Okay this is my first stab at writing a fic, so be gentle with me. The idea is from a challenge for Willow and Tara to do a spell...hey wait I'll let you all read it to find out what happens.
Rating level is ummm..PG-13 I don't know how some people rate things.
Spoilers? Some
Disclaimer: I don't own or make money. Joss owns all Buffy Characters, I just like to write about'em.
Feedback is definatly needed. I don't mind honest people--I want to learn from my writings so if you have any helpful hints don't be afraid to tell me.
Well here goes,
Double Take
BY: Sparky
Willow and Tara were sitting on Willow’s bed; a variety of magic books are scattered around the room. The two are deeply involved in the books in front of them, while Amy played in her cage.
“How about this one?” Willow asked holding the book so Tara could see the spell.
“That may work,” she said, her head tilted to the side as she tried to read the entire spell. “It doesn’t look like it would hurt to try.”
“All right, I’ll go to the Magic Shop after class and maybe we could try the spell tonight?” Willow asked, “and since we don’t have class tomorrow you could sleep over?”
“I see where this is going.” Tara teased.
“Where what’s going? There is defiantly a nothing going anywhere here. It was just a suggestion. The spell could take a while and I don’t want you walking back to your dorm in the dangerous night with out me to protect you because who knows what is lurching out there, and… ” Willow babbled.
“Sweetie, I was just kidding.” Tara smiled as she placed a kiss on Willow’s forehead.
“I don’t always think about sex.” Willow pouted.
“Right,” Tara giggled as she poked Willow in her side.
“Hey, no tickling!” Willow squirmed, “You know where tickles lead to and we have class soon, and how dare you say that all I think about is sex!”
Willow quietly snuck into class and sat next to Buffy who was busy doodling in her notebook.
“Lose track of time there Wil?” Buffy smiled.
“Yeah, I was busy, er going over my notes.” Willow said, “What did I miss?”
“I took notes for…well I began to take notes.” Buffy said looking down at the doodles all over her notebook, “I don’t think it was important.”
“It’s all right, I’ve already read this chapter last week.” Willow said.
“Hey whatcha doing after class?” Buffy asked.
“I need to stop at the Magic Shop for some stuff, why?” Willow asked.
“Just wondering.” Buffy said quietly.
“Why do you say it like that?” Willow asked.
“Well, I was just wondering if you wanted to go out to lunch.” Buffy said, “I haven’t been spending enough quality time with my best friend.”
“We could get a bite to eat, and check out the Magic Shop after.” Willow smiled.
“Are you sure, I mean it won’t mess up your day?” Buffy asked.
“No, besides we have been lacking on the best friend quality time thing lately.”
“So what do you need from the Magic Shop?” Buffy asked.
“Some stuff for a spell that will hopefully turn Amy back into a human.” Willow smiled.
“You think it will work?” Buffy asked as the professor finished her lecture.
“I hope.” Willow said getting up to leave the classroom, “So what’s for lunch? I’m starving.”
“We could go to that little café.” Buffy said.
“Sounds good to me.” Willow said.
Giles was standing behind the counter counting the register while Anya was helping a customer over by the candles. He looked up as the bell chimed to see Buffy and Willow walk in.
“Hey Giles.” Buffy said walking over to the counter as willow browsed the shelves.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing, why?” Buffy asked, “Wil and I just came from lunch and she needed to pick up a few things. Her and Tara are doing a spell.”
“I bet,” Anya snorted walking behind the counter.
“I see that you’ve been practicing on that tact, haven’t you Anya.” He said.
“I have tact! I have plenty of tact! It’s not like you all don’t think the same way I do.” She huffed.
“We might, but we choose not to say everything that goes through our mind.” He smiled walking into the back room.
“It’s okay for them to talk about spells, but when Xander and I do we get hushed.”
“You and Xander talk about sex, Anya.” Buffy said.
“And like spells isn’t a their term for sex.” Anya stated before ringing up a customer. “Did you want to buy anything else? Your money is much appreciated.”
Buffy sat there for a minute thinking about what Anya had said, but then scolded herself for thinking of Willow like that. Willow was her best friend; she would have told Buffy if she was having sex with Tara. No wait, she wouldn’t.
“All set?” Buffy asked Willow as she walked over to the counter.
“Yep, got all the stuff we need.” Willow smiled.
“For your spells?” Anya asked, “Whatcha got there?”
“Some books, incense, a few candles, and…”
“And some oils.” Anya finished looking directly at Buffy, “What are the oils for?” she asked innocently.
“We have to anoint Amy before we do the ritual.” Willow said.
“Uh-huh,” Anya looked at Buffy then back at Willow and smiled. Buffy looked at Anya, then in Willow’s basket, and then up at Willow.
“What?” Willow asked.
“Nothing.” Buffy said.
“Do you do these kinds of spells often?” Anya asked.
“No not really,” Willow said.
“What kind do you do then?” Anya asked.
“Anya!” Buffy said finally, “Just ring her up. Enough with twenty questions.”
“Like you aren’t interested.” Anya huffed.
“I’m going to stay and work out for a while.” Buffy said.
“Okay, thanks for lunch. I’ll see you tomorrow with the results of the spell.”
“I bet you will.” Anya smiled.
Willow just looked at the two of them confused. Buffy shot Anya an evil look as Willow left.
“What are you two talking about?” Giles asked taking a sip of his tea.
“Willow’s going to have sex with Tara tonight.” Anya blurted.
Giles spit out his tea and began to choke, “I beg your pardon?”
“No. Willow’s doing a spell tonight to de-rat Amy.” Buffy said.
“Fine believe what you want.” Anya said before walking away.
Willow prepared her room for the spell. She had Amy’s cage on the floor next to a small circle, and the candles were placed accordingly around the room. A half hour later Tara knocked on Willow’s door.
“Hey you,” Willow smiled, “I’ve been waiting.”
“Are we all set?” Tara asked.
“Yep. Ready when you are.” Willow said leading her over to the circle on the floor. “Are you ready Amy?”
The rat just squeaked as it played in its wheel. Tara sat down outside the circle as Willow lit the candles and the incense. After she sat down facing Tara she took the oil and anointed Amy’s head. She took Tara’s hands and was about to begin chanting, but stopped and opened Amy’s cage.
“We should take her out of the cage.” Willow said, “We don’t want her turning human in there.”
She placed Amy in the center of the circle and took Tara’s hands into her. They closed their eyes and began to chant. Amy slowly crawled outside the circle and began to explore the open terrain, and at the same time Tara’s left foot had accedently crossed over the circle. As they finished the spell a strange gust of wind filled the room blowing out the candles. The wind startled the rat so it scurried back to the circle.
Willow opened her eyes and looked down.
“Darn.” she sighed, “ It didn’t work.”
Tara picked Amy up and put her back in the cage. “Oh well, back to looking for a cure.”
Willow began to put everything away, starting with the candles. They decided to leave the incense burning while they got ready for bed.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come over sooner. Maybe if we had more time.” Tara said brushing her teeth.
“It’s not your fault. We’re probably just tired, we could try again tomorrow.” Willow said walking up behind her and wrapping her arms around her waist. “I’m glad you came over.”
“Me too,” she smiled leaning back against Willow. “I missed you today.”
“We could continue what you started this morning.” Willow smirked.
“Maybe, or we could just cuddle in bed.” Tara smiled, “and don’t even think of blaming me on this morning. You should be …stronger.”
“I lose all my power around you.” Willow said kissing her cheek.
“Do you now?” Tara teased as she kissed Willow’s earlobe.
“Uh-huh,” Willow said breathing deeply while leading Tara over to the bed.
The incense finished burning and another, softer gust of wind breezed through the room, but Willow and Tara were too busy to noticed it.
The next morning Willow woke up first as the sun peeked through the window. Her eyes still close she snuggled next to Tara, soon realizing that there were two bodies next to her on the bed. She looked over to her right and saw Tara, then looked over to her left and saw Tara.
“Tara!” she exclaimed waking both Tara’s from their sleep.
“What!” they said at the same time. Willow’s head flipped from one to the other. The two Tara’s looked at Willow then each other and jumped out of the bed.
“Oh my goddess! What happened?” Tara asked.
“I don’t know.” Willow said staring at them in disbelief when suddenly there was a knock on the door.
“Who’s there?” Willow asked.
“It’s me Wil, open up.” Buffy said.
Willow looked at the door, then at the two Tara’s standing in front of her, then back at the door, but before she could do anything Buffy opened the door.
“Oh sorry, we didn’t mean.” Buffy said turning around as Anya walked past her.
“See I told you they had sex.” Anya said, “Wait a second. Why are there two Tara’s?”
“What?” Buffy asked.
“Kinky sex.” Anya said, “They did a kinky sex spell. I wish I could have two Xanders to have sex with.”
“What is with you and sex?” Willow asked."We din't have sex."
"Right, you clothes are scattered around the room for fun, and those sheets wrapped around you are a new trend." Anya said.
“Why are there two Tara’s?” Buffy asked still in shock. Not only did she walk in on her best friend frantically trying to throw on some clothes, but also there were two Tara’s standing in front of her.
“I don’t know. I just woke up this morning and there were two of them.” Willow said. “When we went to bed last night there was only one.”
“Betcha wish there were two of them before, don’t you.” Anya said.
“Anya, please!” Buffy snapped, “Go call Giles.”
“But…”
“Just go!” Buffy said.
Buffy closed the door behind her after Anya reluctantly left the room. She let Willow and the two Tara’s get dressed before she began to ask them questions. After Willow explained the spell that they had done to Buffy, the four of them still had no answers.
“We have to go to Giles.” Buffy said, “He’ll know what to do.”
“Right.” Willow agreed looking up at both Tara’s, “Don’t worry we’ll fix this.”
Giles was reading the newspaper when Anya called. She was rambling about Willow, Tara, and sex. All he got out of the conversation was that they were on their way to his place.
“Bloody hell!” he exclaimed as he opened the door.
“It’s not as bad as it seems.” Buffy said walking in. “They have a really good explanation.”
Double Take Part 2
By: Sparky
“It’s not as bad as it seems.” Buffy said walking in. “They have a really good explanation.”
“Well I should hope so.” Giles said but then something worried him, “It wasn’t Toth, was it?”
“No not Toth,” Buffy said.
“Then we have to find the demon that did this.” He said.
“Well, that won’t be hard.” Anya said. Giles looked at her confused.
“We did it.” Willow said softly.
“See I told you!” Anya smiled.
“They mean the spell, Anya!” Buffy said rolling her eyes.
“Oh, well you don’t have to yell. I just thought…” Anya began.
“Yes, we all know that Willow and Tara have sex, Anya.” Buffy said not realizing that her mouth was working faster than her brain at that moment. She looked up and saw both Tara’s turn red with embarrassment as Willow’s jaw hit the ground. “I mean…”
“Right now we have to focus on the problem in front of us, not Willow’s sex life.” Giles said.
“Okay, how about we just leave Willow’s sex life out of the whole discussion. How does that sound?” Willow said.
“Can we talk about it later?” Anya asked.
“No!” Giles, Willow, Buffy, and the two Taras screamed.
“Okay fine.” Anya sulked, “Don’t act like you all don’t really want to know what kind of stuff they do together.”
“So what happened?” Giles asked ignoring Anya.
“We were trying to do a spell to de-rat Amy, but nothing happened. Well not until this morning.” Willow said. “Amy is still a rat and now there are two Taras.”
“Do you still have the spell?” he asked.
“Yeah, it’s in my room.” Willow said looking over at Anya who was staring at the two Taras.
“Do you both have the same memories?” Anya asked sitting next to the two on the couch.
“I think so.” Tara said, “I remember what went on last night as well as everything else that has happened to me.”
“Psst.” Anya motioned to the other Tara, “Do you remember what happened last night, too?”
“Y-Y-Yes.” Tara said beginning to blush again.
“Well then that rules out other dimension Tara, right?” Buffy asked, “I mean it’s not like the vamp Willow is it?”
“I don’t believe so, but I need to look over the spell.” Giles said wiping his glasses.
“Too bad we couldn’t stick them in different rooms and do some tests.” Anya said.
“That’s a great idea.” Buffy said.
“Buffy!” Willow exclaimed.
“And while were at it we’ll ask Reilly and the Initiative guys if they want to do tests on ex-demons becoming human. I know they’ll be interested.” Buffy continued.
Anya’s face went pale, “I, um, I’m going home right now.”
“All right, Willow take one of the Taras with you, get the book, and meet the three of us at the shop.” Giles said as Anya walked out the door.
Willow and Tara walked to the dorm in an awkward silence.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Tara finally said as they entered Willow’s room.
“Tell me about it.” Willow said grabbing the book off the floor next to Amy’s cage. “I don’t understand what went wrong.”
Tara walked over to the circle of dust that was still on the floor and knelt down next to it. She looked carefully at the circle and noticed something different. The circle of dust wasn’t complete; there was a gap in the corner, the corner where she was sitting to be exact.
“I know what went wrong.” She sighed.
“What?” Willow asked crouching next to her.
“Look here.” She pointed to the floor, “This is were I was sitting. Now look at the circle.”
“Your foot must have moved the powder.” Willow said.
“Now look over here.” She said.
“Little tiny feet prints.” Willow said looking over at Amy who was running around in her cage, “You little rat, you left the circle. You replaced Amy in the spell after she went off wandering, but that still doesn’t explain the doubling of you.”
“Let’s get to the Magic Shop and tell Giles.” Tara said, “Hopefully he’ll know what went wrong.” Tara sighed and looked down at the ground, trying to hide her worry from Willow.
“Hey, we will get you fixed.” Willow said taking Tara’s hand, “I promise.”
“I know, but what if…I mean…” Tara began.
“No what if’s.” Willow said.
“Willow.” Tara said. “We have to think realistically.”
“Okay, if worse case scenario comes true then I’ll just be very busy pleasing both my girls.” Willow said with an evil grin.
“You wouldn’t be able to handle both of us. We’d ware you out too easily.” Tara smiled. Willow’s eyes widened, taken back by her girlfriends sassy talk.
“Oh really?” Willow asked, “Is that a challenge?”
“No!” Tara giggled, “It’s a fact.”
“I’ll remember that one.” Willow smiled.
“Remember what?” Tara asked innocently.
“Just wait.” Willow said walking out of the room with the book in her hand.
Meanwhile at the Magic Shop Giles had Tara getting the ingredients she and Willow had used the night before ready. She was lucky to find one last box of the incense they used last night. Buffy got the back ready by moving the punching bag and dummy that Xander had made into the corner of the room. She stopped and looked at the mat on the floor in the back and remembered the night that she and Reilly stayed after the shop was closed.
“I wonder if Willow ever snuck in here with Tara?” she asked herself. “No wait, I don’t really want to know.”
A few minutes later Willow and Tara ran into the shop with the spell book.
“We know what went wrong!” Willow exclaimed.
“I beg your pardon?” Giles asked.
“The spell.” Tara began handing Giles the book with the page opened to the spell they had used. Giles began to read the spell Tara showed him.
“We had the circle that Amy was supposed to stay in, but she didn’t. She sneaked out of the circle and at the same time Tara’s foot fell inside it. The circle broke and it wasn’t complete. It thought that the spell was for Tara. We still don’t know how we got two, though.” Willow said.
“Did you read this spell before you did it?” Giles asked.
“Yeah,” Willow began, “Why?”
“It’s a doubling spell.” He said, “You must have translated it wrong.”
“Opps.” Willow said.
“Opps?” Tara asked.
“Hey I asked you to look at it.” Willow said.
“I was ready for bed so I just glanced over it.” Tara said.
“Bed as in sleep.” The other Tara clarified.
“We looked for it before class in the morning.” Willow said.
“Yeah, well I wasn’t paying attention.” Tara blushed.
“Well it shouldn’t be too hard to change it back.” Giles said trying to push away the thoughts that Anya had put into his head. “Right then. Let’s go into the back room. Buffy will you keep an eye up front?”
“Aww, I can’t watch?” she sighed.
Willow set up the candles and incense like she had it in her room. Tara finished the circle and stood inside it, her double stood next to her. “Their essences should be pulled back together.” He said as he sat down outside the circle, Willow took her place across from him after she lit the candles. As he began to chant a spell that he had found in the book, both he and Willow made sure to keep all of their body parts out of the circle. The same gust of wind blew into the room blowing out all of the candles as Giles chanted the last words of the spell. Willow opened her eyes after the wind stopped.
“Rats!” Willow cursed, “It didn’t work.”
Giles looked down at the spell then back at the two blond witches. “It should have worked. There must be something missing. I read the reversal spell correctly.”
Tara tried to remember exactly what happened last night. After Willow had finished the spell there was the same gust of wind. Something was missing. She looked over at the table and saw that the incense was still burning. They never blew out the incense. She remembered smelling it all night until a breeze entered the room right before they fell asleep.
“We never blew out the incense last night.” She said softly.
“What?” Willow asked.
“The incense burned the rest of the night until…” Tara said.
Giles walked over to the burning incense, “You said that it burned out?”
“Yes, we never put it out.” Willow said.
“Well that’s why you didn’t find the double Tara until the next morning. The spell didn’t finish until the incense was out.” Giles said.
“What if we put it out?” Willow asked.
“I’m not sure if we should wait until it burns out. Stopping it now might not be as effective.” He said.
“Do you know how long that incense stick burns for?” Tara asked.
“No,” Giles said.
“Almost a good two hours.” She said.
“And how was it that you two never put it out? What on earth were you doing for two hours?” Giles said but stopped, “Never mind.”
Willow picked up the stick and chanted a few words under her breath. The stick was quickly engulfed in flames until it burned out.
“There we go.” She smiled.
Just then another smaller gust of wind blew in the room sending the sand flying through the air. When the dusty air settled Willow looked over at the two Taras.
“Tara?” Willow called out.
“It worked.” Tara smiled pulling Willow close to her.
“Oh thank the goddess!” Willow exclaimed kissing Tara.
“Yes, well I’ll be up front.” Giles said a little embarrassed by their display of affection. He walked back inside the shop where Buffy sat up at the counter with Anya.
“So did it work?” Anya asked.
“I believe it went well.” He said, “How on earth it happened is beyond me.”
“I thought they said Tara’s foot entered the circle.” Buffy said.
“Yes, but two powerful witches know better then that. Willow knows how to translate spells, I don’t understand.”
“Maybe it was intentional.” Anya said.
“Please Anya, not now.” Buffy sighed.
“No one ever lets me finish.” Anya huffed as the front door opened and two people walked in. “Oh, customers! I have to go pressure them into buying goods so I can get their money. ”
“You don’t think that they purposely wanted to double each other, do you?” Buffy asked Giles.
“No I don’t think so. Besides what would they need doubles for?” Giles said.
“Kinky sex.” Anya whispered before walking over towards the two customers.
Giles looked over towards Buffy as he wiped his glasses.
“Hey now don’t look at me, you hired her.” Buffy said.
“It looks like your girl has failed.” Haley smirked.
“She didn’t fail she got caught. The spell would have worked if that dreaded Slayer hadn’t arrived.” Gregor snapped, “I’m surprised you idiotic minions actually kidnapped the right girl in the first place.” He said pointing at Willow who was tied up in the corner.
“Well you haven’t kept your end of the bargain up.” She glared, “I brought you the girl and you made her double, but we are still short one witch.”
“Patients sweet Haley. In due time we will have our own two witches and the Slayer will be history.” He smiled.
“It amazes me that they don’t know the Willow living with them is a fake.” She said.
“She isn’t a fake. She has all of this Willow’s memories as well as characteristics. It’s just that the Willow we created is a little more, how should I say…bolder. They are one being just separated into two bodies.” He said patting Willow’s head, “Don’t worry little one. My Willow will take good care of your friends.”
Double Take (part 3)
The young red head walked cautiously through the dark cave that was deep in the woods, until she came to a small cavern. Over the past month she had become used to the mazelike tunnels. If one didn’t know where they were going they could get lost forever. She heard two people arguing as she entered the room.
“Oh look who’s here.” Haley snarled sitting on her chair next to Gregor.
“Someone’s pissy! Is it your special time?” Willow smiled throwing Haley an evil look.
“Girls.” Gregor said sternly, “Behave. Welcome my child, what news do you have for me?”
“Not much,” Willow sighed.
“Manners my child. Where have they gone?” he snapped, “Come here.”
Willow walked over to his chair and stood before him. Gregor’s yellow eyes burned into her green eyes as he chanted a few words under his breath. As soon as he was done she knelt down.
“I’m sorry, master. I meant no disrespect, sir.” Willow said lowering her head.
“You are forgiven child, now continue."
“Tara won’t cooperate with any new spells. She is still cautious about the last one. I don’t think I can convince her to do a spell that she knows nothing about.”
“And the alternative?” he asked.
“I’ve also searched the magic shop and there are no talismans or amulets. “Willow added.
“Why can’t we just kidnap the little blond witch and double her like we did with Willow?” Haley asked impatiently.
“Because, you dim-wit, the talisman I used on her is destroyed! Your poor excuse for the undead broke it after I doubled her. If he wasn’t so clumsy he’d be alive and we’d have two witches by now, and a dead Slayer. We only have one witch and the Slayer is still breathing!” He growled. “The only way to double Tara is to get her to agree to do a doubling spell or find another tool.”
“I will keep looking, sir.” Willow said.
“That’s my girl. Now run along and remember your mission.” He said.
“Yes sir.” Willow said obediently as she got up and left.
“You’re losing your control over her.” Haley smirked, “She might become a risk.”
“Silence!” he roared, “She is and will always be under my control! Willow Rosenberg is a weak little girl. She is just a puppet in my plan to destroy the Slayer. No one can resist my power over their minds”
....
When Willow got back to the college campus, her head was throbbing. It felt like a tornado was tearing through it, jumbling up her thoughts. She decided to go back to her room and take a nap to try to clear her head. When she opened the door of her room she found Buffy waiting inside.
“Hey, Will.” Buffy said sitting on the edge of Willow’s bed, that wasn’t made.
“Hi, Buffy. How’d you get in here?” Willow asked, “I mean, what are you doing here?”
“Just wanted to see how you were feeling.” Buffy said.
“Feeling? I feel fine, why?” Willow asked confused.
“I stopped by your class this morning but your professor said you were not there…again.” She said.
“What are you keeping tabs on my life, Buffy?” Willow snapped, “Your not my mother!”
“I was just worried about you, Wil. You never miss class unless something is seriously wrong.” Buffy said taken back by her friend’s sudden anger.
“Well I’m fine so you can leave now. I would like to be left alone.” Willow said coldly.
Buffy walked over to the door, hurt by her best fiend’s icy words, “Willow I’m your friend, if you need any-“
“I’m fine.” Willow snapped. After Buffy left she sat down on her bed. She looked around her room at the posters, pictures, stuffed animals, and finally at her closet. “I’m tired of being such a good little girl. Everyone thinks that I’m just a little book-nerd. Well screw this! Screw them! I want to be like everyone else and have fun.” She picked up her phone and dialed as a huge grin appeared, “Hello, Tara?”
....
“I’m sure she’s all right, Buffy. She’s probably stresses out.” Xander said as they walked into the Bronze. Willow had called and apologized to Buffy earlier. They had all decided to relax and have a night of fun at the Bronze. When they got inside the music was loud and the atmosphere electrified with energy.
“I know, but something isn’t right. I know Will… Willow?!” Buffy said looking towards the dance floor. Willow was dressed in tight black leather pants and had a tight, red, low-cut, halter top on. Xander’s jaw almost hit the floor when he saw his best friend dancing extremely close with some guy.
“Wait, I thought Willow was gay.” Anya said standing behind Xander.
Buffy saw Tara and Reily sitting at a table in the corner so the three of them walked over.
“Hey guys,” Buffy smiled sitting down.
“Hey,” Tara smiled.
“You know Willow’s out there dancing with some guy?” Anya blurted.
“Yeah,” she said.
“And you are okay with that?” Xander asked confused.
“She’s just dancing.” Tara said.
They all got quiet as Willow walked over to the table sweaty from dancing, “You guys finally came.” She said finishing off the liquid in her glass.
“Yeah, sorry we’re late. So who were you dancing with, Will?” Xander asked.
“Oh just some guy.” She said sitting down next to Tara and placing her hand on Tara’s leg. Buffy and Xander both looked at her surprised. Willow was too shy to speak to a stranger, let alone dance with one. “Come on, let’s dance.” She said taking Tara by the hand and dragging her out on the dance floor.
“How long have you guys been waiting here?” Buffy asked Reily.
“Long enough for Willow to pollish off four beers.” He sighed, “Buffy, I thought Willow didn’t drink.”
“She doesn’t.” Buffy said.
“Well she does now.” He said.
“Since when does she wear slutty clothes?” Anya asked studying Willow's attire.
“Hey I have that same shirt.” Buffy protested.
Buffy glanced over at the dance floor and saw Willow and Tara dancing quite close. She watched as Willow’s hands trace up and down Tara’s back before they boldly rested on her butt. Tara began to blush a little as Willow slowly pulled Tara closer, dancing seductively against her. Tara playfully pushed Willow away, but that just made Willow’s smile widen. She danced closer to Tara, but kept her distance at the same time--teasing, until finally she pulled Tara close again. Tara pushed Willow away again, this time she wasn’t playing. Tara looked at Willow confused. Willow knew that she was shy and that she didn’t feel comfortable dancing like that. Willow’s smile faded. “What is it, Tara?”
“Just behave.” Tara said.
“I’m tired of behaving!” Willow said, “I just want to dance and have a good time.” She said putting her hands on Tara’s waist again.
“I’m serious,” Tara pleaded pushing Willow's hands away, “I don’t feel comfortable dancing like that.”
“Stop being such a baby.” Willow snapped. The frown that appeared on Willow's face scared Tara.
“I-I need to g-get a drink.” Tara said somewhat thrown by Willow’s sudden mood swing, “Are y-y-you coming?”
“No, I’m gonna dance for a while. I came here to have fun, not sit all night! When you feel like having a good time come see me, Tara.” Willow said walking towards the stage.
Tara got her drink and sat down with the Scoobies at the table. Xander and Anya were out dancing. She was hurt by Willow’s actions ‘Why was she acting like that?’
“Where’s Wil?” Buffy asked.
“Oh, she’s still dancing.” Tara said, “I got t-tired.”
“How come you two aren’t out there?” Tara asked.
“I’m kinda tired myself, but I promised Willow that I’d come.”
“Um, Buffy?” Tara stopped.
“Huh?” she asked.
“Oh, nothing.” Tara lied.
Spike walked over with a glass of beer and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.
“I never knew Willow could dance like that.” Spike commented in awe, his eyes glued at the dance floor. Buffy and Reily followed his gaze and gasped, her best friend was dancing with another girl, very close…too close. It was different than her dancing with the guy earlier, and Tara knew it. They watched as hands traced, bodies moved, and…“Hello!” Spike said, his cigarette fell out of his mouth when he saw Willow pull the other girl to her and they both began to grind against each other. Tara just stared in horror.
“Tara!” Buffy said as Tara jumped up and ran towards the Bronze exit, “Reily?”
“I’ll follow her, you talk to Willow.” He said.
Buffy made here way out onto the dance floor and yanked her off the other girl. She dragged her back to the table they were sitting at. Willow stopped and pulled her arm out of Buffy’s deathly grasp.
“What the hell is your deal, Buffy?” Willow exclaimed.
“No! What’s your deal Willow?” Buffy snapped, “Are you on crack or something?”
“What?” Willow asked.
“What do you think you’re doing dancing with that girl?” Buffy asked.
“I was just dancing.” She said, “I don’t see what the big fucking deal is.”
Buffy looked at Willow stunned, “Your girlfriend’s the big deal.”
“What is your point? I’m not allowed to dance with anyone else because my ‘girlfriend’ is too conservative?” Willow asked picking up her glass. Buffy knocked it out of her hand.
“I think you’ve had enough of that.” She said.
“What is up your ass Buffy?” Willow growled. “First you give me the third degree about where I was this morning, now I’m getting lectured on how to dance, and that I shouldn’t be drinking? You’re not my keeper, Buffy.”
“You’re drunk Will, why don’t you just go home and sleep it off.”
“I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t you get the hell out of my face! Stay out of my business for once. All you do is stick your nose where it doesn’t belong, Buffy. I’m going to stay and have a good time!” Willow said stumbling as she pulled away. Buffy grabbed her arm before she could fall.
“Willow.” Buffy said but Willow had caught her balance all ready..
“Leave me alone you self-righteous bitch!” Willow snapped pushing Buffy to the ground before storming out of the Bronze.
....
Reily finally found Tara sitting on a bench in the park. She was curled up in a ball sobbing.
“Tara? Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m f-f-fine,” she sobbed her voice muffled by her sweater.
He sat down next to her on the bench and put his arm around her. She turned, buried her head in his chest, and cried.
“I c-can’t believe s-she d-d-did that.”
“She didn’t mean to, I know it. She wasn’t thinking straight. She had a lot to drink.” He said trying to calm her. “She…not…I…” She continued to cry for another twenty minutes before calming.
“She loves you, you know that.” He said after she finally calmed down.
“I know.” Tara said looking down at the ground.
“Well then what is it?” he asked.
“It’s not that, she’s…just… different.” Tara said looking up at him with her tear filled, blue eyes. “Something is wrong, and I’m scared. She’s not the same Willow.”
“What do you mean?” Reily asked.
“I’m not sure what I mean. All I know is that something is wrong. I don’t know what it is, but I can sense it. She never snaps at me. We have to talk to Giles.”
“We’ll help her, I promise. We’ll get to the bottom of this, somehow.”
“Thank you Reily.” She smiled wiping her eyes.
“Come on, let’s get you home. We will go to Giles’ tomorrow.” He said.
“Going somewhere?” a demon said rising from the bushes. He and another had followed Tara from the Bronze.
“Not tonight, boys.” Reily said.
“We cannot let you leave with the girl.” The other one hissed as yet another demon emerged from the shadows. He lunged at Reilly knocking him to the ground. The other on grabbed Tara. Two more demons emerged from the shadows and attacked Reily.
“Let me go!” she cried trying to kick free, “Reily!”
One of the demons put a necklace around Tara’s neck, “That’s so you cant chant your way out of this, witch.” He smiled.
“Tara!” Reilly exclaimed trying to knock the demons off and help her, but there were too many. He continued to struggle hearing her voice get farther and farther. When Tara and the demon were out of sight one of the demons smashed a rock over Reilly’s head, knocking him unconscious. They disappeared into the shadows as footsteps neared the park.
....
After Willow left the Bronze she stopped at the local liquor store and convinced a man to buy her a bottle. She drank half of the bottle when she an urge came over her entire body. Willow stormed into the dark cave, cursing until she found the cavern that she was looking for. After stumbling passed the two vampires who were guarding the entrance she saw the real Willow tied up in the corner.
“You!” Willow growled as she threw her bottle of booze at the wall above Willow’s head. The glass shattered showering over her, drenching her, and waking her from her sleep.
“This is all your fault! If you weren’t such a suck-up, loser, my life would be fine. I hate who I am because of you!” she said grabbing Willow by her throat.
“I am you stupid.” Willow choked.
“No, I’m better then you! You are a poor excuse for a human. I never want to be like you- all scared, weak, and boring. You just get in the way. Buffy doesn’t need you. Scoobies, ha! I like who I am! I am strong, and confident. I like danger. I’m not some scared sissy like you. I am better at being you; I can take care of myself. I can take care of her. How can you live everyday knowing who you are? It’s pathetic. You are pathetic!” the double Willow said letting go of Willow’s throat and plopping down next to her. She leaned her back again the cool wall of the cave. Her head was spinning and the alcohol in her body was winning the fight. “I don’t want to go back to being you. I want to live. I want to live. Live.” She closed her eyes and passed out.
Double Take (Part 4)
Tara sat curled up in a ball on the dirty stone floor of the small cell she was locked in and her hands were shackled to the wall Next to her was a huge curtain, which covered another small cavern. The two vampires that guarded her cell stood up straight and tall as a woman walked into the cavern.
“Job well done boys,” she smiled walking over to the cell and looking down at Tara, “You actually kidnapped the right girl on your first try.”
“We did as you asked.” The one vampire smiled proudly.
“Gregor will be surprised,” Haley smiled, “ He had no faith in me. I told him to just kidnap this witch as we did the other, but he was to scared.”
“W-what do you w-w-want with me?” Tara stuttered.
“In good time child, you will find out in good time.” Haley purred
*******
Willow woke up with a pounding headache. She looked around confused at her surroundings. “How did I get home?” She slowly got up out of bed, her head spinning. Still dressed in her clothes from the night before she grabbed some clean ones and headed for the bathroom. She let the hot water for the shower beat down against her body, as she closed her eyes, visions from last night popped in her head. She winced as she remembered what she had said to Buffy the night before. Then she remembered what had happened to lead her to say those harsh words to Buffy in the first place.
“Tara,” Willow sighed, “what have I done?”
When she was finished with her shower she got dressed in her usual attire, a long floral print dress, and a baby-T. When she got back to her room she noticed a note pinned to her door.
“That bitch!” Willow screamed crumbling the note into a ball and throwing it against the wall, “She has Tara.” Willow grabbed her sweater from her room and ran out of the dorm. As she was running out the door she ran into Xander.
“Xander,” she said.
“Will, what’s the rush?” he asked.
“Tara’s been kidnapped!” Willow said starting to run again.
“What? By who?” he asked running after her.
“A demon, I think. I got a note to meet this person at the caves in the forest.” She said.
“We should get Buffy.” He said.
“We don’t have time! I don’t know what she’ll do to her.” Willow said walking faster.
“How do you know the kidnapper is a she?” Xander asked trying to keep up with Willow.
“Um...well the handwriting looked...a…like a girls.” Willow back peddled.
Willow stopped suddenly when they got to the cave entrance.
“What’s wrong?” Xander asked worried.
“Maybe you should go get Buffy, I mean we might need her help.”
“I’m not leaving you out her alone.” Xander said.
“I promise that I won’t do anything stupid. Go, get Buffy, and hurry. Tara’s in danger.” Willow looked up at him with puppy dog eyes, “Please.”
“Fine, but you better stay out here and stay safe.” Xander said finally giving in. He quickly ran to get Buffy. Willow remained outside the cave until she saw that Xander was out of sight. She slowly entered the cave, ready for any surprises Haley had in store of her.
********
Xander was out of breath by the time he reached Buffy’s house. He didn’t even bother knocking as he burst through the door.
“Buffy!” he called out.
Buffy quickly ran from downstairs, “Xander what’s wrong?” she asked.
“Tara’s been kidnapped!” he said.
“What?” Buffy asked.
“Willow needs your help.”
“Oh, now she needs my help.” Buffy sighed.
“Buffy?!” Xander asked confused, “What are you talking about?”
“What? She didn’t care about Tara last night, called me a bitch, and now she wants me to help her? Why should I?”
“Because she’s your best friend, that’s why. I can’t believe you’re even thinking this.”
“ No Xander, she’s a different person. She’s not the same Willow.”
“What are you talking about, Buffy?” he asked, “So she wore some different clothes last night. We all do some strange things.”
“It’s not just that…it’s…oh, I don’t know.” Buffy sighed.
“She’s going through some crazies right now but she’s still your friend Buffy! Have a long talk with her after we go save Tara.”
“Your right, where is she?”
“The caves in the forest.”
“Lets go!”
After Buffy grabs some weapons they ran out of her house only to run into Riley, who is slowly walking up the sidewalk holding his head.
“Riley! What happened?” she asked.
“Tara, they got Tara.” He said.
“Who’s got Tara?” Xander asked.
“Last night demons attacked us in the park and they took Tara away. I tried to stop them but one clobbered me over the head and knocked me out.”
“Are you all right?” Buffy asked.
“I’m fine, but we have to find Tara.”
“We know where they have her, let’s go! Willow’s all ready there. Xander lead the way.” Buffy said.
********
Haley was admiring the strange looking staff when Gregor entered the room.
“You asked for my presence?” he asked.
“Ah Gregor, I have a surprise for you.” Haley smiled.
Gregor walked over to the table she sat at and looked at the staff in front of her. Haley motioned towards a vampire who was standing by a covered cell. He quickly pulled off the purple velvet sheet to reveal the blond witch curled up shaking in a terrified ball.
“What is she doing here?” growled.
“We kidnapped her, sir.” The vampire said.
Haley got up with the staff and walked over to the cell.
“What do you think you are doing? I told you I can’t force Tara to clone herself and I have no talisman.” He said.
“That’s all right because I have the Ferula-gemina.” Haley said.
“You idiot! Do you know what that does?” he snapped grabbing it out of Haley’s grasp.
“It clones Tara?” she asked.
“No, it splits her into two parts, two unequal parts. One is her strong part, which holds her witchcraft and one is her weak human part, she’s just an ordinary human. I cannot control the minds of a split human. One is too powerful and the other one is too vulnerable. The only way I have controlled Willow this long is because she is a weak person inside. Both Willow’s are equally weak for they are the same person.”
“You’re wrong!” Willow said walking from the shadows. “I am not weak.”
“Willow!” Tara cried out from her cell.
“Now now, my child, you don’t speak with raised voices to me. Manors, manors.” Gregor said snapping his fingers, “Come to me now.”
Willow stayed firm in her spot.
“I said come!” Gregor roared.
Willow slowly walked over to him and knelt down.
“That’s right, you obey me remember.” He smiled.
“No! I’m done being your little lap dog. I am strong!” Willow stated standing up.
Gregor was taken back, “Oh really, well you are quite the Willow today. You won’t be so bold if your other self dies will you?” He said walking over to corner of the room where the real Willow was chained up. When he pulled back the curtain to the cavern no one was there. It was empty except for a pair of unlocked shackles that lay on the dirty ground. He looked over at Willow in horror. “What? Where is she?” Gregor looked over at Haley in horror.
“I didn’t touch her, I swear.” She said.
“I touched her! Last night we did a reversal spell.” Willow said, “It wasn’t that hard when you leave your spell books lying around.”
“No, this can’t be happening.” He said.
“It has! You no longer control me. I will no longer hurt those I care about just so you could destroy the Slayer. You do your own dirty work from now on.” Willow declared.
“I will get the Slayer one day.” He snapped, “But for now I will destroy you!”
“I don’t think so, bud.” Buffy said from the cave entrance.
“Slayer!” he hissed, “Get her!” a group of demons attacked the Scoobies.
Two horned demons run after the Slayer, but she quickly disposes of them.
“Please tell me these aren’t all you have?” she scoffed as she dusted a vampire. Meanwhile Riley and Xander were defending themselves from three lackey vampires. Willow ran over to the cage where Tara was locked in. She grabbed the keys from the pile of dust that used to be the guarding vampire and unlocked the cell.
“Tara?” Willow said, her voice soft like a scolded puppy dog, “Are you all right?”
“Oh Willow!” Tara cried wrapping her arms around Willow. I was so scared.” She cried.
“I’m so sorry. I should have been there last night. If I weren’t such and ass none of this would have happened. I promise I’ll never hurt you again.” She said holding Tara close.
“Aw how cute, the two witch lovers.” Haley smirked, she was holding the staff in her hand, and “I’m not done with you Willow!”
“I think we are done, Haley! If you haven’t noticed your plan to kill the Slayer has come tumbling down.” Willow smiled.
“That was Gregor’s plan, my plan was much more complex. I have bigger priorities other then the Slayer.” She smiled. Tara began to chant under her breath as Willow and Haley threw hateful words and looks back and forth. “Now where was I? Ah, yes.” She raised the Ferula-gemina and pointed it at both Willow and Tara.
“Disperse!” Tara screamed extending her palm to Haley. With that Haley’s body flew to the other side of the room and crashed into the wall, knocking her out. The ferula-gemina fell to the ground and broke.
******
“This is it Slayer!” Gregor hissed, “You shall be crushed beneath my hands.”
“Right,” Buffy sighed dodging another one of his blows. Gregor pulled a small dagger from beneath his robe and charged the Slayer.
“Die!” he growled.
Buffy drop kicked him sending him crashing to the floor. When she rolled him over she saw the dagger sticking out of his chest. His eyes shot open and he was about to grab her, but she quickly kicked the dagger deeper into his chest.
“Damn you Slayer, I will destroy you one day.” He said with his last breath.
“Not today buddy.” Buffy said, “Is everyone all right?”
“We’re fine.” Riley said helping Xander to his feet.
“Willow?” Buffy turned to see her friend walking over with Tara in her arms, “Are you two all right?”
“We’ve got a lot to talk about.” Tara said.
“Yeah, we all do.” Willow said taking in a deep breath of air.
“What do you mean?” Xander asked.
“I lied.” Willow said.
“We know you were cloned.” Buffy said, but now you’re better.”
“No, I lied to Gregor.” Willow said, “I didn’t de-clone myself. There are still two of us. The real Willow is safe with Giles right now. I took her to him last night, to keep her out of danger. They are looking for a reversal spell as we speak.”
“But?” Buffy said, “I’m still confused.”
“I was kidnapped a few weeks ago by some demons working for Haley. Gregor had a talisman, which he used to clone me. The talisman broke before he could use it on Tara.” Willow began. I thought you said.”
“Why would he go after you and Tara?” Xander asked.
“We are two powerful witches and he was going to have us use our magic against Buffy. He had me under mind control for a while, but I broke free. Haley kidnapped Tara last night and was going to clone her today, but her plan failed. I’m really sorry for how I was acting these past few weeks. I felt free and wild-different, and all I wanted to do was have a good time. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”
“Don’t worry Will, we forgive you.” Xander said.
“Buffy?” Willow asked looking into her best friends eyes, “I’m sorry for what I said last night.”
“I know. I forgive you. No more alcohol for you again naughty little booze-hound.” Buffy smiled. They started to leave the cave but Willow and Tara lagged behind a little.
“I’m still upset with you.” Tara teased.
“I’m sorry.” Willow said sadly, I never meant anything by that dance.”
“Well, you’ll just have to teach me how to dance like that one night.” Tara smiled taking Willow’s hand into hers.
Xander, Buffy, and Riley looked at each other shocked by the usually shy girl’s words.
“I think Wild Willow rubbed off on Tara,” Xander said to Riley.
“Oh I bet she did.” He stated.
********
When they got to Giles’ place his front door was broken off. It was shredded in a pile on the ground.
“This looks bad,” Riley said.
“Giles?” Buffy called out.
“Willow?” Xander called.
They slowly stepped over the rubble and entered the inside of Gile’s place. Furniture was broken, glass shattered, and books were scattered across the room. They searched all the rooms but there was no sign of Giles or Willow.
“Um, guys…” Xander began, looking down at the ground.
The Scoobies ran over to see what he was staring at.
“This is very bad.” He said picking up Giles’ glasses and a note written in blood.
...end for now