Jungle Fever

Chapter 10

Tara Maclay sat in her old room, looking at the toys that collected dust over the years. Her Barbie and Ken dolls, her books, her stuffed animal Madison the Hippo. She missed them all. Even her little Mermaid Bed. But she wanted out, without her mother there, nothing would be the same. She curled up into a little ball to rest. Her father was away on business and she was grateful for that. So when he did get home she didn’t want to be asleep because the bed wouldn’t be safe.

Later that night an angry Hank Maclay staggered into the moonlit room of his daughter. He saw a figure laying on his daughter bed and moved forward, ripping the sheets off, revealing nothing but stuffed animals. He searched the room frantically, and finally he saw a little light coming from the closet so he walked over quietly and pulled back the door. Tara lay on the floor sleeping under blankets holding Madison the Hippo. "Tara Maclay?" Her father's voice was Gentle at first then... "TARA!" She jumped to her feet fear stuck her.

"Sir." She said shaky.

"I've missed you." She was shocked but gave a smiled. "What are you doing in here?" she looked down in sadness.

"H-hiding s-sir." He took her by the hand and led her to her bed.

"Sleep here for the night. I have things to talk to you about." He kissed her cheek and exited the room, leaving Tara stunned.

* *

Tara awoke refreshed with a woman staring at her, tears in her eyes. "Auntie?" She smiled as the woman wrapped her arms around her. She hugged back and accepted the kisses she received. "I missed you."

"Tara. You look so much like your mother."

"What happened to Mom?" Tara looked up hopeful, Sandra shrugged. No one knew, but she had a suspicion that her brother had something to do with it. Yet she wouldn't dare mention it fearing Hank might deal out death.

"No one knows baby girl, she just disappeared one day. Now come on, let’s get you dressed for breakfast."

* *

The smell was wonderful. Eggs and toast, with pancakes made with maple syrup mixed into the batter, just like Mom used to make them. 'Why is dad doing this?' Tara thought. She couldn't believe it. 'Maybe it’s my last meal, he's going to finish what he started years ago.' Tara gulped and went to leave for her room, but her aunt was there.

"Tara, come on your father is waiting."

"Aunt Sandy, dad is..."

"I know come on." She pushed Tara along, down the familiar halls and corridors she used to run through as a child. But walking these halls always made her nervous, especially when her father was nice to her. It sent chills down her spine just imagining what he was up to. But she would be strong. She entered into the breakfast hall to see her father reading the morning paper, occasionally sipping his coffee, and Donny. What she feared the most.

"Tara is it really you?" She was shocked when she saw tears in his eyes, so she ducked her head and nodded slowly. His smile illuminated and he walked to her slowly tracing his hand on her cheek making sure she was real. "I missed you." And he hugged her. This was a surprise. Donny had always hated her. Or so she thought.

"Come on Donny, let Tara eat her breakfast." Hank Maclay motioned to the table and she took a seat. "Sandra would you like to stay for breakfast?"

"No, you need catching up time, call if you need me." She smiled and exited the building. Donny watched as Sandra left the house, and turned nodding when she cleared Hank’s Gate. Tara felt unsafe now. She had hoped her aunt would stay for at least a while, but her hopes were smashed. Then she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Donny. His smile was no longer a smile but a frown.

"You ran away, why?"

"Cause she is just like her mother, arrogant, stubborn women." Tara looked into her father's eyes, they were cold. "You know I waited years to get you back. To tell you and to teach you why we don't do things-"

"I won't let you hurt me!" Tara stood knocking Donny down, she ran to the door and paused. "I fought, soldiers, jaguars, and other wild animals all my life." She smiled a smug smile. "I am stronger then you'll ever be so..."She thought of a word, that her father used to use a lot "...so fuck off!" The she headed for the gate, the alarm sounded as she exited the house. She would be hunted and she knew she would be.

She jumped onto the gate climbing with all her might. She was running on pure fear. She could hear the jeep starting, that familiar engine. Someone was coming after her, but she couldn't think of that right now. So she ran faster into the family's private forest, as fast as her legs could carry her.

All of a sudden she felt a sharp pain in her back she stopped and felt her back where the pain surged. She pulled out a small dart, she knew what dart it was. "Mr. Giles?" She turned and saw William and Mr. Giles with smiles on their faces. She walked towards them as her vision was beginning to blur. "Why?"

"It’s our new job luv, now rest." William seemed gentle now, something Tara wasn't use to seeing. She tried to swing but landed into William's arms, she blacked out.

~ ~ ~

In a large research facility Willow, Xander, and Faith were going through their next proposal. But Willow's mind wandered, as thoughts of Tara kept barraging her. She couldn't help it. Noticing her behavior, Xander and Faith began talking privately.

"She’s out of it. She won't hear a word." Xander smiled, holding out a piece of paper. "Now go deliver this, I will tell her I dismissed it cause she wasn't paying attention."

"Come on Bro, she isn't going to like this idea. You know she hates..."

"Faith, just do it please." Faith nodded and Exited without further disagreement.

It was Willow's twenty-first birthday tomorrow and Xander wanted everything perfect, nothing would go wrong. Party down at the Moonlight Cafe, which was Willow's favorite place to get mochas. Plus all her friends would be there: Faith, Cordy, Andrew, Angel, Samantha, and even Amy. Plus more. In their hometown of Los Angeles, California. They invited all of Willow's old friends, Xander even rented out The cafe so they could have it all to themselves.

"Earth to Xander, what happened to the meeting?" Xander rubbed his arm where Willow had hit him

"You were spaced out just like I was, so I sent Faith out to do some stuff." Xander smiled nudging Willow. "Thinking about Tara again?" Willow just nodded and Xander kissed Willow's forehead. "Also don't forget, little group get together tomorrow. Turning twenty-one is a big deal."

"Not that big of deal, just be able to drink whenever I want, legally. Party hard...OK it’s a big deal." Willow smiled grabbing her sweater. "Well, I'm heading home, if I get any calls..."Xander just shook his head pointing to the door. "All right see you tomorrow."


At the Moonlight Cafe next night, the group was still there waiting for Willow to show up. Xander was on his way, so he said.

"Come on Willow, or we won't get our table!" Xander knocked once again on Willow's bedroom door. She was still trying to get her shoes to match her dress. "Willow, are you decent?"

"Yes, I'm ready." Willow opened the door. She was in an emerald green dress with open back with her hair was in a French braid and her lips covered in a light red Lipstick. Her golden earrings had red diamonds which were given to her by her grandmother. Xander was in heaven. "What?"

"God Wills you look drop dead gorgeous." Xander kissed his friend’s cheek, and then the clock struck seven. "Let’s go!" As soon as she grabbed her purse, Xander was tugging her out the door.

They drove down the streets blasting Kiss 108, playing Kelly Clarkson's ‘Since U Been Gone,’ to which Willow unfortunately sang along.

Here’s the thing, we started out friends
It was cool, but it was all pretend
Yeah yeah, since you been gone

Your dedicated, you took the time
Wasn’t long till I called you mine
Yeah yeah, since you been gone

An all you ever hear me say
Is how I picture me with you
That’s all you ever hear me say

But since you been gone
I can breathe for the first time
I’m so moving on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you,
now I get
what I want
Since you been gone

How can I put it, you put me on
I even fell for that stupid love song
Yeah yeah, since you been gone

How come I’d never hear you say
I just wanna be with be with you
Guess you never felt that way

But since you been gone
I can breathe for the first time
I’m so moving on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you,
now I get
I get what I want
Since you been gone

You had your chance, you blew it
Out of sight, out of mind
Shut your mouth I just can’t take it
Again,
and again
and again
an again

Since you been gone
I can breathe for the first time
I’m so moving on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you,
now I get
I get what I want

I can breathe for the first time
I’m so moving on
Yeah yeah
Thanks to you,
now I get
I get what I want

Since you been gone
Since you been gone
Since you been gone

Just as the song ended they pulled up to The Moonlight cafe. Xander extended his arm to the birthday girl who laughed but took it. "Surprise!" The room rang out. Willow stood in amazement as she realized what was going on, she turned to her best friend and hugged him tightly.

"Happy birthday Willow!"

"You guys are the best, Samantha?" Her long time friend from junior high tapped her shoulder. Willow's eyes glowed. Then came Meme also known as Martha. "Meme!" She turned back to Xander. "Harris you planned this didn't you?" She gave him a stern look, then she laughed wrapping her arms around him again.

"Come on Will, let’s give you your first legal drink!" Jack wrapped his arms around her from behind. Then came Alex, Willow was in heaven. Jack was Willow's gay friend in junior high, the only boy who knew he was gay in the fifth grade.

"So do you have a special friend yet?" Willow asked as she sat next to Jack on a stool.

"As if girl, I'm a free spirit. Fuck'em and well fuck'em again." Willow couldn't help but laugh.

"So girl what is the first thing you’re going to try tonight?" Samantha wrapped her arms around her friend.

So the night went on and Willow drank, it reminded her about everything, memories of Tara. Her desire to be near her all the time. As a solution, every time she thought of Tara she threw back another shot of scotch like that night in the jungle. Of course the first one drunk was Willow, but not only her but Meme, and Samantha. The three laughed at nothing and then Samantha came up with something that would rock the night. "Willow, Karaoke!" Meme yelled dragging Willow and Samantha along. They decided to sing Spice Girls:

Candle light and soul forever,
A dream of you and me together,
Say you believe it, say you believe it,
Free your mind of doublt and danger,
Be for real don't be a stranger,
We can achieve it, we can achieve it,
Come a little bit closer baby, get it on, get it on,
Cause tonight, is the night when 2 become 1,

I need some love like I never needed love before,
(wanna make love to ya baby),
I had a little love, now I'm back for more,
(wanna make love to ya baby)
Set your spirit free, its the only way to be,

The three girls sang with all their might, drunk or not they were always out of tune. But tonight they didn't care. It was a party night and Willow wasn't going to let anything spoil it.


Silly games that you two were playing,
Empty words we both were saying,
Let's work it boy, let's work it out boy,
Once again that we endeavour,
Love will bring us back together,
Take it or leave it, take it or leave it


Are you as good as I remember baby,
Get it on, get it on,
Cause tonight, is the night when 2 become 1,

I need some love like I never needed love before,
(wanna make love to ya baby),
I had a little love, now I'm back for more,
(wanna make love to ya baby)
Set your spirit free, its the only way to be,


Be a little bit wiser baby, put it on, put it on,
Cause tonight, is the night when 2 become 1,

I need some love like I never needed love before,
(wanna make love to ya baby),
I had a little love, now I'm back for more,
(wanna make love to ya baby)
I need some love like I never needed love before,
(wanna make love to ya baby),
I had a little love, now I'm back for more,
(wanna make love to ya baby),

It's the only way to be.

After the song the girls laughed, and sat down to chat with the others. It was going to be a long night, and of course karaoke took off and everyone was doing it. Even Xander. "So what do you think?"

"Xander you are unbelievable!" Willow wrapped her arms around him, kissing his cheek.

"That's what I used to say." He turned to see Cordy with a small smile around her face. "In the three weeks you've been working for me I have failed to see you. Have you been avoiding your boss?" She was half in half out of it. She wasn't drunk but she wasn't thinking clearly either.

"No ma'am I was just preparing myself." Xander let out a laugh as Cordy planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Well, I'm off to enjoy the party, talk to you later." She winked and was off, when he turned Willow stared at him in amazement.

"What?"

"Why weren't you that popular in high school?" Willow laughed. She could remember when no girl asked him out at all. Xander gave a grumble and walked away, making Willow laugh even more.

~ ~ ~

Time passes so quickly people forget, then they seem to grow older. Things change, and so do people. But everything has a purpose and if Tara opened her eyes more clearly she would see hers.

Tara sat alone in her room listening to CDs she had missed out on, watching movies and educational tapes of forests and their animals. Her father was kind now, she couldn't understand why. How does a man change in a short period of life? He hugged her and kissed her, and she wasn't sure why? But why argue with logic?

Buffy and Anya took her into the backyard of the Maclay estate. Let her run for a while, she couldn't get out if she wanted to anyway. Tara was becoming more like a Maclay lady everyday. Her aunt taught her everything she needed to know, and she learned so quickly that everyone was impressed. "Tara you’re even beating out your brother’s old scores." Sandra Maclay kissed her niece’s forehead.

"When will father allow me to venture out? I won't run away anymore, I like it here now. He's been really kind, why?" Her aunt smiled.

"Your father growing up was diagnosed with Spilt personality. There was Hank your father and then there was Steven. Steven was what caused the abuse, Steven took your mother away from us Tara. He did something to her. Your father wants to find her, but without Steven's help we will never find her, dead or alive." Sandra let a few tears fall, the wiped them away. "Well, we'll let your father tell you the rest, I'll talk to him about it." Then Sandra was gone, and Tara was left alone, did Donny know about this?"

She walked down the hall, and up the stairs. Her brother Donny was getting ready to move out on his own. He couldn't wait to get out of there. Tara knocked on his door and a quick “Come on” was all she heard. "Donny it’s me." She smiled at him when she opened the door and he smiled back. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, sit down would you like something to drink?" He pointed to the snack bar. "Let me see your birthday was last Month so if you like I can mix you up something good." She shook her head and sat down. "So what's up?"

"Donny, Aunt Sandra told me about Steven. Why?" Donny's eyes widened and he stood closing the door.

"Tara, dad was going to tell you when you got better adjusted. He didn't want to upset you, he was going to tell you in a few weeks." Donny took Tara by the hand and lead Tara down the hall to Hank’s study. "Dad?" He looked up confused and Donny went over and whispered into his ear, Hank’s eyes widened.

"Tara come here, I guess I have some explaining to do."


Chapter 11

Tara sat next to her father on a chair as he explained his childhood problem. He explained about Steven and what Steven made him do. Once he said Steven wrote him a letter telling him to do something, and if he didn't Steven would harm her Aunt Sandra. The whole family knew about his sickness, knew about everything, but couldn't afford for it to leak out. So they dealt with it. Over the years it was always Steven and never Hank and everyone could tell. Tara had tears in her eyes, she couldn't believe it. "So you see I loved your mother, I never wanted to hurt her and she knew that. She knew it was Steven." Hank placed a hand on his daughter’s cheek wiping away her tears.

"But why didn't anyone tell us, so we knew about it?"

"Cause they were afraid, we were going to wait for your eighteenth birthday. But even I couldn't take it anymore, A few years ago I went to see a doctor. A private doctor who described a drug for me. It’s all hush, hush." He smiled and handed Tara a chocolate. "Here eat this." She smiled and wrapped her arms around him.

"I'm sorry Dad, I should have never run away." Tara was crying now. She couldn't stop and Hank patted his little girl’s back. "We need to find Mom." He stood placing Tara down in a chair. "Dad we need to ask Steven."

"How are we going to do that?"

"I have these friends, who helped me I think..."

"Are you talking about Rosenberg and her friends?" She nodded, walking to her father.

"Please dad, even if Mom is dead. I want to know where she is." Hank wiped away a tear. "Please."

"I will call Mrs. Rosenberg-Osbourne, in the morning." Tara's eyes lit up and she kissed her fathers cheek. "You really care for her, don't you?" Tara nodded.

"I think I liked her father, she was so protective of me." He nodded, and Donny took Tara to her room. That night would be a peaceful one for Tara. At least, she would feel safer.

Hank sat in his chair skimming through old letters. He didn't want Tara to worry anymore. He didn't want her to be scared. But what could he tell her, what could he say to make her understand? "Tara." Hank held a picture of his wife, the one he loved so much in his arms. "What did you do to her?" He looked into the mirror, it was him. But he made it like it was Steven. "What did you do to her, where is my wife?" There was no answer, no solution, no anything. Steven was enslaved by the drug, hidden. So maybe Tara was right that this Willow could help out, or knew someone who could. He needed to hope, and pray that everything would turn out better than what Steven had made of it.

Hank took out a letter and read it;

Hankie, you have become a bothersome threat in my life, I have told you to do one thing...
Well, what are you waiting for kill him already, you pathetic little ingrate. You worm, you piece of bird shit. or I'll kill them all, making sure they watch each other die. Kill him, kill him so u can become powerful. So u can rule the Maclay family!

Then he read another...


That’s a good boy Hank, you've done well. Now take your family out and celebrate, on your new occasion. Make sure your wife is wearing something nice, something sexy. I want to relish in it when we get home. O and make sure your children stay at their Aunt Sandra's house, I want nothing to go wrong.

Hank remembered all the letters but there was one he didn't want to read, he would read it with his family. With the others when the time was right. He would have done it and that's why.

~ ~ ~

Buzz!!!!!! Buzz !!!!! Buzz!!!!!

Willow jumped her head was split in two. "Who the fuck set the alarm?" Willow screeched outside the door, she could hear laughter and someone falling. She fumbled to the door and there was Faith and Xander rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter. "You two are so dead!" Willow attacked them both.

"Aww come on Wills, we had to get you. It happened to me on my twenty-first, and I had to work. You’re just lucky we have a cool boss like Cordy." Xander held her against the wall so she couldn't kick him. "Calm down."

"Yea Wills. It was my fault. I reminded him."

"Really?" Just as Willow was about to pounce on Faith the phone rang, Xander quickly ran to answer it.

"Hello." Xander eyes went wide as he heard the other voice over the phone, he smiled but then he looked at Willow and Faith who were equal shocked, they had the other phone to their ears. "Anya, say hello to Willow and Faith."

"It’s important. Mr. Maclay would like you to come over today if possible." Xander looked to Willow who nodded, Xander have his answer and hung up the phone.

"Wonder what the old boss wants?" Faith said, shocked.

Later that day Willow, Xander, and Faith were greeted by the Giles family at the front gate. Willow wasn't too happy to see Mr. Giles there, but paid him no attention. She didn't like him and he knew that. He would be as nice as possible, that’s what Hank had requested and he wasn't about to make his employer angry. "Welcome, Mr. Maclay is expecting to talk with you." He motioned for them to follow quickly, Xander walked next to Anya. He smiled and Anya tried to hard not to smile back, but couldn't help it.

"Hello Anya, how are you?"

"Good, how...um, have you been?" Anya was obviously nervous but wouldn't stutter. She refused. No man had made her feel this way, well since her husband. This is what she was afraid of.

"Better." She smiled when Xander ran his hand across her cheek for a second before William was there protectively making space between them.

"This way Harris." William pointed. Xander just smiled walking to catch up with willow and faith. William caught up with him. "Touch my sister you wanker, and I'll cut your balls off." William knocked his shoulder into his.

"Don't listen to him, he's a blow hard." Buffy winked in his direction, and moved to open the door.

"This way. Mr. Maclay is waiting." Hank, Donny, and Tara sat in the family room waiting. It would be the first time Tara would see Willow since the jungle. She was nervous.


Chapter 12

In a dark cave located in the Eastern Philippines, torches lit the walls. The smell of animal spices and heat of hundreds of glowing candles filled the room where one man was tied to a chair. He sat in the center of a small pentagram and chanted, casting a spell to change one man into what he once was, a monster. A group of young adults in robes chanted along with this lonely man. To make the change complete.

/ We of the selected few, grant the powers to change this man into what he was. To fight the good and to reveal the location of the captured.\

/Unite the moon and the power of the stars, bring forth the gift of transformation. Make this man as once as he was, so we can ask him...\

"You think I will give you the locations? You festering sore!" The words were dry and cold. The hooded figures looked up still chanting never stopping. "Try as you might I will never tell you where she is. Your mother is dead, the whore deserved it. That cunt!" It was painful one of the hooded figures could see it, she could feel the pain. "Ahhh, let me be!"

The incantation was done, and the man collapsed to the floor, as did the hooded figures. One crawled to the caged man and poked its head up. "Father?"

"Daddy...isn't home!" The man lurched foreword grabbing onto warriors hand. As he shook her, the hood fell reveling Tara crying. "You ran away from me, you fucking bitch now you-" all of a sudden something hit Steven upside the head, sending him flying back and releasing Tara. Tara looked up and saw Willow. She stood grabbing onto the girl’s neck, holding her tight.

"It’s all right, we got Steven back. Now to get him to speak." Willow moved Tara back with Buffy and Anya. "Steven?" The man stood, head bleeding, but still he smiled. "Where is Elizabeth Maclay?" He just laughed, and sat in his circle. "Steven where is she?"

"She's -" Willow started at him. "No, why should I tell you. You’re not her daughter. I want to tell Tara and Donny." The two walked forward sat in chairs next to the cage. They knew it wasn't going to be easy, but they would listen no matter what. Donny grabbed Tara hand and they listened as Steven told them. Would it be the truth or just lies? By the time he had finished his story Tara was in tears and Donny was furious. He would find his mothers body, even if it killed him.

"Are you sure he’s telling the truth?" Willow asked wiping the tears from Tara's face.

"We’re not sure of anything, so that's why we'll keep him here." Donny looked at Willow. "Take Faith, Xander, Buffy, Anya, and Mr. Giles and search here." Donny gave willow a piece of paper which Steven wrote on.

"So these are the clues?" the redhead asked.

"Yes, that's all he would say." Donny kissed his sister cheek. "And don't worry Mr. Giles you will be paid well." Mr. Giles didn't care about the money. These people were like family now. He would of course never admit that, he just smiled and headed for the truck.

"I'm going with you." Tara started for the door.

"No, Tara, what if she’s dead? I don't want you to see her like that, stay with your brother." Willow leaned in and kissed Tara's lips, softly, holding her tear stained cheeks in her hands.

"I'm going Willow I have every right, please." She moved Willow's hands away and looked directly into Willow's eyes. "Plus I know my way around the forest. I know where that place is." Mr. Giles came back into the cave.

"If the she knows where it is, it will be easier. Let the girl come."

"Fine, come on."

"I’m coming too then. I don't want to be left alone with him." Donny said following. Faith sighed and walked to the Head elder.

/ Will you be OK with him? We will be back in two weeks. \

/Of course, you go find this woman. But I will ask a favor of you...\

/ What? \

/When you go to the cave in the mountain, beware of a powerful shamaness. She will try to challenge you. Take something away, to make the trip harder. \ Faith nodded and thanked the old man, and went to tell the other of her discoveries.

"A shamaness.?" Anya shook her head, and sighed. "Great."

"I’ve heard of her when I was living in the forest. But I never ventured near her at all. I was too scared to even challenge her. She has hot springs in the mountains, and grows her own food. She isn't evil just selfish, well not so much as selfish as lonely. I can kind of relate . . . " Willow laughed I guess she had rubbed off on Tara more then she thought, she silenced her love with another kiss.

"You babble bunn – honey." Willow corrected when she saw Anya's stare.

"Yea Willow I guess she learned from the babble master huh?" Xander teased, and of course Willow let him have it right on the arm. "Ow, and I'll say it again Ow."

"Will you two be fighting all the way up?" William said scratching his head. "cause if you are I'll wait here."

"It’s called horsing around, dumbness. Leave them alone." Buffy said with a smile, she sat down in the truck and Faith walked up next to her sitting down. "Hello."

"Hey, so are you ready to face the big bad shamaness.?" Buffy gave a little laugh, and a nod.

"So how are you. It’s been a while and now that we’re on the same side, we can actually be friends."

"Five by five." Buffy laughed. "What?"

"Five by five?"

"Yea it means not good not bad, what's so funny?"

"O nothing, just...never mind."

"Had this friend in junior high, her name was Samantha DuCraft. She was just like you, every aspect." Faith just laughed.

"Do you think I was always like this? All laid back and shit, think again." Faith lit a cigarette. "I was a nerd back in high school, glasses and I was short, never took care of myself. Then senior year came around and my Mom took notice of me. She was like "My little girl, have faith in yourself. Make yourself look beautiful ,wow them." Faith smiled remembering her mother's words. "She was something else, she was a regular beauty. So I decked out, dolled up and on the first day of high school nobody knew who I was."

"She shocked me, I slept over my friend's house that night so I never got a chance to see operation Make-up." Xander smiled over to his sister then pulled out his wallet. "Still have an old picture." Faiths eyes widened.

"I'll kill you."

"O let me see!" Buffy yelled running for Xander.

"No!" But it was too late, and Faith hid her face under the robe she was still wearing.

"O my God, you poor thing." Anya laughed, she couldn't help it. "You know you weren't the only ugly child, Buffy here was a real porker until Father made her go on a diet." Buffy shot up.

"I'll crucify you!" Buffy said trying to grab Anya's wallet.

"She's always so touchy." Anya winked, she thought it was fair. One picture for another. Buffy also curled up into a ball. "See." Faith peered out of her robe and smiled. Now she couldn't help but laugh.

"Anya you’re such a bitch!" Buffy moved to the back of the van with Donny.

"O come on, you laughed at her picture. And it wasn't fair that you got to see a picture of her and not the other way around. If it makes you feel any better I'll show my old photo."

"Anya you were one of the popular kids even in Elementary...you have no embarrassing photos!" Mr. Giles laughed, for the first time in a long time. His children were confused. "Dad?"

"You think I don't carry embarrassing photos of all my children around with me?" All three children's eyes widened. "I have a bunch of William, Buffy and even you little Anya."

"Dad you wouldn't, please tell me you didn't." Anya shook her head, this was embarrassing.

"This is Anya at thirteen when she had her first pimple."

"God, dad, this is so embarrassing." Anya ducked her head. For Most of the trip Faith, Xander, Willow, Tara, and Donny had exciting storied to listen to on the way to the Maclays’ private plane. Buffy, Anya, and William, all frightfully embarrassed, hid in the back of the bus


The plane ride was great. Everyone was so quiet, and sleeping. Tara couldn't sleep, she couldn't think about anything but finding her mother’s remains. She could feel it. She knew her mother was gone. It was an awful feeling since she had always loved her mother, even when she had run away. ‘O Mom I'm sorry I left you alone with him. I'm sorry I should have stayed by your side. If I wasn't so afraid, I would have been there to make it all OK.’ Tara started to cry, she couldn't help it, the Maclay plane was sectioned off into three classes, the last of which Tara ran to. Not being able to take it anymore she wanted to die, she needed to be with her mother. Tara's mind was racing, but then she came to a conclusion. "What if she isn't dead?" She smiled and sat in one of the chairs.

"Hey blue eyes." Tara jumped, her first reaction was fighting stance until her eyes met with green emeralds that sparkled and shined. "You went away and I didn't know what happened." Willow noticed the tearstains on the face of her love. "What's wrong?"

"O Willow..." Tara flung her arms around her holding her close. "...What if she's dead, I don't think I could take it. She was my everything, she was my mother. When I was little she used to sing me to sleep, and we said our secret prayers. Cause if dad... I mean Steven found out he would be very angry. She held me sometimes when I had had a bad dream, and kissed my cheek and told me the goddess would always protect me from harm." Tara moved away looking out into the sky, the moon made her glow and Willow knew she couldn't be more stricken with love. "When I ran away I was more scared, because there was no one to hold me tight or sing to me. I hummed our song and said my own prayers, but nothing soothed me. Until one night..." She smiled, she remembered a native woman, coming up into the cave for shelter. "Mandisa, the meaning for sweet. She was my care taker for five years, taught me everything that I needed to know to survive the forest. I lived in her tribe for five years until I was old enough to go on my own. She was my very first friend in the jungle." Willow now stood by the smiling Tara.

"She sounds like a very nice lady."

"Ahh she was."

"Was?"

"Mandisa died a few years later, she was an old woman. One of the warriors from the tribe found me and took me to see her before she died. I got there and she was on her last breath, but I kissed her cheek and told her thank you. Even after she was gone, I talked to her. I knew she could hear me." Tara smiled. "I think the tribe knew that custom as well, they talked to her as well. We all said our goodbyes to Mandisa. She was like a second mom to me." Tara moved to a seat and willow followed, Tara rested her head on Willow's shoulder.

"Tell me more about your life. I’d love to hear more." Willow kissed the top of Tara's head, she sat up and smiled to Willow.

"You want to know more about me?"

"Yea hello, didn't I just ask that?" This made Tara smile when Willow did the crazy eyes, popping her eyes out.

"My mom used to do that." Willow looked into Tara’s eyes and finally Tara couldn't take it anymore. She leaned in and kissed Willow. They didn't know how long they sat kissing – minutes, seconds, hours – everything was a blur when their lips parted. "Willow?"

"Shh." Willow's hand slid down Tara's back pulling her closer, kissing her neck, finding her pulse point and running her tongue up and down the soft flesh. Tara let out a small moan and knew she needed Willow to touch her more, make her feel more. she needed to loved and made love to.

"Willow I need more."

"Are you sure?"

"Are you?" Tara smiled and let out a purr, she stood taking a blanket from the supply and laying it on the floor. Willow watched as Tara grabbed a few more and placed them around. She motioned for willow to meet her, but Willow quickly became nervous, shuffling tentatively forward. Willow knelt down and Tara leaned in bring there lips together, and it was like magic. Their hands did the rest, sliding clothes and cupping flesh.

Willow quickly took over laying Tara down, kissing her neck, and running her hands over her milky white skin. Willow trembled when Tara's hand slide to Willow's sex. A small moan left her lips and that made Tara smile, until Willow's hand also descended. "Ahhh, Willow!"

"Tara!"

"Willow, don't stop please!" Willow and Tara's hips moved against each other as waves of pleasure over and over their heads spin. "Ahhh, more please."

"Greedy little girls don't get what they want." Willow gave an evil smile, but Tara turned it right around when her hand stopped motion. "Hey Indian giver, it’s not nice to take presents away."

"I’ts not nice to call people names either." Tara smiled and her hand slipped back into place. The moonlight filtered through the airplane window making the two naked bodies glow, the goddess was blessing them. She was telling them she loved them both and she would bless them and protect them.

Then as a flash of light Willow and Tara both shuddered as one orgasm rocked through their bodies. And as they came back down, Willow grabbed the blanket covered her and Tara, refusing to let go.

~ ~ ~

The next morning they plane had already landed on the air strip. The first to wake was Mr. Giles, Buffy, Anya, and William. Everyone else was still fast asleep. Buffy noticed Willow and Tara were missing, she would find them. "Be back, we’re missing two." She smiled and checked each flight class, until she got to coach and there when she opened the curtain was Willow and Tara wrapped in a blanket, holding onto each other. Buffy didn't want to wake them but knew she better before they had more the one pair of eyes. "Willow, Tara time to get up." There was a grumble, from Willow and a giggle from Tara. "Hello."

"Hi."

"Been awake long?" Buffy asked Tara, she stretched and nodded her head yes.

"Since sunrise, I love to watch her sleep. It’s cute how she curls her nose, and scrunches her face when she has a dream."

"Evil Bunnies..."

"Oh no the bunnies. Anya rubbed off on her." Buffy let a giggle out before she started for the exit. "Better get dressed before everyone comes back here." Buffy winked and exited.

"Willow come on, we have to get up." Tara kissed Willow's face until two green eyes were staring into blue oceans. "Hi."

"Hiya."

"Come on let’s get dressed." Willow grumbled and stood trying to find her underwear.

"I guess it’s true."

"What?"

"It’s always hard to find underwear in the back-seat of anywhere." Willow smiled as Tara threw Willow's underwear at her. "Holding my underwear hostage?"

"Yea but it wouldn't talk so I threw it back." Tara kissed Willow cheek and slipped her own underwear on.

In about five minutes Tara and Willow met everyone outside to discuss the plans. "OK so where do we start?" Buffy asked Tara.

"The cave is south, so we head south. We have a map of the land right?"

"Yea, little girl. You." William pointed out.

"Yes, and this." Buffy pulled out a map. "Did you think I was going to trust coming here without a map?" Buffy scoffed, spreading the map out over the ground. "OK you said south right?" Tara nodded. "OK then, we head south and it looks clear. No water falls, no traps. We’re good to go."

"All right group, let’s move out." Xander smiled. "Always wanted to say that." The group just groaned and they started to exploration into the jungle.

~ ~ ~

The travel was harsh and the day grew into afternoon. Everyone was getting hungry, so they set up camp for lunch after which they would move on. It was becoming rather unbearable so before they moved out, the boys thought it would be a great idea to continue shirtless. "Alright before we leave I need to take this shirt of or I'll bake." Xander slid his sweaty shirt off and started rubbing sun screen all over his chest. "Faith give me a hand." She smiled and helped rub lotion on his back. Over on the other side Buffy was helping William do the same, as Anya was helping her father. Tara was helping Donny as well, until she laughed when she slapped him across the back.

"What was that for?"

"Pay back." She kissed his cheek and ran to catch up with Willow.

"Alright are we ready now?" The girls said annoyed.

"Yes." They said in unison. Continuing on for another couple of hours they rested again at a nearby stream. But they didn’t dally long and continued only after a little bit, hoping to reach the cave soon. Darkness was coming more quickly now so they were forced to pitch their tents for the night.

"All right I will set my watch to wake us up around 8:00am so we can continue." Mr. Giles set his watch and then gathered food for supper. It was going to be a long night, they could tell. Tara could sense something strange, she didn't know what but something wasn't right.

"There’s a strange essence around this place, I don't like it." Everyone looked up from their food, her animal instincts were kicking in. She'd been in the jungle for so long she started to sense when things went wrong. "It’s not powerful but it’s there."

"It’s your imagination Tara, sit and eat." Her brother tried to nudge her but once she growled, he let go.

"Sorry, old habits die hard." she apologized.

"He's right it’s probably your imagination, come and eat." She didn't care what anyone said, something was out there watching.

~~~~

In the brush about thirteen feet away peered three sets of eyes, watching the strangers on the land that wasn't theirs "Who are these people? We must find out. Come let’s search." One figure pointed to another who e ran off into the night as the other two watched and smiled. The figure continued to a mountain edge and climbed with all its might.

"So what have you found out?"

"They are strangers, we do not know them. There are nine of them."

"Nine of them. Well my, my, that is a big number. Tell your friends to come back, we will have fun with these trespassers." The woman's voice was cold and harsh, but the creature understood, even if she wasn't speaking his language.

"Yes my queen." Then he was gone quick as he had come, standing on top of the mountain. "We cannot do anymore. Come back and the queen will pursue a new tactic."

That night as the others slept, Tara was wide awake, watching into the night for what she feared was something evil lurking. She wouldn't dare go to sleep, but her eyes felt so heavy, she couldn't help but close them for a second. Soon she was curled up next to Willow.

~ ~ ~

The morning for our travelers was the time to pack up and move out. The mountain was about ten minutes from where they needed to be, and a goods night sleep would help them defeat or calmly talk to the shamaness.. "Wake up everyone, time to go." Mr. Giles wiggled tents and blew a whistle until every soul was wake and getting ready to move on. "Lazy bunch, the lot of ya, now come on."

"Feels like boot camp all over again." William scratched his head and smiled as he slipped on his pants.

"Yea." Anya laughed.

"You two were in boot camp?" Xander asked nervously.

"Yea I had behavior issues and Anya here had trouble with her temper, tried to kill me she did." Anya smiled kissing William on the cheek.

"But those evil thoughts are out of my mind now."

"Move you asses!" They heard Mr. Giles knew they had better hurry.

"Alright we’re coming, Jesus Christ!" Faith was irate now, she couldn't believe how pushy he was being, so early in the morning too.

"Come along, the mountain is only fifteen minutes from here." Everyone looked amazed.

"Then why the hell did you rush us!" Faith was very annoyed. Mr. Giles ignored her as they pressed forward. The fifteen minute trip wasn't actually that long. Five minutes later they stood at the base looking up, Tara got that feeling again.

"I have a feeling we’re being watched." Tara moved quietly and grabbed something in the brush flipping it into everyone's view, it was masked. "And see I was right."

"Let me go, let me go, you bastards!"

"Now that's not very nice." Tara said out loud and then whacked him in the head. / Who do you work for?\ she asked.

/ I'm not going to tell you, you'll hit me again! \

/ I won't if you tell me.\

/ How can I trust you?\

/I used to live here in this forest. They called Me Water Lilly.\ The man's eyes lit up, and he smiled.

/Yes, Mandisa told everyone about you. I was just a baby when she died. I am Warka, but my English name is Warren.\ He bowed and looked to the others and smiled.

"Tara, can you explain what just happened?" Willow looked terribly confused.

"Willow everyone this is Warka or in other words Warren. He was one of the villagers I told willow about." She turned back to Warren but he was gone. /Warka where did you go?\

/Come, my mistress wishes to speak with all nine of you.\

/The shamaness.\ Warka just kept climbing and this meant the other should start.

"OK who has never rock climbed before?" William asked. The only one who hadn't was Willow. "Someone will show you what to do."

"Well, now I feel like an idiot."

"Don't, I can climb mountain because I lived out here for years." Tara kissed Willow’s cheek, and Willow blushed.

"Yea come on Wills, we’ll show you how." Xander helped strap Willow up and then told her what to do. Willow quickly got the hang of it and Tara was below her just in case she fell. She waited at the bottom. "Tara aren't you coming?" Xander looked down, Tara shook her head yes but still waited. When Willow got to the top Tara started her climb. She was up in a minute flat. "Merciful Zeus, we could have used you for Project Adventure in high school."

Chapter 13

The cave smelled like lilacs and honey, and of course everyone thought it to be strange. Tara was unsure about this, something wasn't right about little Warka. He was leading them into a trap, she knew it. But she needed to meet this shamaness woman and set things straight. What she was here for and what she needed more then anything else in the world.

/Hurry, this way.\ Warka yelled.

The group followed and finally they turned and saw a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Warka disappeared into the light and slowly the others followed, uncertain as to what was ahead. "Are you coming?" The woman's voice was gentle, which wrongly reassured Mr. Giles.

/Who are you?\ Tara spoke and held out a hand, she didn't want to enter unless she knew what she was dealing with.

"Ah you speak our language, very good." The woman laughed a bit and then it stopped. "I am what you seek, the shamaness." The others seemed pleased enough and entered.

The room was filled with candles, animal skins, and of course the shamaness. on a throne made of Animal bones and the trunk of a tree. In her hand she held a goblet made from a carved bone. In it was something the others could not figure out. She was wearing clothes of a cheetah's pelt and her necklace was fashioned out of crocodile teeth. Then what the others noticed more than anything were the people bowing around her, like she was a goddess. "I am Dawn, Shamaness of this land." The woman's voice was that of a young woman, but she had power that could have only come with old age. Though the group was unsure of what to make of her, the men were in awe of this shamaness.

"O my." Donny gazed upon this beauty for he could not look away. Neither could William, Xander, or Mr. Giles. Tara smelled the work of a spell, a spell that made all men would fall in love with the shamaness.

"Shamaness., we come to ask permission to search these hills. Years ago a man by Steven Maclay came here with a-"

"I know of the man you speak, but I cannot tell you the location of what you seek." Tara's heart sank.

"Please I will do anything."

"Anything you say?" This intrigued Dawn very much – what she could posses. She remembered this child, when she first entered the Jungle. She sent someone to protect this child from danger. Yes, she knew her now. "You are Water Lilly, aren't you?" Tara blushed and nodded, she couldn't believe it, everyone knew her. "I sent the women to look after you, when you came onto my land."

"I was afraid to enter your land, even to this day."

"Yes, I could sense your hesitation. I'll tell you what Water Lilly, I will tell you the location of what you seek if you can do one thing for me."

"What is that?"

"I am reaching my three-hundredth birthday in two days, at three hundred years I will step down and give the person or creature worthy enough my title. I want you to prove yourself worthy against our best tribe members and inherit the crown from them." Tara's eyes widened. "I want you to take my place as shamaness."

"But I am not worthy, I could never-"

"Yes, you can Water Lilly. I've been watching you." She smiled, standing as the bowing tribe member moved aside and She walked towards the travelers. "Since you have arrived here, even when you jumped into the lake those so many years ago." Tara nodded. "I have seen how brave you were standing up to your father, and I see how much strength it took to bring yourself here today. I know you can beat these tribe members. And it is the only way I will help you find what you are looking for."

"I'll do it!"

"Tara?" Donny walked up to her. She looked at him and shrugged. "That means you won't be coming home."

"What can I do Donny? I need to find Mom. If this is the only way..." She took a deep breath. "Then so be it."

The others were given a place to stay in the cave as Tara was told what to do for the up coming battle. She was more nervous then she knew how to deal with. She sat looking at herself in the mirror, wondering what she could do, how she could win. What her challenges could be. She was going into battle, but the battle moves were new to her. Was she to use magic or physical strength? Was she to use mind to beat these tribe members down? She was so deep in thought she never saw someone enter.

/Hello?\ Still nothing, the girl moved forward placing a hand on her shoulder, Tara jumped. /My name is Darisa, but you can call me Darla. I brought some clothes to wear.\ Tara smiled accepting the gift. /Need any advice?\

/Yes, what is this contest about?\

/First you need to be taught the ways of a shamaness: what makes a great leader. I know the perfect person to help you.\ Darla placed a hand up and headed for the door, minutes later she returned with two others, Warka and Angkl. /Warka and Angkl meet Water Lilly.\

* and Warka already met, but it’s nice to meet you Angkl.\

/You need to know things, me and my Brother will teach you. Ready to learn the ways?\ Tara nodded nervously, she was scared but she would do her best to win the title.

Faith, Xander, and Willow were bunked together in one room. They were so worried about Tara, especially Willow. She couldn't stop thinking about her, worried that this shamaness was lying about the whole thing. Would she really tell Tara where her Mom was? Or 'would she lie, and just let Tara take her place, or not even that. would she try to kill us all? Or...' But before Willow's babble could continue in her head, Xander was snapping her out of it.

"Come on Wills, Stop mind babbling. Let’s get some sleep. Tara will be fine."

"How did you know I was mind babbling?" Xander laughed and tucked himself in. "How did you know?"

"Willow, we grew up together. I know you, you know me. I know your thinking face, babbling face. I know a lot of things. It’s just because I know you, plus when you babble your face looks like you’re thinking." He laughed as Faith shot him a pillow. "What?"

"Trying to sleep over here."

"Still mad?"

"Yes, That was embarrassing. My geek picture, Why do you still have that thing?" Faith said in disbelief.

"Cause that's the sister I remember and some of those old geeky genes still pop out once and a while."

In a room down the way Mr. Giles, Buffy, William, Anya, and Donny shared a room. "So what should we do?" Anya asked with concern.

"There is nothing we can do. Tara has to fight this in her own. Let’s just hope she wins." Buffy told her sister who was snuggling into bed as she spoke. "It’s a test, and Dawn knows what she is doing. So now we have to hope it’s not a trap for the shamaness’ freedom."

"Bloody brilliant, we could be letting a powerful old creature free into the world? Bobs your uncle were one bean short of a full can." Anya just blinked at her father overly stated phrase.

"You know all my life I never understood one flippin’ word you said." Anya just shrugged, and then she turned over and tried to fall asleep.

"Come on tomorrow is going to be a long day. We should just try to get some sleep." Donny came out from the spare room in his pajamas. They all agreed and settled in, trying to get comfy.

~ ~ ~

Tara spent all night preparing for this mental challenge. She had to be ready for anything. But what Warka and Angkl told her last night shook her, scared her about Dawn. Would she get the same urges as she grew older? She knew this was for her mother, she had to win. So she could find her. Where ever Steven placed her she would find her. In just a few short minutes the games would begin and she would be challenge but one of the tribe members. But who?

"OK I am now officially scared." Tara talked to her friends. They gave her smiles, some hugs and Willow didn't even care anymore who knew, she pulled Tara to her. "Willow what if I-"

"It doesn't matter, I will stay with you." Tara eyes lit up and they both leaned in for a kiss, letting there lips lightly touch. Donny was shocked. As Willow took control nibbling and biting of course Buffy and Faith thought it was cute, everyone else was just either disgusted or shocked. "You will win Tara, ‘cause you are amazing baby." She smiled wiping tears away from Tara's blue eyes.

"I can do this." Tara smiled.

/I have decided to add another players into the game!\ They looked to Dawn, who was smiling. /I've decided to place a few more players in the game, I can feel strength and power.\ Dawn closed her eyes, and smiled. /I have a new game plan.\

"What she saying?" Buffy asked Tara.

"Something about more players, and something about strength and power, she has a new game plan." Tara shrugged.

/ I will be adding the ladies who just arrived. I think it will be interesting to see what they have.\ Tara eyes widened, the others looked confused.

"What?" Willow asked.

"She just said." She gave a laugh. "She's requesting, well not requesting but going to add you women to the battle, she thinks it’s interesting." The other girls just laughed and Anya marched forward.

"Whoa there, I didn't say I wanted to be any part of this contest."

"Yea me neither." Faith also looked a little irritated.

"Come on, it will help Tara out. Plus it will be teams, better team wins and the chosen gets to be the new shamaness." Dawn smiled. They knew she was planning something but what could they do but agree?

"We'll do it." Willow walked forward, and others grabbed a hold of her.

"Are you nuts?!" Anya and Faith screamed.

"Come on." Willow looked at them with puppy eyes.

"Aww not fair Wills." Faith nodded after that, as did Anya.

"William does that when he wants to get his way."

/They agree.\ The girls were fitted for the outfits, but Anya wasn't happy. The outfits screamed slut.

"Let the game begin!" Dawn the Shamaness smiled and the contestants came forward. There were five including Tara's team. Three of them were Warka, Angkl, and Darisa. "The first task you need to perform is to retrieve the dragon moss from the dragon’s lair in mountain Apera. I will send one team at a time and the one who brings back the most wins, First Angkls team." They bowed and headed for the mountain, scared and shaking.

Tara's team watched them leave as Dawn placed a magical portal. A screen so they could watch what they would be going up against. Tara and her friends sat watching until something caught there attention. It couldn't be, there are no such things as dragons. But what they were seeing was definitely a dragon. Pr was it a magic trick being played by Dawn?

* * *

Warka and Angkl pointed to the sky as they were halfway to the mountain, something wasn't right. The dragon was on its way. /DRAGON!\ Warka yelled, his head raced he couldn't believe what he saw. This couldn't be happening. /Shamaness., protect us please?\ But there wasn't a sign that the shamaness had heard his plea so Warka kept climbing hoping to get away safety /Angkl what do we do?\

/Keep climbing, I'll hold it off. Anbuo help me.\ The little tall skinny man with the cowlick hair ran beside Angkl to hold their ground. They would fight the dragon, hopefully without dying.

/No, we can make it, come on! \ Darisa screamed as the dragon swooped. She screamed as it grabbed Angkl. /My Angkl! \ He kept calm closed his eyes and it looked as if he was praying, but then a blast of light shone, blinding the dragon who dropped Angkl to the ground.

/ Lets go, hurry.\

/Angkl you’re hurt, we should just go back.\ Darisa said helping him up.

/ Didn't do that for nothing, now let’s go.\ They climbed into the cave and when they entered the moss was all around. /OK Grab as much as you can and make sure it’s dragon moss. \

/How can you tell? \

/Dragon moss has a red tint to it, regular moss doesn't. Make sure you wear the gloves, if you touch it without them you get sick.\ They collected a bunch of the moss and exited the cave carefully making there way down the mountain as quickly as they could. Just when they thought they were safe the Dragon growled and came out of no where, Darisa jumped dropping her bad for an instant. She could touch it with her hand but she grabbed the bag a managed to save some. /Hurry!\

/Can you use that light thing again? \

/No, it’s only good once every charm. So let’s go before it grabs me again!\ They ran, jumping over logs and trees and finally they realized what they had to do, fight the dragon. /We have to fight it!\

/No if we get to the boundary it will turn around, we should keep going!\ Warka pointed out that they were almost there another yard or two.

/Fine.\ But just as they were about the run the dragon landed behind them, blocking the six tribe member in the spot. /Shit.\

/What the papaya?\ Anbuo looked into the dragons eyes and almost pissed his pants.

/Angkl?\

/On the count of three take my bag and run.\

/No, I won't leave you.\ Darisa protested but once Angkl said three, Warka picked her up and was off. The dragon was fixed on Angkl.

/Just as I thought, want a little revenge huh? Well, come on big boy come and get me.\ He ran and the dragon was on him like that, toying with him. Any minute it could have snapped him in two. Angkl could feel the breath on his neck wondering why he wasn't getting his head bitten off. He turned his head quickly and dragon opened his mouth ready but then unexpectedly Angkl turned ducking making the dragon bump his head into a tree. Angkl hid until the coast was clear..

The group returned with a crying Darisa in hand. She yelled cursing Warka's name. But the count was made and it was known that team one brought back four and a quarter bags back. Now it was Tara's team, no one was ready to go. "Are you nuts?!" Anya and Faith yelled.

"What is with the dragon?" Tara asked Dawn, she just smiled and shrugged. "Dragons aren't supposed to be real. He looks a lot real to me!" Tara was angry now, more then she ever was in her life. "Get rid of it, I know you’re responsible. Send it back!" Tara's order sent a shocking gasp through the tribe. Dawn's smile went to a fierce glare. "Now!"

"You dare yell me, I am Dawn the Shamaness of this forest. I willed that you as a child be kept safe. That you were taken care of! And you dare bark orders at me? Tara looked frightened now as Dawn’s eyes flashed dark colors. Tara felt herself being pulled towards Dawn until a hand wrapped around her neck. "Do as I say or you will never find what you seek!" Tara nodded as did the others. Willow was ready to pounce when Dawn's hand wrapped around Tara's neck., but she remained calm and knew Dawn would do nothing to harm Tara.

/As you wish.\ Tara said coldly and lead the girl out into the forest, They could hear the dragons roar of anger as they trudged through the forest to the mountain. "Fucking bitch."

"Tara!" Buffy exclaimed.

"Sorry, it’s just..."

"No, I meant that." She pointed to the dragon who watching them.

"O wonderful." Willow smiled at the dragon who seemed to lick his lips. "Good dragon, you don't want to hurt us."

"Willow." Faith remained perfectly still.

"Yea?" As did Willow.

"Don't talk to the nice dragon."

"I don't think it’s going to hurt us." Tara smiled and the dragon laid down rolling over on its tummy. "I think it wants to play, I think that’s all it wanted to do." Tara walked closer to the dragon remaining calm and she reached a hand out.

"Tara?" Willow was more then nervous she was frightened.

"It’s OK." She placed a hand on the dragon’s side rubbing its belly, he liked it. "See." Buffy smiled walking forward. "I think it’s just..." Tara had another grinding fear. "...Um you guys notice anything different about this dragon?"

"Just that it looks sma-" Then Willow had a thought. "...By the gods we should be running." Then all of a sudden they heard a loud roar from the front of them, they could see the mother coming toward them. "It wasn't a he, but a she."

"Run!" Anya yelled.

"No, Anya towards the mountain!" Tara pointed to the East. "Come on everyone!" The five ran quickly towards the mountain. Once they were almost there and the mother was no where in sight, Tara opened and underground cavern. "Come on down quickly."

"What in the hell?"

"This will keep us safe and into the base of the mountain once we get a rest." Buffy was beginning to freak out.

"That thing was a dragon, a fucking dragon. I thought it was an illusion to freak out the tribe but nope it’s real." Buffy said staring into Tara's eyes. "I am not moving from this spot." Anya quickly nodded, and sat next to Buffy.

"We'll calm down and then we will go. Everything will be OK. I won't let anything happen. I know every underground cavern and part of this wooded area." Tara knelt down to Buffy, and placed a hand on her cheek. "Trust me, you protected me. I will protect you, now let’s rest a few minutes and then we'll move on."

~ ~ ~

Dawn watched from her monitor. Her eyes were dark for a moment then a smile came onto her face. She had not expected Tara to think so quickly, but she knew she had picked the right girl now. She would be a great successor.

~ ~ ~

They moved through the cavern with Tara leading the way when suddenly they heard a grumble, like right before something collapses. They stopped, listened again and when they realized it was nothing, they moved on. Tara was holding onto Willow's hand, she might be the leader but she was still scared out of her mind.

Reaching the entrance to the mountain, they now entered and they realized it was really cold, now wearing those half-uniforms it seemed ten times. Anya was freezing not used to wearing so little and she cursed her perked up nipples and her goose bumps. "I don't like the look of this cave." Faith said with a shiver, Buffy agreed rather quickly still shaken by the dragon encounter.

"I know but we have to keep going." All of a sudden the floor underneath Buffy and Faith collapsed and they were gone. Tara, Willow, and Anya turned around once they heard a slight scream.

"Buffy!"

"Faith!" Willow and Anya screaming in unison. They couldn't see anything. everything was black.

"Buffy, Faith Can you hear me!?" Tara yelled down, there was no answer. "Buffy, Faith!"

"We have to go down there, they could be hurt!" Then, like magic the gap closed. The hole was sealed, there was no way down. "NO!" Anya dug with her nails, trying to get to her sister. "Buffy, hold on!"

"Anya don't you get it, it’s a test. Dawn is splitting us apart. She wants to see if one of us is worthy enough."

"Worthy?"

"Yes." Anya shook her head, she couldn't believe this. She had to find away to help Buffy and Faith.

"Worthy, fine I'll show you worthy! You son of a bitch, bring them back you ass fucker!" Tara's eyes widened. Dawn was watching she knew it and at this point she was probably not so happy.

"Anya don't make her angry, come on before she...o shit." All of a sudden a boulder came rolling along from behind of them.

"Jesus Christ what is this, Indian Jones?" Tara pulled her along and just as they reached the next cave the boulder blocked their only way back. "No, we have to go back for them!"

"Anya the only way to help them is to move on. Let’s go." Willow nudged her forward wrapping an arm around her. "Nothing bad will happen, I'm sure they’re all right."

TBC...

/ Warka?\

/ Here, this way.\

"He said this way, come on."