Help From A Magical Neighborhood (Final Update 5/16/07)

[Pinocchio1940]

Next Part
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Willow and Tara had apparently left the room they had been in, because they were standing nearby.

“Willow and I were wondering how we could help Lady Elaine.” Tara said.

Maybe I can help both Lady Elaine and Willow. Hmm… Yes. She was trying to draw Grandperé’s tower. I wonder if having a hobby other than magic could help Willow too. I think I need to talk to Queen Sara. Oh My! Tara could hardly keep her face straight.

“Hey, Smile Girl, what’s so funny?” Willow inquired, looking at Tara curiously.

“I just need to talk to Queen Sara.” Tara replied innocently.

Grandperé spoke up. “I’ll let her know.” Grandperé left the castle garden.

Queen Sara appeared. “You wished to speak to me privately? Go ahead and go inside. I’ll be waiting.” She said to Tara.

The pair met inside.

“Grandperé told me you were thinking of a solution to help Lady Elaine.” The Queen said.

“Well, yes. I also think my idea can help Willow, too. Lady Elaine was angry over not drawing the Eiffel Tower right. How about sculpting it out of clay and painting it?”

“That’s a wonderful idea, dear. Why not have Willow assist with the painting? Perhaps that would get her interested in something more than magic.” The Queen suggested.

Tara smiled warmly. “Where would we get the supplies for this project?” She asked.

“I would suggest the school at Someplace Else. Willow knows where it is. Just don’t tell her why.” The Queen said.

“I won’t. Maybe if I take Dawn, I won’t have to ask.” Tara replied

“In that case, just follow the trolley to get to the school.” The Queen said, realizing Tara’s idea. “Might I suggest bringing your kitten with you? I think the children would enjoy seeing your furry friend, and she wouldn’t be lonely while you help our curator.”

Just then, a friendly voice called from the tree. “Are you two looking for the school?” X asked when Tara and Dawn found him. “I’ll fly over and lead you there. By the way, it is nice to meet you. I heard all about you, Tara Willow did not mention her other friend, though. Pleased to meet you, I’m X.”

The trio of friends finally found the school. “Here you go. Miss Cow is waiting for you.”

They were patiently waiting.

“We were told you would be here.” The teacher introduced herself then her students. “It is a pleasure to meet you both. Who is this cute kitten you have here?” She asked.

“Miss Kitty Fantastico. The queen recommended that she stay here while Willow and I help Lady Elaine. I have also wanted to help Willow. The queen suggested painting, but I am not sure that would work.” Tara said.

“May I suggest something, Miss Cow?” Daniel asked.

“Yes, Daniel.” The teacher replied.

“I was wondering if singing a song might make her feel better. You know, the “You I like” one.”

“That’s a thoughtful Idea, Daniel. Don’t you think Tara?” The teacher asked.

“Well… Actually, Willow usually isn’t comfortable singing, but you may change her mind, Daniel.” Tara said, warmly.

The timid tiger handed Tara a folded piece of paper. “After you help Lady Elaine, Please come over to the clock.” He whispered.

Although most of the group agreed, Dawn did not understand the purpose of the melody. “Willow is an adult. How can this help?” She asked

“Have you ever felt that you couldn’t express your feelings, Dawn?” The tiger asked

Dawn did not say anything. How can a puppet be so insightful, and know my feelings?

“The characters here are innocent, Dawn.” The Teacher replied, “For thirty years, our world has existed peacefully. I assume the reason Willow came here was the innocence, and kindness. Lady Elaine has had her various problems, but she is just as valuable.”

The supplies Tara needed were sitting on a table, while they engaged in the conversations.

“Well, it has been nice meeting you all. I am afraid I now must deal with Lady Elaine.” Tara said.

“Good luck.” The Teacher called.

[Willow Watcher]

I love it! Please update soon I demand it! hehe

[Pinocchio1940]

Here's the next part.
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Willow had been waiting by the castle when Tara appeared. “You ready?” She asked

“Ready - Ready for What?” Willow asked

“To help Lady Elaine.” Tara Replied

“Oh – uh, I guess.” Willow said, not admitting that she was a little afraid.

Willow’s fear was warranted. Lady Elaine was not up to having visitors.

“GO AWAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE!” She growled from inside.

“Come out and talk to us. If it helps you any, I know what you are feeling. I’ve felt the same way, myself.” Willow cautiously said.

Lady Elaine appeared “YOU?” She asked, still grouchy.

“I felt I always knew what I was doing, that I could take care of everything. I never dreamed of failure. I see you feel the same way.” Willow admitted.

“What happened here?” Tara asked, looking at the tower, and then looking back at Lady Elaine.

Lady Elaine now felt uneasy. “Heh-Heh, I was trying to draw it correctly. I messed up and in my anger, turned that tower upside down.”

Tara felt angry. Her voice was stern. “You are lucky no one was hurt. I can help you restore the tower to its upright position, but you’ll have to set it down.”

Lady Elaine watched as Tara levitated the tower off the ground and rotated it gently. She now had it right side up.

“Now, you may do the rest, Lady Elaine and then we need to talk.” Tara said, matter-of-factly.

Lady Elaine did not really want to talk or correct the problem but she gained the courage. “Oh, all right. Hang on.”

Lady Elaine left a moment to get her boomerang. “Well, here I am. Let me get this nightmare ended. Boomerang, Toomerang, Soomerang.”

The magic words lowered the Eiffel Tower to the ground. Tara and Willow were curious about Lady Elaine’s motive.

“What caused you to feel like you had blast that tower to pieces?" They both asked.

“I told you, but I think I can tell you again. I was trying to paint a picture of the tower.” She lifted a colorful painting out for them to see, disgusted of it. “Doesn’t it look horrible? I cannot even get it right!”

Tara thought of something. She whispered to Willow. “Why don’t I let you deal with Lady Elaine? You seem to be someone she knows. I will meet you over at the clock.” Tara walked away.

[Pinocchio1940]

The next part contains a "Neighborhood" song, again, none of the following belonging to me. BTVS, its Characters, and settings are the property of Mutant Enemy and Joss Whedon. MRN Characters, Settings, and songs property of Fred Rogers and FCI.
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When Tara had gone over to the clock, Lady Elaine finally spoke up about what bothered her.

“I can’t even draw THAT right. I cannot draw the tower the way it is supposed to be.” Lady Elaine lowered her head and stared at the ground.

“I might be crazy, but hear me out. Y-you do not need to make your artwork the same as the real thing.” Willow said, looking into the eyes of the frustrated puppet. “Add touches to it that are UNIQUE, something only you can make it. That is what everyone is telling me, and actually, it makes sense…. I am going to head over to the clock. Good luck on your panting, Lady Elaine.” Willow called, leaving.

Willow stopped, overhearing Daniel talking to Tara: “I thought this might help her- Oh! Here she comes now!”

Willow met the pair over at the clock. Daniel seemed ready to sing something.

DANIEL:
♪ It’s you, I like. ♪
♪ It’s not the things you wear ♪
TARA & DANIEL:
♪ It’s not the way you do your hair, but it’s you I like ♪
♪ The way you are right now, way down deep inside you ♪
TARA:
♪ Not the things that you hide you, not your skills – they’re just beside you ♪
♪ But it’s you I like ♪
♪ Every Part of You ♪
♪ Your Skin, your eyes, your feelings ♪
♪ Whether old or new ♪
♪ I hope that you’ll remember, even when you’re feeling blue ♪ [walks towards Willow]
♪ That’s it’s you I like, it’s you yourself, it’s you ♪ [hugs Willow, tears running down her face]
♪ It’s You I Like ♪

Willow smiled, tears flowing. “Thank you. Oh, my goodness, I think I am feeling better. How did you know that song, Daniel?”

“Oh, we’ve sung it over the years. I can tell you were uncomfortable about singing along, though. Are you afraid?” he asked.

Willow was not comfortable answering this question to others, but seeing that this shy tiger innocently wondered, she felt at ease. “It wasn’t you, Daniel. I have stage fright – err, I feel embarrassed to sing.

“I wouldn’t make fun of you. I’m sensitive, too,” the tiger said, touching one of Willow’s fingers.

“Thank you for boosting her confidence, Daniel. You are very kind.” Tara whispered, sweetly smiling at the tiger.

[Pinocchio1940]

Here is the next part - If I seem quick, I am trying to be. As I add additions, I am trying to update immediately. I hope this combination is charming and interesting.
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Shortly after that, Daniel left the company of the two friends and went back into the clock.

“Willow, don’t you think Buffy would be worried by now?” Tara asked, “We have been here quite a while.”

Tara would have to have foreseen the events, as they seemed to play out the way she thought. Buffy was a nervous wreck. Giles was wiping his glasses so many times, that by the looks of it, you would have thought he went blind instantly. Xander was no better. He appeared as if he had just woken up. Only Anya seemed to have a positive look.

“Where do you think they went to, Giles?” Buffy asked, “Any Evil brewing?”

Giles was calm. “I have no reason to think they are in any trouble, however I talked to a monarch who calls himself by name of ‘King Friday XIII’”

Anya piped up immediately. “Friday XIII? He must be the ruler of a hell dimension. Only a demon would carry that name.”

Xander was glad someone tried to help, but he politely shared his knowledge. “An, if my memory serves me, that king isn’t in your demon database because he’s not a demon. He ruled a fictional kingdom in “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and by the way, he’s not even evil, nor is he human.”

“HE”S NOT?” Buffy, Giles and Anya shouted in Unison. “WHAT IS HE, THEN?"

“He’s a puppet.” Xander replied, “Willow and I watched that constantly.” Xander was looking at three alarmed faces. “What? Therefore, I have to tell you everything about our friendship before we met you. Okay, her mother wasn’t fond of it.”

“No, Xander. How could they have entered a fictional world safely? I imagine it was Willow who let them enter, and due to her struggles, she is using this as a way out.” Giles explained.

“How do we find them?” Buffy asked abruptly.

“Calm Down, Buff.” Xander said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I do know a way to see them, perhaps even speak to them. I think because we are their friends, we will be the only ones to see them.”

“Where, Xander?” She asked, puzzled.

“Let’s go look at the television.” He answered.

“WHAT!” Buffy Cried. “My friends are in a television. I have dealt with stranger things, but, Willow, what have you done?” She muttered under her breath.

“I am sure she didn’t take your sister to a scary place – wait a minute – Tara went to visit Willow, and Dawn wanted to go with. I don’t think Tara tries to endanger anyone.” Xander said, defending both Willow and Tara from Buffy’s rash argument.

Meanwhile, back in the Neighborhood, the king and queen had let the pair know that they had a message. Unsure of how to receive it, the royal couple stayed nearby. A large television-like object stood in front of them, except for one difference – this had no way to touch it for the object was made out of thin air.

The image of Xander suddenly appeared on the screen and after a few moments, it was clear that both parties could see and hear each other.

“Willow and Tara, are you all right?” A frantic Buffy called across the screen “I remember you telling me you would be gone, but I didn’t expect this. I hope you’re doing okay.”

“As the King of this neighborhood, I am apologetic that we didn’t contact you about Miss Rosenberg’s progress, which has been going satisfactory, as I might say so myself. It has been a royal pleasure to know both of your friends.” King Friday said, bowing.

“May we enter your dimension?” Anya asked impatiently. “I am getting restless.”

“An, be patient. Let the good fellow think about it…I-I am sure he wouldn’t mind.” Xander said nervously.

“There’s no need to be worried, my friend, you are all indeed welcome here, but how do we get you here?” Queen Sara had replied to Xander’s assumption graciously, but then wondered what to do. Tara had an Idea.

[Pinocchio1940]

Here's the naxt part
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“Xander, grab the remaining whistles hidden in Willow’s dresser. They
possess a magical power that can transport you through to this reality.” Tara explained.

“‘Magical Power? Oh, for the love of Bunnies, I can do this myself. I am going to transport there!” Anya exclaimed, “I’ll leave you two to your “whistle” business.

If Anya had asked the advice of the king, she would have known that it was possible to transport to the neighborhood, but since no one else in there had magical powers in that area except Lady Elaine, her transportation was not safely possible. Willow was not using her magic either, but if she tried, even for good purposes, she would have discovered that it just did not work. Even though the Scooby gang could transfer into another world, their magical powers could not, that is, entirely. Tara’s magical powers had limits too. She could help the neighborhood however; her magic compacted to the appropriate parameter of the fantasy world.

Before Anya could prepare herself for transport, a large tunnel appeared before her. Someone knew her plan, and they were not going to let her carry it out. A large trolley appeared, and using bells and whistles and a translation screen, it explained that King Friday had sent the vehicle out to help her, since her plan was not safe. It told her to take a seat, and it would take her there.

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang made it through all right, although Xander was not used to weightless travel. He did not really have a true problem, except it was unusual to travel immediately in the blink of an eye. Think of it as transporting literally into a favorite book and not as a character either, but yourself.

Xander finally set his feet down on the ground, and a grumpy Anya appeared in the trolley. “Oh, for my sanity, I never thought I was that stupid.” She complained before realizing the stares she received.

Xander was ready to question her remark, the king who seemed to understand, apologized on the spot: “Miss Jenkins, Please forgive me for not telling you. This is a fantasy world, although it is real to you here, you cannot travel to with a special device created by our curator, Miss Fairchilde. In addition, Time is different here. Anyway, I am apologetic about your misunderstanding, and I hope you enjoy time that you spend here.”

[Pinocchio1940]

Next Part.
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Anya felt very stupid, now. She had thought King Friday would be a
demonic figure, even though Xander told her otherwise. Just now, she discovered that he was more patient with her complaints, and she, herself, would not be nearly that gentle with a complaint from her guests.

Buffy had something on her mind. She had for the last few days, hidden the fact that she had been in heaven. She did not know the reason the Scoobies raised her, but if she had known, she would have been very uncomfortable. Willow, not knowing about “heaven-dimensions”, assumed Buffy was in danger, recalling Angel’s fate. Willow had forgotten though, that Angel did just not die, he was a “key” to stopping a hellish creature from devouring the world.

Buffy had to express her feelings, but she felt more willing to tell Tara her pain first, before revealing it to Willow. She did not want to hurt her feelings, as Buffy felt there was a reason even though she could not see it.

“Xander; Tara, Could I speak to you privately? Something is bothering me.” Buffy said, trying to avoid direct confrontation with Willow, possibly thinking that her subject would dash Willow’s happy mood.

“Sure, Buffy.” Tara said; her voice in a somber tone. “Let me ask Queen Sara for a private room.”

Tara went over to the royal couple, and let them know of Buffy’s request. The queen led the three guests to a room, similar to the other one, and left the three friends to their business. Tara guessed that Buffy’s feelings related to the recent magical spell the group had done, and she figured she was not too happy about it.

Tara’s understanding was correct, except that Buffy wanted to be somewhat decent about the subject, metaphorically being “Buffy” rather than “The Slayer”.

“What’s exactly bothering you, Buff?’ Xander asked, “You didn’t want to talk to Willow, and I’m guessing it’s only been the last few days that have been bothering you.”

“Xand, I have something to tell you.” Buffy said, her eyes gently staring and her voice nearly in a whisper. “I was at peace when Willow raised me. I was in heaven. I am sorry I did not tell you earlier, but I was concerned about Willow, she does not usually risk something unless she thinks something is wrong. I could not bear to reveal to her that this risk was unnecessary.”

Tara seemed understanding. “She will need to know though, Buffy.” Tara said, “Is it all right if I go with you? For Support?”

[Pinocchio1940]

Xander accepted the notion, then pondered it, finally putting his hand on his mouth, in shock. “B-Buffy, Willow raised you thinking there was something wrong, and we followed her. I’m s-so sorry.

“Why did everyone think I was in danger?” She thought, “The tower. The Portal. OH!” She had lowered her head when she had wondered, but when realization set in, she raised her head. Buffy’s hurt changed to a sympathetic look. “You don’t have to apologize, Xander. Willow will not either. I-I should have known that because of the ritual, and our usual demon hunting, that Willow made a mistake, not because she intended to, but because that’s all she knew.”

Xander slowly got up from the table, and hugged his friend. “It is going to take awhile for you to adjust to life again, but I’m glad you have forgiven us. I guess the real struggle here, is talking to Willow.”

“It will be. After all, I understand she risked her life for me, and that, Xander, makes her a truer friend than I ever could have guessed.” Buffy admitted, in a heartfelt tone.

“I don’t believe you’ll have that much trouble with us here.” Tara finally replied, after watching the two friends reconcile. “I think I’ll change my mind: Why not bring her up here? Dawn may want to know too.”

Xander and Buffy agreed with Tara that she should let Willow and Dawn know about the discussion, and allow them to participate in it. Dawn had insulted that Buffy had always treated her like an inept child unable to comprehend things, but this time, Buffy had the decision to reveal her secret.

[DameSansMerci]

Hey, Pino!
WOW! Mega-WOW! I love, love, love this fic! Makes me all happy and warm and fuzzy inside! The concept made me go "hmm..." and then "awww" and then "soooo cuuuuuute!". lol. It's great to see WIllow and Tara working things out and happy and healthy. Keep up the great work! "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, Miss Kitty Fantastico!"
Jenny

[Pinocchio1940]

WOW! Mega-WOW! I love, love, love this fic! Makes me all happy and warm and fuzzy inside!
Jenny

Well, I have just written piece of it - Here it is:
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Buffy was nervous to reveal her secret to Willow, but she now had made her final decision to do so, because Tara had returned with Willow & Dawn. Tara had explained what had happened, but she hoped that Willow would understand.

“Buffy, were you really in heaven? I messed up again. I’m Sorry, Buffy.” Willow said, trying her best to understand.

“Will. Please don’t.” Buffy said, “I can’t do anything about it now, so I will have to live with it. Of course, with you here, why worry? Please just be a friend, because that is what you are and I appreciate that.”

“You’re not mad?” Willow said, astonished.

“I was angry.” Buffy corrected, “But why be angry when you don’t understand something? Now, Can we exit this tear-fest? ”

Buffy, Dawn, Xander, Willow, and Tara exited the small room. Tara went over to thank the King for the room since Queen Sara had left.

“Tara Maclay and friends, I presume?” The King asked, upon their arrival.

“You are correct as Usual, Sire.” They all answered. Buffy and Dawn thinking, because they had not met him.

“I just wanted to thank you for the use of the room.” Tara said

“Well, you certainly have my royal welcome.” The king said, “Oh, Miss Rosenberg, nice to see you again. I hope Daniel has taught you much about love. When you first came here, we were quite worried about you. Everyone has fights now and then, even the queen and I, but we still love each other. Cherish the friends you have, for there will be never another one of them again.”

Willow and Tara turned to gently hug one another. This place had certainly helped Willow re-gain her spirit, and more so, showed her that magic cannot really help. She had become friends with a shy tiger and it helped tremendously. Daniel obviously did not have magic, he only had himself, and the fact that he liked her, Willow discovered, was the true meaning of being a friend.

“Miss Cow has asked to have you pick up your kitten from the school. Daniel has been keeping her company.” The king said.

“We shall. Thanks again.” Willow said.

“Farewell.” The king responded. The friends were alone.

“We should head over to the school. Pick up the kitten and Daniel. School’s almost over.” Willow said.

Tara Smiled. “You have changed, Willow. Being a friend to him, especially when you were sad, has helped you.” She said.

“Huh? Willow’s in love with a Tiger?” Xander asked stupidly.

Willow and Tara both shook their heads and laughed heartily, “NO!”

“He’s helped me while I was alone.” Willow said, joyfully, “I wasn’t the same “old” Willow when I was left.”

It did not take long to reach the school.

“It’s nice to see you again, friends.” Miss Cow Replied, “Your kitten has been wonderful company.”

“Can you take us home, Willow?” Daniel asked, “I think we’d rather walk with you and your friends, than ride the trolley-school bus.”

“Sure, if it’s all right with your teacher.” Willow said, smiling.

“You certainly may.” The Teacher responded, “I’ll let your parents know.”

With the teacher’s permission now given, the three children introduced themselves to Dawn and Xander. Dawn lifted Ana out of the school chair gently into her arms. Staying with the puppets had changed Dawn too. She had a gentle presence around them, and really felt at ease. Xander was calm and collected as he helped Prince Tuesday out of his desk, Willow helped Daniel, while Tara calmly lifted the sleeping kitten off the teacher’s school desk. Buffy smiled compassionately at the teacher.

“She has had all this attention all day.” Miss Cow said, “I think she has the right idea.”

[Pinocchio1940]

Before the group had left, the teacher called the parents and let them know. The king suggested that they all meet at the castle and depart from there. It seemed okay to the traveling group, as it was not that far away.

Once they got there, they met with enthusiasm. The king and queen, Elisie-Jean, and Dr. Bill were waiting.

“It is a pleasure to see you again, my dear.” The queen said, “We do wish to thank you for bringing the children, although you may want to help Daniel into his clock.”

“Thank for bringing our little Ana. You look happier now. How are you doing?” Elisie Jean asked Willow.

Willow took some time to chat with Elisie Jean, while Tara helped the young tiger back into the clock. This young tiger stood still a moment then spoke. “Thank you. I wanted to ask you something.” Tara’s blue eyes quietly gazed at the friendly tiger until she allowed herself to speak. “Yes?” She asked gently.

“What do you do when you’re upset?” he asked simply.

“What’s troubling you, Daniel?” She reached for his paw, holding it.

“Well, I just wondered. Willow seems rather quiet when you are nearby. She laughs, but I’m sensing she is upset inside.”

Tara paused. Even though the fight they had was private, Tara felt her feelings over Willow’s choices had to surface. Finally, she gave herself enough courage to be able to discuss what happened with Daniel.

“Before we came here, Daniel, Willow and I had a fight.” She explained gently

“Was it scary?” He asked, noticing a tear fall from Tara’s eye. “Were you frightened?”

“Deep down, I was, Daniel. I was so angry with her, not only for me, but also because of herself. She tries so hard to feel needed, and the odd part is that she didn’t understand that she was.”

By the time Tara had been through discussing things with Daniel, night had come. Tara’s clothes had changed once again, to a nightgown and Willow was waiting inside the castle. The queen had offered two beds for the girls, as well as beds for the others, but they were in a separate room.

[Pinocchio1940]

Willow patiently waited while Tara entered the bedroom and closed the door. The beds had a golden bed frame and white sheets, with crowns sewn on top the comforters of the beds. Tara’s gown was a deep blue, matching the intensity of her eyes. Willow wore a white shirt and pants, a simple design and not that overpowering. Tara stared at Willow intensely, finally revealing that she felt something was wrong. She beckoned Willow with a sad gesture, to sit next to her.

“You and I have been going down a rocky road lately, haven’t we?” Tara asked soothingly.

“I guess.” Willow responded, not sure, where Tara was leading this discussion.

Before Tara said any more, she gently lifted Willow on her lap, which was slightly sensual to Willow as she thought this was a sad conversation.

“I know we met because of magic, but I fell in love for an entire different reason. You know why?” Tara asked, her eyes mesmerizing Willow as she spoke. “At the time we met, I could never have thought I would be so lucky. In the Wicca group, you paid attention to me while the others ignored the fact that I even existed. Your love threw me. My family abused me, but when you came along with your friends, you enchanted me, Willow. The kindness you all have shown me amazed me beyond my wildest dreams. Even when Glory brainsucked me—“

“You remember that?” Willow asked, feeling Tara’s palms rub against her back.

“I can’t remember everything.” Tara admitted, “But, I was comfortable with you there, like a newborn puppy listening to its mother’s heartbeat. I felt reassured with you there. Caring and loving are two of your gifts that do not require magic, sweetheart.” She lovingly, but firmly hugged the redheaded girl.

Tara’s quiet expression changed when she saw Willow’s shirt rise up. Tara had a mischievous grin on her face, as she had a devilish idea stuck in her mind. She wanted to give Willow a chance to laugh; because she felt the conversation was getting too upsetting.. Tara decided to tickle the unsuspecting girl out of affection, and show she still had a naughty sense of humor.

Eventually, Willow found herself falling asleep on Tara’s lap. Tara gently lifted the sleeping girl off her lap, and placed Willow in the bed, with the sheets opened. Tara affectionately covered her tired girlfriend with the comforter, and then went to bed herself.

[Pinocchio1940]

Night peacefully passed by, and there was no sounds heard, except for the trolley’s continuous movement across the tracks.

Daybreak seemed to wake everyone sleeping, and Willow and Tara were no exception. Tara was the first one to open her eyes, and see the morning sun, while Willow usually required Tara’s touch to wake her up thoroughly. Willow loved the feeling of having Tara around again, and she appreciated the puppets’ assistance to help her to love herself again.

It was strange to think that the show that her mother hated had helped her, but she felt the innocence – and it was affecting her moods in the brightest ways, even Tara’s conversation the previous night had straightened her out. It did not surprise her – she had just forgotten her memories of first meeting Buffy; and how even though she had no powers in any form, except being a friend, that she was important to them. It made her feel good to rediscover her importance and her value, and it made her heart warm to think people loved her.

Now that she felt that she and Tara had worked through their troubles, she had the temptation to try to assist her friends with their problems. She mostly focused on Anya. Even though Willow and the ex-demon had sporadic fights now and then, resulting from Anya’s “say-the truth-with-no-punches” attitude, Willow felt sorry for Anya being afraid of bunnies, but she had a different approach to the solution – Daniel. She thought maybe he could help her in comforting Anya, and actually allow her to touch a bunny, maybe confronting her fears of the tiny creature. She also thought Lady Elaine could transform Xander into a clown, and allow him to wipe off the makeup to reveal that clowns were not scary, heck; he was a clown without the costume and makeup.

Willow had woken up with Tara’s flirty smile right up close to her. “I wondered when you would wake up, sleepyhead. You do look very cute sleeping, though. It makes me want to rest in your arms again.” Tara kissed Willow’s forehead. Willow sat up and discussed that she felt better about their relationship, which in turn rewarded her, a giant hug, from Tara. Willow explained that because she felt they were on the path to recovery, she now wanted assistance to help her friends conquer their own fears. Willow told Tara her plan about enlisting the help of Lady Elaine Fairchilde, and Daniel Tiger for their help in their expertise with certain areas, rather than use her own power.

Tara agreed, and once again, discovered that the clothes had changed.

[Pinocchio1940]

Willow had seemly explained her plan to Xander, who smiled and politely rejected her idea. “You’re remembering our childhood experiences.” Xander explained, “Helping Buffy has strengthened the braver side of me, so I am not as afraid of clowns as I once was. I have seen far worse. Anya may need some guidance though, she is still afraid of bunnies after all this time.”

Willow smiled gently. “It’s been a long while since we were young, and you’re the only friend I have now, that I had then. Oh, my, stop me.” Willow put a hand to her head, smiling in disbelief. “I’m sorry for embarrassing you there, Xand.” Willow turned to Tara, smiling goofily, “Enjoying this, are you?” she teased, wrapping a arm around Tara’s waist.

Tara’s response was so tender and full of love. “Oh, Willow.” She gave Willow a flirty smile. “I have been enjoying your company more and more, since you admitted your weaknesses and faced them. I can see you care about your wellbeing and I am proud of that. It makes you attractive once to me again.”

Xander seemed to have walked away before Willow responded to Tara, as he no longer stood by the castle, where they were. He could have been found over at the clock, if anyone needed him.

“How long has Anya been afraid of bunnies?” Daniel asked

“Oh, I think pretty much all the time I known her.” Xander replied, gently. “I don’t know to change that”

“Willow has been a great friend to me.” Daniel said, pride gently poking through his voice. “I think we’ve done all we could to help her. I think she deserves to be home. She’s happier now, and I am glad I could have helped.”

While talking, Xander did not notice Willow and Tara walk up behind him. They had overheard some of Daniel’s observations, and reluctantly, agreed with him. It would be sad to leave the fantasy world that they had inhabited for several days, but they had regained each other’s trust – a reward of sorts that they were glad to have earned once again.

“I thought I would help Anya, but you know her better than I do, Xander.” Willow said, respectfully.

“I wanted to thank you again, Daniel, for rebuilding her confidence in herself.” Tara said, gently.

Queen Sara had appeared. “I just heard you discuss leaving, and I wanted to thank you for visiting this neighborhood. Lady Elaine provided your bed and has made it large enough to fit all of you.” She noticed Dawn walk over from the castle. “Again, thank you.”

It seemed strangely uplifting finally to leave this place. Love soared here, but as far as Willow and Tara were concerned, they were on the road to recovery, and no longer needed the reassurance that things would be okay

Willow got on the bed, but was a little confused. “How do we move this bed, Tara?”

“We can’t yet, but when everyone is here, I’ll explain how.” Tara whispered, her lips curling at the sides.

Within a few minutes, everyone who had come there, to the make-believe world, was now on the bed. They all were ready to leave.

“When you chose to come here, your desperation guided you. Here, take my hand, Willow. This time, our love will guide us.” Tara held Willow’s hand firmly and before long, the bed was back where it belonged. Xander, Anya, Dawn, and Buffy quickly left after the bed reappeared in the proper dimension. Willow and Tara had strengthened their love through dedication and passion, and this time, it clearly set it on the right path.



The End
Written in memory of Fred Rogers
~1928-2003~

[bytrsuite]

New to the archive. You can leave feedback!

[Willowtree252]

I really like your work my friend

[Pinocchio1940]

:pinky I really like your work my friend

Thanks!

[hondos]

Wow.. .That was just really cool.This is by far the most unique fic I have ever read.You have a heck of an imagination.Thanks so much for telling me about this one.I really liked it.Are you going to write anymore?I hope so.

Your Friend,
Rosemary

Now Im going to search for The Home in the Hallows