FF: RW Series 7.3 "Shadows of Twilight"

[gertie1]

i'm liking this story. I read gos and loved it, and i'm enjoying this story as well. If only season seven could have a similar plot. Keep up the good work.

Helen

[Grimaldi]

great part, the interactions between Buffy/Willow and Buffy/Madalene were sweet

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

Cross my heart, smack me dead, stick a lobster on my head.

Watching TV shows doesn't create psychos...Canceling TV shows does

[tiyodragon]

You guys are amazing. I love the intimate two person exchanges you always seem to have. It draws out so much more emotion...



I love how Willow's brain (logic) is reading past the what she thinks she is seeing. Asking Tara how she knew about the toy...it was as if she were saying "Your MY Tara? Fine, prove it!"



Ya'll Rock!!!



tiyodragon

[Beth Dragon]

Willow chased the little bit of strawberry jam around the plate with the last bite of her toast before successfully catching enough of it to gobble it down.



“All done.” She announced proudly showing Tara her empty breakfast plate.



“Wow.” Tara beamed brightly. “You’re a great muncher.”



“I like making you smile.” Willow admitted when she was rewarded with just that. A part of her knew a miniature cup of fruit salad, a strip of bacon and 2 pieces of toast, crusts off, was not a full sized meal but it seemed to be making everyone very happy, especially Tara.



“Making me smile is easy if your name is Willow Rosenberg, so let me check, what’s your name?” The blonde shifted a little to sit more upright.



“Willow Rosenberg.” The redhead giggled.



“Wow look.” Tara smiled even more brightly. “It works.”



“What if my name was...” Willow thought. “Willow Maclay?”



Tara looked at the redhead her smile softening a little but only as a look of complete adoration filled her eyes.



“Rosenberg-Maclay sounds better.” She said softly.



Willow smiled lovingly as the comfort the familiar conversation wrapped around her strained psyche.



“Or Maclay-Rosenberg.” The redhead added after a long thoughtful pause. “We could never figure out which way to go.”



“Really?” Tara continued to look at her lover. “Did we talk about it often?”



“When we were feeling silly and smiley.” Willow put her plate down on the tray and rolled over onto her stomach on the bed looking sideways at Tara. “Then we used to say we’d just pick a whole new name.”



“Like what?” Tara reached out and played with Willow’s hair.



“Mmmmm Miss Tara and Willow Fantastico.” The redhead giggled.



“Wouldn’t we be Mrs Willow and Tara Fantastico, and not Miss?” Tara laughed as she twirled red silk like strands round her finger.



“Oh you don’t remember Miss. Kitty.” Willow’s face fell a little.



“Oh Willow, I’m sorry.” Tara’s face too formed a frown she pulled her hand free from Willow’s hair suddenly feeling sad.



“It’s not a good thing to remember.” She frowned more her voice much smaller. “We don’t know where she is.”



“Don’t know where she is?” Tara frowned so much it almost hurt.



“Glory.” Willow spoke the word with such distaste that she felt her small breakfast churn in her stomach.



“Glory?” Tara’s face now seemed fixed in hard confusion as she tried to remember. The name invoked a reaction inside her but what reaction and why she couldn’t figure out.



“She wanted to kill Dawnie.” Willow’s face scrunched up in angry emotion. “She hurt you.”



“Oh.” Tara’s frown disappeared the instant she saw Willows face change. “We don’t have to talk about this sweetie, tell me something else, tell me about out kitten.” She made he logical jump that Miss. Kitty was a cat, their cat.



“She was a sneaky cat.” Willow jumped thoughts and feelings almost desperately at the prompting. “She lived in your dorm room and liked the twinkle star lights.”



“I bet she was, we should have twinkly lights in here.” Tara took a quick glance around the room.



“That would be nice.” Willow nodded against the pillow. “Are you happy?” She asked quietly after a short pause.



“Of course.” Tara answered quickly. “I’m with you, how could I not be?” The blonde reached out and stroked Willow’s cheek lightly. “Are you, and before you answer its okay not to know.”



“I think...” Willow stopped the words abruptly. “I feel...” She bit her lip when things didn’t come to a proper answer in her head. “I do when I look at you, I think... but things are always crawling around. I don’t know what they are.” She squeezed her eyes tight. “I want them to go away so I can be happy with you.”



“What kind of things, can you tell me?” Tara asked gently, moving her hand to stroke over Willow’s hair.



“It’s like electricity.” Willow kept her eyes closed slightly soothed by the motion. “All crackling around making things bright in places and so dark in others.”



“That must be so hard.” Tara soothed.



“I know Giles worries there is still magic but there isn’t any anywhere.” She continued in a tiny voice. “It’s all gone, there’s just big holes.”



“Holes?” Tara checked her lover’s wording.



“Voids... like black holes dragging everything else into them.” Willow unconsciously moved closer to the blonde and the comfort she offered.



“We can fill the holes baby.” Tara reached out and drew the redhead closer.



******

[Puff]

Thanks for the wonderful updates. Poor Willow is so hurt and lost and Tara needs to remember so many things. At least they have each other to help them through it

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[TesniStryngefyre]

OMG I just love this fic as I did GoS. Thank you guys so much for doing this... when I read these I can forget about my dread of ME's version of S7. >8-0



You guys rock... thanks again!



AJ

----------

TARA: Every time I... even when I'm at my worst ... you always make me feel special. How do you do that?

WILLOW: Magic.

[little wicca dude]

dude



i read all this in 1 go, its very cool



more soon pretty please!!



luv jill

"did i just say that? did i just say that too?"

My Scooby Page

[Scout]

Just getting caught up on this. I'm so glad you're continuing the story. I love how the girls are together, especially when it's just the two of them alone. But I suspect they both need to get stronger soon - Willow emotionally and Tara physically. Things rarely stay quiet on the Hellmouth.



Looking forward to more!

[LeatherQueen]

Oh, wonderful update. I was wondering if you'd bring up Willow's magic and where it had gone/if it had gone.



*sigh* It's so nice to see them just being together and talking. Lovely update.

--------------------------------


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[Jennpurr]

Aww, so sad. I really feel bad for them. Tara not remembering everything and of course the shape Willow is in. At least they have each other. That's whats important.



Thanks for the update, ladies. I'm looking forward to more. I wonder what ever did happen to Miss Kitty.



Jen

-----------------------------------


Tara: Shhh, darling.

Willow: I can't do this.

Tara: We can do this.

Edited by: Jennpurr at: 7/15/02 11:27:37 am

[Marilda]

I just have to say that I'm amazed by you girls. You're wonderful writers. I have been looking through the archives, reading the circle series, and the other ones that you have, you do a wonderful job.

[KathleenWolf]

mmm oh my two more scenes up and much in the feedback...



VampNO12: we like to spoil... have to agree that we really thought though small these were some pivotal scenes in hopefully showing where things have gotten to but exactly how far they have left to go...



Jennpurr: you're so welcome... we definately missed the Buffy Willow friendship especially with the scenes that were hinted to have been cut out... it was like ME expected us to just know it was still there without even seeing a hint of it... Buffy and Willow the friendship is a big important thing for us to fix as well... as for Miss. Kitty we don't want to totally explain the her unexplainable disapearance but we do want to at least have everyone know the characters do miss her... poor little cutie that she was... (grr to ME)



LeatherQueen: thank you... I can promise that SOT will be a nice long one and knowing us the rest of the series as well...Willow's magic or possible lack thereof is going to be a very important ingredient... we believe there is no way she can get healthy again unless this aspect of her injury is looked at as well... and I can with a big smile promise much more happy talking scenes in the near future



witchbitchwillow: a box set eh?... mmm If we do get offers we'll let you know and give you a fair show at Willow, deal? though if Allyson is open to play I'm afriad we might have to go with her, no offense but we are so glad that Madalene is coming off as we wanted her too, as we do believe Buffy needs a little outside sympathy to help at times



BethanyB3: oooh the meds... mmm well I cannot confirm or deny but there will of course be something in that general area to be concerned about... after all this is Sunnydale!, thanks for continuing on in the series with us



MadeinNZ: there isn't... there is something so necessary about your best friend, especially ones with as much history as Buffy and Willow



funkyasian: mmm sleep for work is very important and the thread is always here... but so glad you're enjoying!



Spazz07: why thank you Nath... I was so worried about Mads as non-canon is so hard sometimes... want to get them right in there without stepping on anyones already existing lines of conduct... and yes Tara is the key, but there are many doors



Magrat70: wow all of GOS that is dedication thank you so much... and so glad to keep you reading in SOT... and we are trying to fix in our own way what ME did... so thank you for being so lovely with your words



Tulipp: we do truely believe that Tara is a big part of Willow's recovery but in addition she has healing to do with all of her extended family, especially Buffy... so glad we're doing well so far in bringing that across



WebWarlock: blow up? in a rainbowwriters story? he he he... okay so yeah you know there is more angst and some tears but we swear it will be worth it and totally help everyone get further ahead... though to pledge again the girls together is not going to chance nomatter what



Gertie1: thank you so much for reading... we hope for all of our sakes that ME admits it screwed up killing her and finds a way to put Tara back in Willow's arms... fingers crossed



Grimaldi: we were so going for sweet... thank you



Tiyodragon: one on one scenes are sorta a favorite of ours... especially to flesh out the other larger group ones... gives characters a chance to admit things and really feel what is going on... so glad you enjoy the style



Puff: there is alot of hurt going around... but together we know they can conqure anything



TesniStryngefyre: thank you... ... so glad we can dampen the blow of Season Six and spread a little hope



little wicca dude: oh i'm sure they'll be much more soon... thanks for reading



Scout: as we've gotten more into it we realized there was no way we could have just let it go... oh and I can guarantee the Hellmouth won't be quite, but they will be gaining strength as they face each day, especially now that they are facing it together



Marilda: oh my! you're realling doing a read over of our long stuff... thank you so much... it's so amazing when one of our little stories strikes enough of a cord to motivate someone to read others we have done... after all we know how precious readers time and attention is... and we thank you so much for both



okay enough from me again... I'll try to convince Beth into posting more very soon...



take care

hugs from Kath and Beth

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[Jennpurr]

I know what you mean. I hope maybe next season they will show the old Willow and Buffy, from seasons 1-3. I miss that. Yes, I'm going to watch next season. I have to see what's going to happen with Will and with all the rumors... well, I gotta see what happens. I miss Tara!!



Miss Kitty I miss her, too!



Thanks ladies.

Take care,

Jen

-----------------------------------


Tara: Shhh, darling.

Willow: I can't do this.

Tara: We can do this.

Edited by: Jennpurr at: 7/15/02 11:58:30 am

[Loco2]

ow, wow, these were great, you answered the questions i wanted answering! yay!



poor will, but at least she explained to someone. and saying 'thanks' to buffy...aww.



THANK YOU!

steph

"Dr. Becker, have you seen the skeleton?" "What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"
"Oh, bugger off, you brolly!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[DarkWiccan]

Oh... that was so... sweet



I am so glad you guys are continuing this story line... I am completely hooked. I love the way you are presenting Willow, she is almost like a lost little child needing reassurance from her mother that she has been found... Her anxiety is so tangible it hurts to read... but hurts so good.



The only question I have (which you may or may not already have an answer for... ) is if Will's parents or at all aware of their daughter's pain and struggle. What would their reaction be? Would they understand... I mean, they have always taken a backseat (and by back seat I mean the backseat to someone else's car three lanes over) to Will's life... but... ack... I ramble on...



I shall need to go back and reread this update so as to feel better again...



Cheers

DW

[KathleenWolf]

I know it's really quick response for me but there was a query I definately wanted to address...



JennPurr: oh from your lips to the networks ears... I mean if they have to deprive us of Tara then the very least they could do was rebuild Willow as much as possible in a realistic way, which I think would as you said require alot of the early season type relationship.. and yes Miss Kitty and Tara will be huge peices missing for the RW too.



Loco2: well I love answering questions.. I can waffle on about the stories for hours if you get me going (as many recently found out at the Toronto Convention)... your welcome! thank you for reading



DarkWiccan: thank you... we are so glad you are coming along with us for the journey... and I know it won't be an easy one but we promise everything we do is to both get our girls to a happy place and heal season six wounds as best as we can... and now to your question about Willow's parents and they involvement/non involvement...



it was actually a major point of discussion for Beth and I when we first began writing (and I'm sorta going to answer more here cause though in our own minds we have figured it out for the story in detail, we're not 100% sure it will come out as a huge part of the plot... after all in the TV style they don't always grace us with all the angles)... as you said her parents have always been slightly removed from Willow's life especially since her going to college and then with her moving into the Summer's house you don't even seem to get a slim mention of them (anyone If I am wrong feel free to correct me)...



then piecing together the hospital scenario when Tara is mind-sucked by Glory that Willow has power of attorney to make decsions, we made the logical assumption that Tara would have the same turn around to make descions on Willow... ah but you say what good would this have done with Tara deceased...



well in most legal papers such as that it is customary to outline who specifically you want to have those powers as top 1,2,3... and with the goings on of the Hellmouth and the diffculty the gang often has in going for outside help, it seems perfectly plausible that Buffy and or Giles would be named as well...



For this reason we've had Willow's fundamental care and welfare fall on Buffy... and with certain events her first few weeks post "The Dark One"... which I won't spoil incase they do become part of the story... her parents involvment would have forced them to embrace many things that they were unwilling or simple mentally unable to accept about their daughter... not that we are trying to portray them as horrible people in any way, so I hope what is primarily my logic on this makes sense



thanks for reading... kathleen

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[spazz07]

a big Awwwwwww from my direction after reading that update. I love thw W/T interaction that you ladies entwine within the story as it offers a ray of light in a somtimes dark place. I agree with the point made over her parents who i agree would shun thier daughter out of their lives if they knew half of the things that had gone on through her life. She needs someone understanding and supportive and i think Tara & Buffy aree the girls for the job.



Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.

[Jennpurr]

**Jen, who can't make up her mind what she wants her signature to read, pops in for a quick replay to Lady Kath**



I totally agree with you. I'm still very heartbroken by the events of Season 6. Tara, in particular. Thank you for giving us a story that has helped somewhat, to heal that heartache. It will never truely go away and I can't watch any old episodes without wanting to cry, but maybe, just maybe, Joss might give us something to look forward to. I'd still like to give him a swift kick in the ass...



Thank you, to you both. I know I've said that dozens of times, but I truely mean it.



I love you, two.

Jen

-----------------------------------


"Talented Tongued Tara." Willow snickered.- "Unexpected Consequences," by Lisa

[Kilopto]

I just caught up with the end of Gift of Sorrow and now this. Just wow. You two amaze me. What I love most about this story is that you didn't just bring Tara back and then everything went back to normal and all was well. You have the whole aftermath of what happened to Willow, how she is handling Tara coming back, and how she's going to get better. It's just like, so real, like exactly how she would act in the show I think. I love it. Thank you for writing this!! It really helps me too, like, it sort of erases some of the bad icky sad feelings the show left in me ya know?



Thank you again!

Nadine/Mouse

[Sassette]

Oh, joy! I loved TGoS ... and this is wonderful. I'm so very thrilled you two are doing a season 7.



But, umm ... is it wrong that Willow being a good muncher and Tara offering to fill her holes really struck me?



-Sass

[Beth Dragon]

Laugh yeah i lost count already - well it is nearly 2 am



Oh and by the way Jennpurr - I LOVE your angelina





The spellcaster felt her lungs come to the end of a long exhale just as the complex pattern of arm movements they were running through reached a contact point as her fingertips briefly came together before parting again.



Her eyes were focused on Buffy’s hazel ones about six feet away where the Slayer echoed her every movement in complete time. It had taken some convincing to get the Slayer to believe this would work and even a bit more to actually get them into time with one another but now their movements flowed in perfect echo. Buffy’s fingertips came together exactly two slow heartbeats after Madalene’s.



The only possible other contrast was while the spellcaster’s arms moved in strain through the weaves of natural energy around her, the Slayer’s muscles strained as her expert body was tuned to force out each movement in precise direction.



*Everything you do in this world creates an echo.* Madalene sent the thought gently to the Slayer curious if the interruption would break their synchronicity though not surprised when it didn’t. *Each breath a torrent to lesser creatures, each heartbeat the pressured flow of miles of blood, each tear an ocean.*



Purposely Madalene began speeding up their movements, pleased when Buffy instantly reacted to the change and met her every motion exactly two heartbeats behind.



*Balance comes when you know both the outcome of your action and its echo.* She spoke again seeing only the smallest reaction as Buffy’s pupils further opened in concentration.



Almost to her own surprise she realized that in a fluid exchange it was Buffy who now led their movements, the beginnings of sharper patterns at a yet faster speed flowed out of the Slayer’s trained body. Madalene felt each of them come to her at the correct time easily.



*Balance comes from the power to lead and to follow.* She added offering her submission and their movements became more a series of fighting moves, though as before her own series was soft while Buffy’s was firm.



The spellcaster felt the subtle change taking hold as the impossibly fast speed slowed down again to an almost equally painful crawl. The world around them melted away, the meter of the universe the simple thud of Buffy’s heart and her echo. Her body moved on despite her mind, moved as the Slayer’s did though she could see that Buffy’s mind was as far away from her body right now.



The spellcaster knew somewhere far away her hands were clenched into soft fists as her arms moved inward toward her chest to bring the knuckles together. But the motion seemed to take years as time got sluggish and a large moment of silence now filled the time between Buffy’s heartbeat and her own. Madalene wasn’t sure how long it took but as Buffy’s knuckles and then hers finally reached each other they stopped still and the world rushed forward suddenly.



******



“Buffy?” Madalene put her hand up to try and shield herself from the torrent of sand that swirled around her and as she spoke it suddenly died down.



“Wh-What?” The Slayer’s eyes flicked round quickly, obviously not having expected the change.



“How did we?” Madalene looked slowly around at the barren dessert that was spread out before the alcove of rocks they stood within. “Get here?” She finished the words almost as a second question.



“I don’t know.” Buffy swished her head around again. “But I know this place.” She added her brow furrowing.



“Its...” Madalene reached up to realized her hair was tied up in an intricate pattern with various metallic clips. She looked down to see that she was now dressed in an ornate gold and red dress. Her feet were bare and as her hands her skin was stained with light brown patterns. “Why am I dressed like an Indian Princess?”



“Pass.” Buffy looked down to see that she was dressed in the same outfit that she had been during the meditation. “Though last time I was here, Tara was with me and she was well dressed kinda similar.”



“Where is here?” The brunette questioned immediately.



“Well it’s a dream, that is I think it is. I was brought here once by Tara or a spirit guide to face the first slayer.” Buffy realised what she was saying probably didn’t make much sense but it was the truth.



“A dream?” Madalene looked to the horizon as a slight shape formed there and at a breakneck speed moved towards them.



As it got closer the form became visible against the sandy background.



“No, no, no, no, no you can’t be here.” A small bald man in a grey mail order catalogue suit shook his head obviously upset as he finally stepped close enough for them to hear him. “The cheese isn’t ready for you, you must wait for the cheese to call you.”



Madalene was about to question what the strange little man was going on about when the sand around them rose up again obstructing her vision.



******



Feeling her arms cramped within the pose, Madalene blinked away her stare into hazel eyes. Taking a deep breath she dropped her arms and stepped back out of the position.



“I think maybe you need to explain that to me.” Madalene tried to stay calm as she eased away the distant feeling.



“And I’m thinking we need to go and talk to Giles about it.” Buffy shook her arms out before letting them drop naturally by her side. “Unless that was normal for you and I just added the cheese dimension.”



“Everything including the cheese was new to me.” Madalene conceded picking up her sweater from off the grass. “I think chatting with your Watcher might be a good idea.”



******

[foreverpiper]

The cheese man! You brought the Cheese Man back!!!! I love the cheese man! LOL!!



As for the dream...hmmm...interesting...



-----

She has magick fingers...on the keyboard.- Tara in Wisdom of War



And never let it be said I left a Tara craving unsatisfied.- Willow in Wilderness

[LeatherQueen]

Ack! It's the return of the cheese man! Very surreal update, but interesting. Can't wait to see why that happened to them.

--------------------------------


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[funkyasian]

okay...a great big awwww to scene 4 *sigh*...and a big huh to scene 5... - the cheese dimension...hmmm...something to think about...



so glad you guys are giving us regular updates...feel as if my day is complete now... - hope to see more soon...oh and ladies, sleep is *highly* overrated for work...



steph

[VampNo12]

Great update guys! I always enjoy the scenes where W&T are just together, and this part was no exception. W&T are together basking in just being able to be with each, but at the same time each has their own frustration. Meaning, Tara not remembering everything about her past (ie Miss Kitty, Glory, and etc)., while at the same time Willow happy to have Tara back, but "voids" not allowing her to completely surrender to the happiness. Hopefully being together, their connection will allow each to both heal (physically and mentally), and fill the empty spaces.



As for the second part that was indeed surreal. I guess the cheese man does mean something after all , and I look forward to seeing what Buffy and Madalene experienced connects to the dream Buffy had with Tara being her guide. Look forward to the next part!

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 7/15/02 7:23:32 pm

[Ressick]

I wear the cheese, it does not wear me! wOOt!!!!



Thank you for a great twist, RW. Can't wait to see how the Madeline/Tara connection as Buffy's guides work out!



Res

****

http://www.ressick.net

"I'm very seldom naughty." ~ Willow

[Kalita]

Mmmm. A Madalene/Buffy connection, eh? And the desert and the Cheese Man and the spirit guide... Fun stuff!

"Hot lesbian witches! It's f--king genius!"
-Charlie Sheen, Being John Malkovich

[Jennpurr]

OMG... the cheese man.



Hmmm... I'm very curious now, as to what the cheese man has to do with the Scoobies and then of course, there is Madeline. Very intriguing. I'll wait patiently for more. Thank you, Ladies, for the update.

Quote:

---

Oh and by the way Jennpurr - I LOVE your angelina

---

Why, thank you, Lady Beth. You're the first one who has commented on it. I saw that, and just had to use it. I would love for Miss Lips to blow me a kiss. Thanks again.



Take care,

Jen

-----------------------------------


"Talented Tongued Tara." Willow snickered.- "Unexpected Consequences," by Lisa

[MadeinNZ]

Ah-ha! The cheese man is back. I'm actually picking him as the big bad for season 7. Oh yes, we haven't seen the last of him.



So many questions: how "connected" are Buffy and Madeline, what's up with the cheese man, can we get enough of Tara dressed in the pink belly dancer outfit from Restless? (That last question was a gimme).



Don't leave us hanging too long.

------------------------------


"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[GiveMeChocolate]

ALL HAIL THE CHEESE MAN!

Can't wait for another update, a great job as always!

Axe, not gonna cut it