Title: Dream Lover (5/5)
Author: Melanie M./Shai/Misty AKA SailorFireStarr@aol.com/SSailorUranuss@aol.com
Archive: The Realm, others (if you ask nicely)
Pairing: W/T, B/F & Bianca/Rain
Rating: probably R
Disclaimers: I don't own or anything attached to the show/characters and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this fic. Well, accept for maybe feedback.
Comments: And remember, I need feedback so FEED ME! Enjoy!
The Last Task
With a long sigh Faith parked the rental car then joined the others as they walked into the small shop. The shop smelled musty like the Magic Box but it didn't have the same feel to it. They looked around cautiously but found their attention drawn to the man approaching them.
"Hello ladies. You must be the guests the council called about. Welcome to No Mans Land. I'm Gibson," the man chirped as he ushered the three females passed the entrance in the bookcase and into his hidden club.
Faith studied the place a little closer. This place was a little creepy but it didn't scare her. He led them through the crowd and they could feel everyone's eyes on them. As they entered a room near the back they saw a stunning brunette tap the man on the shoulder and pull him aside.
"Gibson, who are those girls?" they heard her whisper before he closed the door.
Tara raised a brow. "Did anyone else notice we were being stared at?"
"I noticed. They were also giving off odd vibes and auras. This place isn't like any place I've ever been before. It feels different," Rain added.
"Maybe they're a different kind of being, ya know? Not demons cause I would sense that. But maybe they're somethin we don't know about yet," Faith mused, mapping the exits just in case.
"That would explain allot," Tara yawned, pretty worn down from the flight.
Gibson returned with a smile. "Sorry for the delay. You're from Sunnydale, right?"
"Look, we ain't got time for chatting. We need directions to the checkpoint so we can get gone," Faith sneered, slightly agitated with her lack of sleep.
Rain swatted Faith's arm playfully then met his saddened eyes. "Please forgive her, it's the jet lag."
He nodded as the joy returned to his eyes. He handed them an envelope as he spoke, "Long flight from Sunnydale to New Gotham. You should be at the checkpoint by dark. Be careful, it's a bit foggy. It's down a narrow, winding road but you'll know it when you see it."
Sunset. . .
"So how much further?" the Mystic sighed, staring listlessly into the fog before them.
"About a mile. He said we'll know it when we see it," Tara replied.
"How the fuck are we suppose to see it in this shit? I can barely see the car in front of me," Faith grumbled.
"THERE!" Rain yelled, pointing at the small passage they had just passed.
Faith muttered under her breath as she flipped a bitch. Turning onto the narrow road, she paused. Something caused unease to rise within her but she wouldn't let that slow her down now. They were almost there. Driving about four more miles they found a huge castle like mansion. "Well, looks like these people got some taste. You guys ready?"
Rain looked back at Tara then nodded at Faith. "Lets do this."
They all got out of the car and walked toward the entrance. Before they reached the door it opened, revealing an elderly man in a suite. He smiled wholesomely as they entered. "Welcome Miss Wilkins, Miss Spencer and Miss Maclay. We've been expecting you. Your Guardian awaits in the dining room. Dinner will be served at 5 o'clock sharp. Feel free to explore the mansion and relax. After all, the journey has not yet begun."
"Thank you," Tara whispered before leading her friends into one of the rooms.
Rain narrowed her eyes. "What did he mean by Guardian? Giles didn't tell us about any Guardian."
"Probably the guys above mystics. I don't trust this place. What do ya say we check it out?" Faith asked, looking around briefly before meeting their eyes again.
"Good idea. We should probably find the dining room first since dinner's in about an hour," Tara replied, also getting strange vibes from this house and its occupants.
Half an hour later. . .
"Somethin smells good," Faith purred as they finally entered the dining room.
"Welcome," a the redhead greeted with a wave.
Tara met the woman's gorgeous emerald gaze and suddenly felt lost. Those eyes reminded her of Willow but she couldn't be with her right now. This was something she'd have to do herself. Her thoughts were shattered when the woman spoke again.
"Have a seat. We have allot to talk about," she instructed, already seated at the head of the table.
The three women each took a seat and focused their attention on the redhead. Faith met the older woman's eyes and asked as politely as she could, "lots to talk about, huh? Why don't you start by tellin us who you are and why you're here."
"You must be Faith," the redhead replied with a soft chuckle. "My name's Barbra and I'm here to help all of you. I have a few things to give Tara to help her on her journey. You and Rain will be staying here until she returns."
Rain raised a suspicious brow. This woman seemed to be hiding something but she had a feeling it had nothing to do with them. She met the woman's eyes and asked cautiously, "and what's in it for you?"
Barbra kept an unreadable face on as she replied tentatively, "I want to be proud of my charge and I'm bound to this position by a promise. I hope some day what I'm doing will matter."
Rain smiled. This woman meant far more by that than she would openly admit and Rain knew it. She had learned how to read people and their tones even before she'd met Bianca. Not content with the answer she got, she pried a little more, "I hope so too. So what do you do for a living? I mean, this place is quite an accomplishment."
"I'm a teacher at the high school and this isn't my house. It belongs to a friend who also made a promise to the Witches Council. They use his grounds and home for the Last Task. Are you finished grilling me?" the redhead asked with a slightly teasing tone.
Faith narrowed her eyes. Either this chick was lying through her teeth or she was hiding something really big. Not trusting the woman she spoke just above a growl, "what are you hiding?"
Barbra tilted her head in mock confusion. "What do you mean?" she questioned, playing naive.
"You were too sincere. You're not telling us something. What is it?" the slayer whispered sternly.
Tara sensed the tension in the air and smacked Fait playfully on the arm. "Faith! Be nice. We're her guests."
The redhead shook her head. "It's alright Tara. She's right. There are things I'm not telling you but I do have my reasons. The most prominent one being that they have nothing to do with any of you or the Last Task."
Meanwhile in Sunnydale. . .
"C'mon Buff! You have to!"
"I should patrol."
"There will be just as many vampires tomorrow as there are today!"
"You know what, you're right. I need a break anyway. So who do you wanna call?"
Willow sighed. "Just sit back Buffy. I already invited all of the girls."
Buffy froze. "Tell me you didn't mention this to Dawn!" she squeaked.
The redhead bit her bottom lip. "It was kinda her idea."
"Crap! Well, I just hope it doesn't get out of hand. You know how it gets."
Three hours later. . .
Rain met the blonde's eyes, whispering gently, "be careful Tara."
Tara nodded with a slight smile. "I will."
Rain took off one of her necklaces and put it on the other woman. "You better come back in one piece."
Faith sighed, pulling one of her bags to her. "Hey Wicca, c'mere."
Tara nodded to Rain before laughing at Faith's nickname for her. She walked over to where the Slayer was and sat beside her. "Are you getting soft on me Slayer girl?" she teased.
Faith smiled broadly then pulled out the knife the Mayor had given her. Handing it to the blonde, she replied, "Not a chance. Take this with ya, might be handy in a tight spot."
Tara met the brunettes eyes. "Thank you."
Barbra wheeled in with a frown. "You should leave soon. If you're not back in a week I call the search party."
In Sunnydale. . .
Buffy sighed as Willow and Dawn brought everyone cups of hot chocolate. The Slayer wanted to have fun tonight but for some reason she was very uneasy. She missed Faith. She felt empty inside, like she'd just had her heart ripped out. Her confession of love for the other Slayer had come at the worst time. They hadn't even been alone since then which only meant she wouldn't be able to contribute to conversation tonight. Realizing the others were staring she blinked, exhaling a soft, "Hmmm?"
Willow smiled. She knew what Buffy was feeling and this was her way of helping. She was determined to make her best friend have some fun, whether she liked it or not. Handing the Slayer a mug of cocoa, she repeated her last sentence, " I asked if you had any ideas on what to do tonight."
"Oh," the Slayer replied, searching her mind for an answer. "It might sound a little childish but how about truth or dare? It's never dull with you and Anya," she snickered.
"It doesn't sound childish Buffy. We always play that game. It's a tradition," Anya piped up with a perky smile.
"Yeah, it is but we should go easy on the newbies. We wouldn't want to scare them off," Willow suggested.
"Oh please! We're not kids you guys. Treat us the same way you treat each other," Dawn protested.
Willow, Buffy and Anya all looked at each other then grinned. "Ok, but since you're playing the big leagues now be prepared for anything," the Slayer warned.
Two days later. . .
Her breathes were worn as she clawed her way closer to the comfort she sought. Seeing dim flickers of orange and red, her face lit up. Focusing her strength, she steadied herself on the wall and pulled herself up. Collecting her composure, she tapped weakly on the door.
The door eased open and her eyes met relieved faces. "Tara!" the other two chorused, hugging the her gently.
"Hey guys," her voice rasped, her muscles giving in the moment they touched her.
"Wicca, you ok? What happened?" Faith asked, holding the witch up since she couldn't do so herself.
"I passed."
Rain shook her head. "I think she meant physically. You can't even stand on your own."
"I'm just a little sore and tired. With a good nights rest I'll be fine," the blonde replied hoarsely.
Barbra smiled. "You did very well Tara, I'm proud of you. Get some rest. You'll be flying out tomorrow afternoon."
On the plane the next day. . .
"So Wicca, what'd you have to do?" the Slayer probed. Her senses were telling her something about her friend had changed but she couldn't point out what.
Her eyes became lifeless pools of dying blues as darkness dripped from her words, "what I have done, nobody will know because others must complete the task."
Faith met Rain's gaze. Rain's steady, comforting eye put the Slayer at ease. She was worried but she wouldn't let them know that. "That's cool. I was just wonderin."
Later in Sunnydale. . .
Rain sighed as the cab stopped. "Looks like we're home."
"Looks that way. Why don't you take Wicca inside, I'll get the bags," Faith instructed as she got out.
Rain obeyed, helping Tara out of the car. They wondered in through the front door with Faith close behind them. What they found, however, was far from what they expected. It was pitch black and the only thing that could be heard were the words of Jimmy Hendrix to a jammin beat. Faith dropped the bags and her eyes narrowed. "Kinda dark in here," she stated, not being able to see anything but still forms strewn all over the living room.
Fearing the worst, Tara opened the blinds to reveal her friends all passed out. They had evidently been drinking seeing as there were bottles of various liquors on the coffee table. As soon as the light shone in on them Anya hissed rabidly, covering her eyes.
Rain chuckled as Tara closed the blinds and clicked a lamp on. The others began to stir, grumbling about headaches, aspirin and more sleep. "What the hell did you guys do? Start another Woodstock without us?" Rain teased.
Buffy snickered as she walked in from the kitchen. "Coffee's on ladies. Get it while it's hot!"
All of them raced to the kitchen and returned shortly after with mugs full of coffee. They each sat beside their counterparts, aside from Anya and Dawn of course. Faith smiled elegantly, placing a soft kiss on her lover's lips. "It's good to see ya B."
The blonde Slayer blushed. "I'm glad you all came back safe."
Willow bowed her head. "Faith, I. . .uh. . .I'm sorry about before. I was just. . ."
Faith held up one hand to silence the witch. "It's ok Red, I understand. The past is behind us, now lets get on with our superhero lives."
The redhead smiled. "Best idea I've heard in a long time."
"Um, guys. I hate to crash the party and stuff but. . .well. . .I was just wondering how long Bianca's staying. I mean, I think she's cool but you know, school and all that stuff," Dawn mumbled.
Bianca smiled as she touched the teens shoulder. "I'll probably have to leave for a little while but I know this is where I belong. This whole things been amazing in more than one way. I've learned allot and no matter what my mom says, I'm coming back here for collage," the brunette announced proudly.
"When you do, there's always a place in my home for you Bianca," Buffy offered with a gentle smile.
"Thanks."
And they gathered round in the dusky light, sipping their coffee and denying all plight. The world could crumble beneath their feet yet they would not admit defeat. Their wills and souls were bound and strong, their spirits forcing the world to go on. Another battle, another day, another sunset would keep them at bay. They would fight until their very last breath, struggling to save the world though is was fated as death. This ends my tale and I hope you enjoyed. For if you didn't, my effort was void.
~~ The END ~~
Author: Melanie M./Shai/Misty AKA SailorFireStarr@aol.com/SSailorUranuss@aol.com
Archive: The Realm, others (if you ask nicely)
Pairing: W/T, B/F & Bianca/Rain
Rating: probably R
Disclaimers: I don't own or anything attached to the show/characters and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this fic. Well, accept for maybe feedback.
Comments: And remember, I need feedback so FEED ME! Enjoy!
The Last Task
With a long sigh Faith parked the rental car then joined the others as they walked into the small shop. The shop smelled musty like the Magic Box but it didn't have the same feel to it. They looked around cautiously but found their attention drawn to the man approaching them.
"Hello ladies. You must be the guests the council called about. Welcome to No Mans Land. I'm Gibson," the man chirped as he ushered the three females passed the entrance in the bookcase and into his hidden club.
Faith studied the place a little closer. This place was a little creepy but it didn't scare her. He led them through the crowd and they could feel everyone's eyes on them. As they entered a room near the back they saw a stunning brunette tap the man on the shoulder and pull him aside.
"Gibson, who are those girls?" they heard her whisper before he closed the door.
Tara raised a brow. "Did anyone else notice we were being stared at?"
"I noticed. They were also giving off odd vibes and auras. This place isn't like any place I've ever been before. It feels different," Rain added.
"Maybe they're a different kind of being, ya know? Not demons cause I would sense that. But maybe they're somethin we don't know about yet," Faith mused, mapping the exits just in case.
"That would explain allot," Tara yawned, pretty worn down from the flight.
Gibson returned with a smile. "Sorry for the delay. You're from Sunnydale, right?"
"Look, we ain't got time for chatting. We need directions to the checkpoint so we can get gone," Faith sneered, slightly agitated with her lack of sleep.
Rain swatted Faith's arm playfully then met his saddened eyes. "Please forgive her, it's the jet lag."
He nodded as the joy returned to his eyes. He handed them an envelope as he spoke, "Long flight from Sunnydale to New Gotham. You should be at the checkpoint by dark. Be careful, it's a bit foggy. It's down a narrow, winding road but you'll know it when you see it."
Sunset. . .
"So how much further?" the Mystic sighed, staring listlessly into the fog before them.
"About a mile. He said we'll know it when we see it," Tara replied.
"How the fuck are we suppose to see it in this shit? I can barely see the car in front of me," Faith grumbled.
"THERE!" Rain yelled, pointing at the small passage they had just passed.
Faith muttered under her breath as she flipped a bitch. Turning onto the narrow road, she paused. Something caused unease to rise within her but she wouldn't let that slow her down now. They were almost there. Driving about four more miles they found a huge castle like mansion. "Well, looks like these people got some taste. You guys ready?"
Rain looked back at Tara then nodded at Faith. "Lets do this."
They all got out of the car and walked toward the entrance. Before they reached the door it opened, revealing an elderly man in a suite. He smiled wholesomely as they entered. "Welcome Miss Wilkins, Miss Spencer and Miss Maclay. We've been expecting you. Your Guardian awaits in the dining room. Dinner will be served at 5 o'clock sharp. Feel free to explore the mansion and relax. After all, the journey has not yet begun."
"Thank you," Tara whispered before leading her friends into one of the rooms.
Rain narrowed her eyes. "What did he mean by Guardian? Giles didn't tell us about any Guardian."
"Probably the guys above mystics. I don't trust this place. What do ya say we check it out?" Faith asked, looking around briefly before meeting their eyes again.
"Good idea. We should probably find the dining room first since dinner's in about an hour," Tara replied, also getting strange vibes from this house and its occupants.
Half an hour later. . .
"Somethin smells good," Faith purred as they finally entered the dining room.
"Welcome," a the redhead greeted with a wave.
Tara met the woman's gorgeous emerald gaze and suddenly felt lost. Those eyes reminded her of Willow but she couldn't be with her right now. This was something she'd have to do herself. Her thoughts were shattered when the woman spoke again.
"Have a seat. We have allot to talk about," she instructed, already seated at the head of the table.
The three women each took a seat and focused their attention on the redhead. Faith met the older woman's eyes and asked as politely as she could, "lots to talk about, huh? Why don't you start by tellin us who you are and why you're here."
"You must be Faith," the redhead replied with a soft chuckle. "My name's Barbra and I'm here to help all of you. I have a few things to give Tara to help her on her journey. You and Rain will be staying here until she returns."
Rain raised a suspicious brow. This woman seemed to be hiding something but she had a feeling it had nothing to do with them. She met the woman's eyes and asked cautiously, "and what's in it for you?"
Barbra kept an unreadable face on as she replied tentatively, "I want to be proud of my charge and I'm bound to this position by a promise. I hope some day what I'm doing will matter."
Rain smiled. This woman meant far more by that than she would openly admit and Rain knew it. She had learned how to read people and their tones even before she'd met Bianca. Not content with the answer she got, she pried a little more, "I hope so too. So what do you do for a living? I mean, this place is quite an accomplishment."
"I'm a teacher at the high school and this isn't my house. It belongs to a friend who also made a promise to the Witches Council. They use his grounds and home for the Last Task. Are you finished grilling me?" the redhead asked with a slightly teasing tone.
Faith narrowed her eyes. Either this chick was lying through her teeth or she was hiding something really big. Not trusting the woman she spoke just above a growl, "what are you hiding?"
Barbra tilted her head in mock confusion. "What do you mean?" she questioned, playing naive.
"You were too sincere. You're not telling us something. What is it?" the slayer whispered sternly.
Tara sensed the tension in the air and smacked Fait playfully on the arm. "Faith! Be nice. We're her guests."
The redhead shook her head. "It's alright Tara. She's right. There are things I'm not telling you but I do have my reasons. The most prominent one being that they have nothing to do with any of you or the Last Task."
Meanwhile in Sunnydale. . .
"C'mon Buff! You have to!"
"I should patrol."
"There will be just as many vampires tomorrow as there are today!"
"You know what, you're right. I need a break anyway. So who do you wanna call?"
Willow sighed. "Just sit back Buffy. I already invited all of the girls."
Buffy froze. "Tell me you didn't mention this to Dawn!" she squeaked.
The redhead bit her bottom lip. "It was kinda her idea."
"Crap! Well, I just hope it doesn't get out of hand. You know how it gets."
Three hours later. . .
Rain met the blonde's eyes, whispering gently, "be careful Tara."
Tara nodded with a slight smile. "I will."
Rain took off one of her necklaces and put it on the other woman. "You better come back in one piece."
Faith sighed, pulling one of her bags to her. "Hey Wicca, c'mere."
Tara nodded to Rain before laughing at Faith's nickname for her. She walked over to where the Slayer was and sat beside her. "Are you getting soft on me Slayer girl?" she teased.
Faith smiled broadly then pulled out the knife the Mayor had given her. Handing it to the blonde, she replied, "Not a chance. Take this with ya, might be handy in a tight spot."
Tara met the brunettes eyes. "Thank you."
Barbra wheeled in with a frown. "You should leave soon. If you're not back in a week I call the search party."
In Sunnydale. . .
Buffy sighed as Willow and Dawn brought everyone cups of hot chocolate. The Slayer wanted to have fun tonight but for some reason she was very uneasy. She missed Faith. She felt empty inside, like she'd just had her heart ripped out. Her confession of love for the other Slayer had come at the worst time. They hadn't even been alone since then which only meant she wouldn't be able to contribute to conversation tonight. Realizing the others were staring she blinked, exhaling a soft, "Hmmm?"
Willow smiled. She knew what Buffy was feeling and this was her way of helping. She was determined to make her best friend have some fun, whether she liked it or not. Handing the Slayer a mug of cocoa, she repeated her last sentence, " I asked if you had any ideas on what to do tonight."
"Oh," the Slayer replied, searching her mind for an answer. "It might sound a little childish but how about truth or dare? It's never dull with you and Anya," she snickered.
"It doesn't sound childish Buffy. We always play that game. It's a tradition," Anya piped up with a perky smile.
"Yeah, it is but we should go easy on the newbies. We wouldn't want to scare them off," Willow suggested.
"Oh please! We're not kids you guys. Treat us the same way you treat each other," Dawn protested.
Willow, Buffy and Anya all looked at each other then grinned. "Ok, but since you're playing the big leagues now be prepared for anything," the Slayer warned.
Two days later. . .
Her breathes were worn as she clawed her way closer to the comfort she sought. Seeing dim flickers of orange and red, her face lit up. Focusing her strength, she steadied herself on the wall and pulled herself up. Collecting her composure, she tapped weakly on the door.
The door eased open and her eyes met relieved faces. "Tara!" the other two chorused, hugging the her gently.
"Hey guys," her voice rasped, her muscles giving in the moment they touched her.
"Wicca, you ok? What happened?" Faith asked, holding the witch up since she couldn't do so herself.
"I passed."
Rain shook her head. "I think she meant physically. You can't even stand on your own."
"I'm just a little sore and tired. With a good nights rest I'll be fine," the blonde replied hoarsely.
Barbra smiled. "You did very well Tara, I'm proud of you. Get some rest. You'll be flying out tomorrow afternoon."
On the plane the next day. . .
"So Wicca, what'd you have to do?" the Slayer probed. Her senses were telling her something about her friend had changed but she couldn't point out what.
Her eyes became lifeless pools of dying blues as darkness dripped from her words, "what I have done, nobody will know because others must complete the task."
Faith met Rain's gaze. Rain's steady, comforting eye put the Slayer at ease. She was worried but she wouldn't let them know that. "That's cool. I was just wonderin."
Later in Sunnydale. . .
Rain sighed as the cab stopped. "Looks like we're home."
"Looks that way. Why don't you take Wicca inside, I'll get the bags," Faith instructed as she got out.
Rain obeyed, helping Tara out of the car. They wondered in through the front door with Faith close behind them. What they found, however, was far from what they expected. It was pitch black and the only thing that could be heard were the words of Jimmy Hendrix to a jammin beat. Faith dropped the bags and her eyes narrowed. "Kinda dark in here," she stated, not being able to see anything but still forms strewn all over the living room.
Fearing the worst, Tara opened the blinds to reveal her friends all passed out. They had evidently been drinking seeing as there were bottles of various liquors on the coffee table. As soon as the light shone in on them Anya hissed rabidly, covering her eyes.
Rain chuckled as Tara closed the blinds and clicked a lamp on. The others began to stir, grumbling about headaches, aspirin and more sleep. "What the hell did you guys do? Start another Woodstock without us?" Rain teased.
Buffy snickered as she walked in from the kitchen. "Coffee's on ladies. Get it while it's hot!"
All of them raced to the kitchen and returned shortly after with mugs full of coffee. They each sat beside their counterparts, aside from Anya and Dawn of course. Faith smiled elegantly, placing a soft kiss on her lover's lips. "It's good to see ya B."
The blonde Slayer blushed. "I'm glad you all came back safe."
Willow bowed her head. "Faith, I. . .uh. . .I'm sorry about before. I was just. . ."
Faith held up one hand to silence the witch. "It's ok Red, I understand. The past is behind us, now lets get on with our superhero lives."
The redhead smiled. "Best idea I've heard in a long time."
"Um, guys. I hate to crash the party and stuff but. . .well. . .I was just wondering how long Bianca's staying. I mean, I think she's cool but you know, school and all that stuff," Dawn mumbled.
Bianca smiled as she touched the teens shoulder. "I'll probably have to leave for a little while but I know this is where I belong. This whole things been amazing in more than one way. I've learned allot and no matter what my mom says, I'm coming back here for collage," the brunette announced proudly.
"When you do, there's always a place in my home for you Bianca," Buffy offered with a gentle smile.
"Thanks."
And they gathered round in the dusky light, sipping their coffee and denying all plight. The world could crumble beneath their feet yet they would not admit defeat. Their wills and souls were bound and strong, their spirits forcing the world to go on. Another battle, another day, another sunset would keep them at bay. They would fight until their very last breath, struggling to save the world though is was fated as death. This ends my tale and I hope you enjoyed. For if you didn't, my effort was void.
~~ The END ~~