the caster lights the fire, the caster LIGHTS THE FIRE! That could be the whole reason the spell knows I'm the one casting it! Never, ever, try to 'help' me again, do you understand?"
He looked down, shamefaced, "Yeah."
Willow scowled as she sat down again. It didn't look like much damage had been done, so she could continue with the spell, but sheesh! And Tara scolded her about magical mistakes. She might have had to rebuild the fire!
Calm down. Focus. All that matters now is the spell. Breathe. In. Out. Breathe in time with the waves of the sea. In. Out.
There.
Willow opened her eyes, focused on the pyre.
"Ignis incende."
The pyre was alit now, flames dancing merrily.
Begin.
"I beseech Hermes, god of messengers
May my words be carried to my loved one
May my thoughts be brought to her
Hermes, grant us succor
Let the distance between us be forgotten
Let my heart fly to her;
And hers to mine.
I ask that we not be parted in word and thought
So long as this fire burns bright
Hermes, may it be
That she stands before me
And I before her.
This is my plea
So mote it be."
For the last few lines of the spell, Willow heard, ever so faintly, the echo of Tara's own casting. Even so far apart, they cast the spell as one.
Now the flames surged as her supplication ended. Willow smiled as they formed the outline of Tara.
"Willow!" "Tara!"
"Tara, what is going on in Sunnydale?"
The flame-Tara seemed to sigh. "Giles found a prophecy in one of his books about the Sl'kanith demon. He didn't think it was important until Anya started talking about when the last Sl'kanith demon was able to enter this plane.
Anya says the Sl'kanith thrives on chaos. Its very presence riles all the other demons and humans; it serves as a magical - cheerleader? Source of encouragement? Something to that effect. It survives on feeding off the senseless deaths its presence creates. According to her, it's last visit brought about civil war wherever it went, among demons and humans, about a millennia ago. It was only stopped when it was trapped on a distant island, where there were no deaths to cause. The demon died of starvation. She knows of no direct way to kill it."
"How will this Sl'kanith thing come here? Does it have to be invited to this dimension?"
"We think it might already have been raised. There was a ceremony on the far side of town. There were....sacrifices made.... The prophecy says that the Sl'kanith will continue unchecked unless "those who desire accord and conform remain strong" or "the seekers of upheaval and order be transformed." Apparently the language is iffy and the copyist had bad handwriting."
"But there's a spell? One that can help?"
"Yes, it works to dampen the Sl'kanith's effect on people. But it is really powerful, since the Sl'kanith is not a minor demon. It's supposed to be just under the Old Ones in the demon hierarchy."
"Okay, bad. How is everyone holding up?"
"Coping. Xander says this is same ole, same ole, for Sunnydale. It was hard when I found the sacrifices - "
"Oh, baby, I'm so sorry."
"Not as sorry as they will be. One of them was just..." Tara paused as she collected herself. "Some were young. But Buffy says we gonna kick theses demons' ass to hell and back. And I know we will if you come and help. I can't do this alone, Willow."
"Oh, Tara honey, I'll be there as soon as I can."
Willow reached out a hand to the living flame that was Tara. Tara mirrored the gesture, their hands almost touching, close enough to feel the heat but not to burn. That pain was on the inside. They held that pose for just a moment, then Willow watched Tara's form fade as the flames died down, all the wood now ashes, consumed by flame and magic.
She stared at the smoking ashes for a minute, then got up to find her cousin.
There was no way in hell she was staying here.
"Erik, it is vitally important that I be allowed to return home. Tara says that a demon is scheduled to rise in Sunnydale, and that she needs me to help cast the spell to defeat it. I have to go back!"
"I believe you told me that demons are quite common in Sunnydale. What makes this one more dangerous than the others?"
"Um...Tara didn't get that far. She didn't have time to give all the details - "
"And on this basis you propose to endanger your security and that of my people?"
"No, well, of course not. But Tara wouldn't have brought it up unless it was something bad. Like mega destruction bordering on apocalyptic."
"And Tara wouldn't exaggerate in order to speed your return?"
Hey. Hey! He was insulting Tara!
"Tara would NEVER do something like that. If she says it's important, then it is important. She doesn't lie. Tara is sweet and nice and smart and never mean and wouldn't do that. She's always being really responsible about magic and the consequences and is really better at the Wicca thing than I am and you should NEVER insult her integrity like that."
Of course, Magneto told himself, insulting Willow's girlfriend, even only slightly, would be unwise. However, it did not mean he wanted to give in to her demands. He proceeded with his arguments.
"If she is a better witch, than why is your help required for this...spell."
"Tara's power is stronger in the more natural parts of magic - like reading auras. I have what's basically a bigger magical battery, at least that's what Tara tells me, and for a spell fighting demons, that can be a key factor. Besides, some spells automatically require two witches. I don't know which it is, but Tara says she needs me. I'll be going, one way or another."
Magneto was, unfortunately, understanding her position. But the security of his people and their mission would come first. Willow's departure could, and most likely would, jeopardize them.
"I do not care. You will not be allowed to leave, Willow. Not until I feel assured that the danger of recapture is past."
"For me, or for you," Willow muttered. He was being incredibly single minded about this. Good for his cause, bad for her. And possible very bad for Sunnydale.
"Listen, Erik. In about five hours, I am going to cast a spell that will enable me to talk to Tara. I will then learn precisely what the situation is in Sunnydale. I will then explain said situation to you. Then you and I will make arrangements for me to quietly return to Sunnydale. If it makes you feel better, you can follow me there to ensure that I am not in any way, shape or form taken by your pursuers. But I WILL be returning. Do you understand?"
Magneto considered this. He disliked being dictated to, but he had to admire Willow's audacity of giving him orders when she was the uncertain guest.
"You may contact Tara. Once I have been informed with regards to the situation, I will decided on if it merits the risk. If it does, then arrangements will be made."
Willow decided to acquiesce for now. She hoped that he would see reason later on, but if not? Magic can hotwire a car quite well, thank you.
"For the communication spell, I'll need to build a fire, preferably using some pine mixed in with a harder wood like oak. And I'd like to see your spice cabinet if you have one. The spell will work with just the fire and incantation, but there are some common herbs which can strengthen the connection."
"We are in the middle of an extensive forest, you should be able to find what you need. I'll have Pyro show you where the kitchen is, along with escorting you into the woods. As for the fire, I would prefer you to build it outside."
Fair enough. Willow suspected the escort might be to keep her out of certain areas, but she wasn't going to pry. Not yet anyway.
***
With less than an hour left, Willow stood in the small yard behind the lodge, arranging the firewood according to the spell instructions. The oak branches had to be set in the shape of a pentagram, with the pine on top. Kindling included twigs from ash, birch, sycamore, yew, and most importantly, a weeping willow. She hoped the willow would create a magical signal strong enough to make the connection with Tara. It could possibly work better than the traditional herbs since willow was, obviously, one she bore a special connection to.
Pyro lounged against the house, joined by his friends. They were interested by what they called her "telepathic tricks". They didn't understand that true magical telepathy, either mind reading or mental communication, were far beyond her skills. The communication spell was closer to the magical equivalent of a phone call.
Willow stepped back to survey her work. The fire's base looked like the one she remembered from her spell book. It should work fine.
"Now what?"
That would be Pyro. Willow checked her watch to check the time. In five minutes, she would begin the incantation.
"When the time comes, I light the fire and recite," Willow waved the piece of paper with the spell on it, "this incantation. If it works, I'll be talking to Tara."
"And if it doesn't?"
"I'll feel very stupid and we'll toast marshmallows."
Two minutes left. Willow scanned the spell over, the better to ensure she made no awkward mispronunciations or pauses. One minutes left. She knelt in front of the soon-to-be fire and cleared her mind in preparation, summoning her inner strength. Thirty seconds.
The kindling burst into flame.
"Pyro!"
He smirked, "Just helping."
Willow quickly snuffed the flames out. "When a spell says the caster lights the fire, the caster LIGHTS THE FIRE! That could be the whole reason the spell knows I'm the one casting it! Never, ever, try to 'help' me again, do you understand?"
He looked down, shamefaced, "Yeah."
Willow scowled as she sat down again. It didn't look like much damage had been done, so she could continue with the spell, but sheesh! And Tara scolded her about magical mistakes. She might have had to rebuild the fire!
Calm down. Focus. All that matters now is the spell. Breathe. In. Out. Breathe in time with the waves of the sea. In. Out.
There.
Willow opened her eyes, focused on the pyre.
"Ignis incende."
The pyre was alit now, flames dancing merrily.
Begin.
"I beseech Hermes, god of messengers
May my words be carried to my loved one
May my thoughts be brought to her
Hermes, grant us succor
Let the distance between us be forgotten
Let my heart fly to her;
And hers to mine.
I ask that we not be parted in word and thought
So long as this fire burns bright
Hermes, may it be
That she stands before me
And I before her.
This is my plea
So mote it be."
For the last few lines of the spell, Willow heard, ever so faintly, the echo of Tara's own casting. Even so far apart, they cast the spell as one.
Now the flames surged as her supplication ended. Willow smiled as they formed the outline of Tara.
"Willow!" "Tara!"
"Tara, what is going on in Sunnydale?"
The flame-Tara seemed to sigh. "Giles found a prophecy in one of his books about the Sl'kanith demon. He didn't think it was important until Anya started talking about when the last Sl'kanith demon was able to enter this plane.
Anya says the Sl'kanith thrives on chaos. Its very presence riles all the other demons and humans; it serves as a magical - cheerleader? Source of encouragement? Something to that effect. It survives on feeding off the senseless deaths its presence creates. According to her, it's last visit brought about civil war wherever it went, among demons and humans, about a millennia ago. It was only stopped when it was trapped on a distant island, where there were no deaths to cause. The demon died of starvation. She knows of no direct way to kill it."
"How will this Sl'kanith thing come here? Does it have to be invited to this dimension?"
"We think it might already have been raised. There was a ceremony on the far side of town. There were....sacrifices made.... The prophecy says that the Sl'kanith will continue unchecked unless "those who desire accord and conform remain strong" or "the seekers of upheaval and order be transformed." Apparently the language is iffy and the copyist had bad handwriting."
"But there's a spell? One that can help?"
"Yes, it works to dampen the Sl'kanith's effect on people. But it is really powerful, since the Sl'kanith is not a minor demon. It's supposed to be just under the Old Ones in the demon hierarchy."
"Okay, bad. How is everyone holding up?"
"Coping. Xander says this is same ole, same ole, for Sunnydale. It was hard when I found the sacrifices - "
"Oh, baby, I'm so sorry."
"Not as sorry as they will be. One of them was just..." Tara paused as she collected herself. "Some were young. But Buffy says we gonna kick theses demons' ass to hell and back. And I know we will if you come and help. I can't do this alone, Willow."
"Oh, Tara honey, I'll be there as soon as I can."
Willow reached out a hand to the living flame that was Tara. Tara mirrored the gesture, their hands almost touching, close enough to feel the heat but not to burn. That pain was on the inside. They held that pose for just a moment, then Willow watched Tara's form fade as the flames died down, all the wood now ashes, consumed by flame and magic.
She stared at the smoking ashes for a minute, then got up to find her cousin.
There was no way in hell she was staying here.