A/N: Ok so the feedback I've gotten thus far for this story has been positive so I decided to go ahead and continue it. I'm still not sure if this is gonna be completely alternate universe where things are completely different from the show when Willow comes back, or if I wanna try and stay as close to canon as possible. I guess we'll find out as we go along. Oh and by the way, just so I don't get caught up try to make it period correct I'm going to write this assuming it happened like yesterday. So no scathing comments telling me I got the technology wrong. Angel is okay with Buffy and Tara's relationship, there are still going to be issues concerning Spike so...still some drama on that front
Chapter 1
(Sunnydale California, USA, Summers' Residence)
Soon after Willow had left for the coven in Devon Buffy began to make good on her promise to be more involved in Dawn's life, even going so far as to quit the DMP and taking over the ownership of a small dojo in town (with major financial backing from Willow, Xander, Anya, and Giles) teaching self-defense. Tara, having sensed long ago the vast potential of Dawn's magical power, probably a side effect of her being The Key, finally convinced Buffy to let her train the teenager. In their first lesson Tara performed an in-depth aura reading on Dawn, which led her to discover that though the youngest Summers girl was not a slayer she did possess all the same abilities, just at a lower level. Her strength, though less than a vampires was on about the same level as that of the former Initiative soldiers with their steroids (i.e. Riley Finn). Her senses were heightened, but not as much as Buffy's or Faith's, and her speed was on about the same level as Angel and Spike. Other abilities that had presented themselves, and were attributed to The Key included eidetic memory, inhumanly high IQ and an inane ability to quickly master languages. Just over the last month she had become fluent in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Greek (ancient and modern), Russian, Romani, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Japanese, Cantonese, and Mandarin. As well as having learned Sumerian, Turkish, and Latin the year before.
She was working on learning her next languages, Arabic and Hebrew, trying to make her way through the rest of the Eurasia supercontinent, so to speak, when Buffy came home from another day at the dojo. The gang had discovered recently that while growing up Tara's mom had taught the blonde witch Muay Thai and Aikido, after she had gotten away from the rest of her family she had stopped in LA for a while and Trained in Krav Maga on top of what she had already learned, so Buffy actually ran two classes at her studio, the self-defense class, Krav Maga, taught by Tara and the class for any interested, Kempo Karate, which she herself taught. "Tara still at the college?" Buffy asked leaning against the doorway to Dawn's room.
Dawn looked up from her book smiling at her sister, things had really become good between them lately, "Yeah, Buffy she called a little bit ago and told me she'd probably be there for another hour. How did your classes go, any troublemakers this time?"
"No everything went smoothly today. How bout you how was Dawnie's day of learning the ways of Wicca and studying languages?"
"You know Tara doesn't want me to do any witchy studying on my own just yet." Replied Dawn with a smirk, "Though I did do some meditation earlier cause learning Arabic was giving me a headache, then I switched to Hebrew for a while, it's a little easier though not by much."
"Well don't work too hard; we still need to train later. Now the important question. It's Friday night, what do we wanna do for supper? Do we wanna go out, order in, or were you and Tara planning on cooking?"
"Hmm, well I dunno what Tara's gonna be in the mood for when she gets back, but I'm thinking we should go out. Maybe even invite Xander and Anya."
"Sounds like a good plan Dawn I'll text Tara and see what she thinks. Then call Xander and invite them." Buffy said as she walked to her and Tara's room to make the arrangements then went to take a shower.
Dawn made to go back to studying, but when she looked at the markings in the book they looked like they were writhing all over the page, I'm gonna take that as a sign from either the Goddess, the PTB, or some other Higher Being that it's time to quit for the day. She closed the book and straightened up her desk before moving to sit cross legged on her bed to meditate for a few minutes to fight off the light-headedness and the headache she felt building up. She wanted to be completely focused for her training session later. Buffy had been teaching her Kempo and she had convinced Tara to teach her Krav Maga as well and recently Xander had begun meditating regularly and it had enabled him to more easily access his soldier memories, which included master level training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and he was passing that knowledge on to the rest of the Scoobies. Xander had even made Anya take a class at the dojo, since she was busy taking care of things to do with the Magic Box at the time they normally trained.
Once Tara got home Dawn changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top and made her way downstairs and into back yard where she found Xander, Tara, Buffy, and making a rare appearance Anya all already waiting for her.
"Before you even have a chance to ask Anya is here because our Friday training sessions are going to be a bit different from now on. We train hard throughout the rest of the week and we need to have a day that we ensure that our muscles and joints get properly taken care of and stretched out, so Fridays we will be doing Yoga. And Anya is going to be our instructor" Buffy explained with a smirk before Dawn could even open her mouth.
"You know me so well big sis." Dawn replied. She was looking forward to learning something new from Anya.
While she could be brash and blunt about things and though she was obsessed with money and sex, Dawn had also found that she, unsurprisingly, had a wealth of information when it came to herbs, magical objects, historical event, and of course demonology, guess that's what happens when you spend over a thousand years as a vengeance demon. At first Dawn had thought, much like Buffy and Willow, that Anya was really only around cause they couldn't kill her and she was with Xander, but while she had been working off the debt she owed Anya, not for the stolen items because she returned those, but for the betrayal of their friendship she had begun to learn as much as she could from the ex-demon.
After just twenty minutes of doing a few different poses the Scoobies, bar Anya, were drenched in sweat with very shaky limbs, even Buffy. Finally after thirty minutes they had all collapsed while Anya went on for another fifteen minutes to finish the set. "Showoff!" exclaimed Dawn in mock anger which was ruined by the happy glint in her eyes, while she and the others relaxed and drank water and Gatorade.
"I love yoga Dawn. It keeps you lithe and flexible. And it's great for sex cause you can get many orgasms as it increases your stamina and overall flexibility, meaning you can utilize several positions." Dawn, Buffy, Tara and Xander all sprayed their drinks out of their mouths at Anya's explanation. Somewhat surprised at themselves that they weren't completely used to the strange woman yet. Once they had recovered enough everyone headed inside and took turns cleaning themselves up in the two showers before heading out to dinner.
(Devon Coven, Devon County England, UK)
"Rupert! Willow! Please come and have a seat! Can I get you something to drink? I have tea and water."
"Yes, I'll have a cup of tea, thank you Madam Abigail." Replied Giles. As he and Willow took the seats provided for them.
"Yes Ma'am I'll have some tea as well thank you." Added Willow.
Madam Abigail, after getting the drinks for her guests sat in her large leather chair behind the desk in her office. "I imagine the two of you are wondering why I called you here." Giles and Willow both nodded affirmation, "Well it seems that Willows mission for being here is nearly accomplished. She has shown great growth in her control and knowledge, as well as mastering the ability to shield herself from external forces that would try to influence her into dark magic. Basically Willow you no longer need to be here, unless you wished to remain here to study, but I have a feeling you would like to get back to your friends."
"You mean you really think I'm ready to go home?" Willow asked hopefully with tears welling up in her green eyes.
"Yes, child. Though there is always more that we could teach you, your reason for being here is fulfilled."
Willow was so happy with that news she barely resisted the urge to leap across the desk to hug the woman. Choosing instead to walk around the side and embrace Abigail in a more dignified manner. "Thank you so much. You and the brothers and sisters in the coven as well. I am honored that you all have allowed me to call you family."
"We are all so proud of you Willow and remember if you and your friends ever need anything, the witches and warlocks of Devon are happy to help." Said the leader of the coven as Willow pulled away wiping the tears away.
Turning to the misty-eyed tweed wearing man in the room, "Did you here that Giles? I can go home."
"Yes Willow I heard. I am proud of you as well my dear like a father seeing his daughter graduate." And with that he found himself wrapped in a rib crushing hug from the once again bubbly redhead.
After regaining her composure Willow began to think about how her friends would react to her return and about whether she should tell them, or let it be a surprise. "Before we go back though I think it's time I saw a little bit more of Europe. Cause it would be wrong to go home without presents for everyone. Plus Dawn's birthday is coming up soon."
"I don't see any issue with that Willow. Just let me know where you want to go first."
(Sunnydale California, USA, Summers' Residence)
Summer break was nearly over, but a return to school was the furthest thing from Dawn's mind. The last few months had been good for the entire Scooby gang; they had all grown as individuals and as a whole. The only downside was that Willow hadn't been there with them physically though they had been able to stay in contact via phone and email. Dawn's summer goal of mastering all the major languages of Europe and Asia had been met, she was coming along nicely in her Wicca lessons with Tara, and her fighting skills had improved to a point where when she and Buffy sparred the tall teenager was no longer the only combatant sore and bruised. The only thing really on Dawn's mind at this moment was that she was somewhat sad that willow wasn't going to be there for her birthday. Because today (August 25) was the day, one of the big ones, the "sweet sixteen" they called it.
It wasn't going to be anything too extravagant, Dawn did not expect, nor did she want, anything too over the top. As far as she knew it was going to be just her, Buffy, Tara, Xander, Anya, (and probably Spike) and her three friends she'd met during the last school year Kit, Amanda, and Carlos. When time for the party came everyone had shown up as expected, but somewhat to Dawn's surprise Buffy had also invited Angels crew from LA so Angel, Wesley, Gunn, Cordelia, and their newest member Winifred "Fred" Burkle. Dawn played a gracious hostess spending time with all her guests and ensuring they were all comfortable and had refreshments. Just when Buffy was going to suggest they serve the cake there was a knock at the door, which Spike answered, "Hey Lil Bit." Called the bleach blond vamp, "I think it's for you."
Dawn rounded the corner from the living room to the entry-way and let out a shriek the likes of which no one had heard from her since the ordeal with Glory as she leapt across the threshold knocking Spike out of the way, to wrap the two newcomers in a fierce hug.
"Uh…Dawnie. Oxygen kinda becoming an issue hon." Willow managed to squeak out.
"Quite right." Agreed Giles
"Oh my God you're here! How did you get here? Did Buffy know you were coming? Are you back for good or did they just let you come to visit? Damn now I'm babbling and can't stop to let you talk. Okay stopping now." The rest of barely contained their laughter and Dawn's string of words.
"Wow I haven't heard babbling that bad since I was the nerdy girl in high school. No, Buffy didn't know we were coming, we wanted to surprise everyone. Yes we're, well at least I'm back for good, I don't know what Giles' plans are. As for how…" Willow trailed off in her explanation as her gaze fell on Amanda, Kit, and Carlos.
"Don't worry Wills, their cool; they know about the things that go forehead bumpy in the night." Said Buffy following her best friend since high school's line of sight.
With a nod Willow continued, "Any way the coven teleported me and Giles here. We coulda been here a couple weeks ago, but first of all we wanted to make it a surprise for your birthday, and secondly I wanted to do a little bit of traveling in Europe to by souvenirs for my friends. And me being "always prepared girl" I even bought a few extras so I actually have enough for everyone here."
Once things had settled down a bit, cake had been eaten and gifts opened Willow had given everyone trinkets and knick-knacks from her travels the Scoobies and the LA gang stood in a group in front of Dawn. Buffy after thinking for a second turned to Willow placing something in her hand and whispering to her "This is from you as much as the rest of us, don't be upset cause yes we used some of the money from the "emergency" fund you set aside for us before you left. So here I want you to be the one to give her this."
Willow, somewhat nervously walks up to Dawn who had been talking with her high school friends, "Um hey Dawn, I guess there's one more present we have to give you. It's from all of us." Said the redhead guesturing to the group of people Dawn considered her family, Dawn not fully grasping what it could be raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "We realize that for a sixteen year old girl driving around in an old Jeep isn't exactly cool so here." Willow finished, stumbling over her words and extending her hand, from which dangled a set of car keys, toward Dawn who's eyes nearly bugged out of her head.
The young brunette nearly tackled Willow as she hugged her, Hmm, Dawnie hugs. I could get used to this…she is really becoming womanly shaped…her breasts are…NO BAD WILLOW! Stop think of something else like her hips and thi…NO DAMMIT! Fine you pervy redhead just stop thinking for now! Willow though she kept body from stiffening at the unexpected thoughts she was most proud of herself for not letting her hands wander like they seemed to want to do. All to soon though the embrace was over while Dawn went to hug the rest of those that were there before racing outside to see her new car.
Everyone in the house followed her and Tara pressed the button to open the garage door, Buffy still wasn't allowed to drive, but she was learning, from Anya of all people. The excited teen bounced from one foot to the other as the door seemed to rise at an agonizingly slow rate when the door was up just enough to see there were two cars in the garage, Tara saw an opportunity to have a little fun and pushed the button to close the door. When the door began its journey back down Dawn whirled to glare at Tara who just stood there smirking while everyone else just laughed. Finally Tara re-opened the garage and Dawn mumbled something that sounded a lot like "wicked witch", which of course drew a fresh bout of laughter from the group. Once the door was finally opened, there next to the jeep that once belonged to Buffy and Dawn's now deceased mother, sat a new Audi A6 quatro.
After another squeal and a fresh round of hugs Dawn decided she wanted to go for a quick drive. Since she still only had her permit that meant someone had to go with her, she quickly insisted on Willow and Giles then whoever else wanted to go. So for Dawns first drive in her new car she had for passengers Willow, Giles, and Dawn's friend Amanda. When the group returned another group of three piled in and chauffer Dawn set off again. Eventually everyone started to leave and head home. Giles and his luggage were taken by Dawn, Angel, and Spike, since the sun had finally gone down so they could finally get a ride, to the apartment he had maintained while in Europe. Once back at the Summers residence Angel's crew said their goodbyes and headed back to LA and Spike left for his crypt. Finally all that remained were the Scooby gang, minus Giles, so Willow before going to the guest room, formerly Buffy's room, and now her room, handed out the more meaningful gifts she had brought with her. For Buffy she had an authentic Spartan sword and a Gladius, Xander got tactical gear and weapons used by the British SAS along with a "don't ask how I got it", Tara she gave a rare focus crystal, Anya was probably the most emotional about her gift because Willow had gone to the location of the village she had lived when she was known as Aud and had found a jewelry box and a stack of diaries that had belonged to her mother, for Dawn she had a spell book for healing and shielding spells, and a Celtic broadsword recovered from the ruins of the temple used by the Monks of Dagon.
When Dawn drew the sword from its sheath a surge of power went through her that was felt by everyone including Xander. It did two unexpected things, first it opened a link for Dawn to communicate with the Powers That Be and other higher powers including the gods of all pantheons, secondly it went through Xander and unlocked the spirit of the soldier and the hyena, but instead of allowing either free reign over his body they were fused by the magic of the sword and the Key with his own soul. Once the current of magic ran it's course Xander and Dawn were passed out on the floor.
Reacting quickly Willow and Tara checked their friends before having Buffy carry them to empty beds upstairs. "They're both okay," the witches informed everyone Tara continued, "And I think I know what happened, at least with Xander, but I think we should get Giles over hear so I only have to explain once."
An hour later the entire Scooby gang was once again gathered in the Summers' living room, after Xander and Dawn had woken up, the group had decided to include Spike as well. Tara began her explanation with what she thinks happened with Xander, "When the magical surge went through the room I believe that the Key, which is probably best explained now as being Dawn's subconscious mind, saw the remnants of the two spirits that had possessed Xander, and recognizing Xander a warrior for the good it performed some sort of spell that fused those spirits with Xander's own soul. Looking at him now I see in his aura, granted it's much more subdued than his actual self, but I see a powerful primal force as well as the partial aura of a second person. And before anyone ask, there is no danger of the hyena going on its chaos spree again, they are bound to Xander's soul meaning he has access to the benefit the other spirits provide, but he remains in control of himself." Xander and the others breathed a sigh of relief at hearing this.
"Hey should I be hearing voices right now, cause I swear someone is trying to talk to me?" asked the construction worker as he absorbed what Tara had just said.
"If the right spell was used, Xander you would be able to communicate with both spirits. At first it'll take focus, but eventually it should be so natural you will be able to talk to them at the same time you're talking to us. You will have better access to the knowledge and training of the soldier as well as the instincts of the hyena. I think you gained another benefit as well, though we'll have to test is, I think you'll have heightened senses and be stronger and faster thanks to the hyena. Not to the extent that you had when you were fully possessed but probably close to where Dawn and Spike are. Dawn, I'm not sure exactly what happened with you, but I'm pretty sure you passed out from more than just being the catalyst for the spell on Xander."
"Oh, I can fill in the blanks there." Replied the teen, "When I was out I got a visit from those Oracles that Angel told us about. It seems that I have a line for direct communication to the PTB and other gods and higher powers too. Because of how unusual this situation was I was then visited by the Tara's Goddess, by the way Tara she is very pleased with how you have lived your life thus far and you should expect a visit from her in the near future, and Willow while she is unhappy with what happened with you she is proud of how far you've come and how hard you've worked. Anyway she explained to me that though I can talk to them there are things that they just can't do, even information that they can only give us at certain times because they have to maintain a balance so that the scales do not become unhinged. She also told me to expect you guys to be somewhat upset with that, but personally, maybe because of the Key, I understand what she said and there's nothing we can do to change it."
The gang stayed up for a bit longer discussing this new found information. Before too long however Giles and Spike made their way back to their respective dwellings, Xander and Any soon followed suit. Willow finding herself nearly falling asleep standing up, due to the time difference and overall exhaustive excitement of the day, was helped to her room by Dawn, who herself decided to turn in for the night. Leaving Buffy and Tara talking in the kitchen. "What are you thinking sweetie?" Tara asked Buffy, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend from behind.
Buffy sighed in contentment as she sank back into Tara's warm embrace, "I was just thinking how good it is to have Willow home. When I talked to her at the coven I still wasn't sure how I felt about Dawnie having those kind of feelings for her, but seeing how far Will has come I think I can stand behind them approvingly if they develop a relationship. And if I ever freak out about it I know I have you to keep me centered." Buffy said tilting her head to look up into the loving blue eyes of her beautiful girlfriend.
"I always will be my love." Answered Tara as she met Buffy's lips with her own in a gentle kiss. Buffy's lips soon parted giving access to her girlfriends probing tongue. Several moments later they parted. "Now you better hurry up and do your patrol so I can enjoy some "Buffy-tongue" when you get back." She stepped back as Buffy turned around grabbing Tara before she could get too far away.
"Mmmm, and what if I want my Tara-lovins right now." Buffy asked pouting.
Tara grabbed a handful of Buffy's hair forcing her to look Tara in the eye. In a quiet yet commanding voice Tara spoke, "I said go patrol Slayer. We'll have plenty of fun when you get back. Understand?"
"Yes."
"Yes what?" Tara asked giving Buffy's hair a short slightly painful tug.
"Yes Mistress."
"Good Slayer. Now go, oh and don't think you're going to get away with forgetting to call me "Mistress", and Buffy." Tara said signally that the game was temporarily over by calling Buffy by her name.
"Yeah Tara?" Buffy asked turning to look at the slightly taller blonde while gathering her stakes and strapping on the Gladius Willow had brought her.
"Be careful love." Tara said, giving Buffy another kiss before she went on patrol.