Eyes of the Soul

Title: Eyes Of The Soul

Author: Jennifer

Copyright (c) 2002 by Jennifer Johnson
Feedback: jennpurr@yahoo.com or truthotheart@aol.com Please, give me feedback. Good or bad. Feel free to tell me what you think. Or just post it here.
Disclaimers: All characters belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. This is solely for my entertainment. Please do not copyright this story.
F/F romance: If the idea of a same sex relationship bothers you, please do not read this story.
Pairings: W/T eventually, X/A
Spoilers: Season 6. This is set after Seeing Red, but Tara never dies at the hands of Warren. The rest is just my own creativity. Oh, and Giles never left.
Summary: Tara is missing, or so the Scoobies think. What will happen when they find her?
Rating: PG-12? Some violence and more Slayer/Jaguar interaction; it was just too cute to leave out. :grin
My Thanks: To Sam (Blue77) and Danie. Thanks for being my betas and for helping me out with all the suggestions. You truly are gifted for writing, both of you. I hope you continue to do so. ;) And Danie, don't forget the catnip. ;)
Author's Notes: This is my first attempt at writing Buffy fan fiction, so please tell me what you think. I usually write fan fiction for ER. I apologize for the heavy subject of W/T angst in this story, especially after what has happened to Tara. These thoughts have been floating around in my brain lately and I just wanted to see if I could turn them into a story. Willow and Tara WILL have a happy ending, if that helps. Let's just hope we get that on the show. Some of the inspiration for this came from "Unexpected Consequences" Lisa's a genius. Thanks for your story Lisa. :)



Eyes Of The Soul: Chapter 6/?
By: Jennifer



Buffy's slayer hearing was one of her many prized possessions, next to her strength and speed. She relied on it. She had to. Her hearing allowed her to pick up on things easier than most humans could ever dream of.

In the back of her mind she could have sworn she heard something approaching from behind. Turning around from her perch on the new headstone, all Buffy could see were the various other graves and the bushes guarding the property. And unless one of the cement stones was high tech and could make sounds, than there was nothing to look for.

With a soft sigh, Buffy turned back around and sat patiently awaiting the arrival of what would probably be many new vamps tonight.

Tara saw her moment and took it. Very slowly and gingerly, she approached her friend. Her paws made as little noise as possible. When she reached the head stone Buffy was resting upon, she purred. It was a deep throaty, affectionate praise.

It wasn't the affectionate noise that caught the slayer's attention, however. When she felt something brush up against her thigh, she spun, her slaying instincts kicking in over drive. The stake was raised in the air and just about to make contact with Tara's back, when Buffy realized what had touched her.

The fast movement startled Tara and her first gut feeling, her first, 'human,' reaction, was to cower. So that's what she did.

Buffy heard the somewhat loud thud, as the Jaguar fell over on it's side and exposed it's tummy to the night air; completely taking on a submissive pose. The blonde lowered her stake slowly and kept her eyes locked on the cat.

Taking a chance, Tara tilted her head up and caught the gaze of her friend. She once again sympathized with her. 'I'm sorry, Buffy.' Tara wished this could reach the slayers ears, but that wasn't possible.

Buffy was somewhat frozen. Her pupils enlarged and her breathing erratic. 'Calm down, just stay calm, it's not gonna hurt you... right?' As Buffy stared into the soft blue eyes of the feline, a calming filled her senses. She felt peaceful. Somehow in the back of her heart, she knew she was safe. This creature of the night, didn't want to harm her.

Tara remained perfectly still. Her stomach remained poised in the air, eyes locked with Buffy's.

The slayer drew in a deep breath and exhaled before pushing off the cold cement and slipping her stake into the pocket of her jacket. With a tentative step forward, Buffy stopped right in front of the animal.

Tara's soulful eyes bored into the other girl's as she watched her slowly kneel on the ground beside her.

'Please tell me this is not a wishy washy thing to do!' Buffy said in her mind.

Bravely, she reached forward and let the tips of her fingers brush over the cat's velvety underside. A purr immediately found her ears. With more courage, she let her whole hand soon pass over the belly of the powerful predator.

Tara's first thought was, 'this is weird. That feels good, but it kinda tickles.' Her muse giggled and presented itself; a wholehearted chorus of music came from deep within her lungs.

Buffy could feel and hear the cat's silent language and this put her at an even greater ease than before. "Nice kitty," she said.

'This is way cool. What Willow would give to be here right now.' She frowned at that thought. At this point she wished she had let her best friend tag along. 'At least she wouldn't have ran out of the shop all depressed again if I had just said yes.'

"Wow... your hair's all soft," the slayer cooed, as if she had just remembered that this powerful creature was in her presence.

The Jaguars right front paw pushed up and hooked around Buffy's arm. It loosely laid there, no threat to the slayer what so ever.

The blonde somehow knew that to be true. The cat's claws alone could rip her to pieces, but it wasn't going to happen.

Tara flipped over onto her left side and slowly stood. Her eyes finding those of the Slayer's as she approached her.

Rubbing up against Buffy's left arm, Tara almost forgot her feral forms strength. She watched as her friend tipped over somewhat in the other direction, completely caught off guard by the feline's actions.

The Jaguar quickly moved to the other side to catch her and rubbed against the other arm, this time gentler than before. Once she was standing in front of the girl, Tara purred again.

Reaching up, Buffy petted the cat's ears.

Tara tilted her head to the side when the slayers fingers found her soft spot behind her left ear. She leaned into the touch and gave Buffy's wrist an affectionate lick.

The sand papery tongue felt rough against the blonde's skin. 'I can't believe this is happening... again!' Buffy thought.

Tara stepped closer and rubbed against Buffy's chest a few times before flopping over to reveal her underside once more.

Buffy couldn't help, but chuckle at the cat. "You like your tummy rubbed, huh?" She said, as she ran her hands over the black fur. "Willow should be here."

The Jaguar's body stiffened and rolled over immediately at the mention of the redhead. Tara then sat right in front of Buffy, staring into her green eyes. Her ears twitched with anticipation.

The blonde was quickly aware of the change in the cat's demeanor. It was now sitting poised as if in expectance of something. She just tilted her head and studied the creature very carefully. "What? I don't know what you want, kitty." Buffy was confused.

Tara lifted her right paw and rested it on the slayers knee. Her eyes saddened and she lowered her head, but kept eye contact with the girl in front of her.

Buffy knew or thought it was trying to tell her something, but it was beyond her comprehension. "I don't know what you want. I don't understand."

The paw on her knee lifted and then made contact again, as the cat's eyes pleaded, a visible tear streaking its fur.

As the blonde opened her mouth to say something, Buffy heard a noise behind her. She spun her head to see her long awaited vamp starting to rise. Quickly jumping to her feet, the slayer took her stance, stake ready for action.

Tara's eyes turned cold as she watched the vamp. Her stomach started to feel queasy and she felt a sudden need to growl with fury. She took a step closer to Buffy, a piercing growl rattled her chest and presented itself to the night.

The vamp snarled as it rose to its feet. He was still somewhat dazed, but he didn't let that faze him. He went after Buffy, catching her off guard as she looked back at the cat. The young vampire struck the blonde across the face and she stumbled back.

Tara's protective instincts rose within her; the Jaguars feral nature awakening and taking over, as she roared a deadly growl and charged at the vamp.

He tried to side step the cat, but failed.

The great cat pounced and sunk its claws into the vamp's chest as they hit the ground with a loud thud.

The soulless creature yowled in pain as the cat attacked and with a swipe of its claws, the vampire was decapitated. Its ashes showered the ground seconds later.

The ashes played with Tara's nostrils, making her sneeze as she grunted and ran over to her friend.

Buffy had fallen over when the inexperienced vamp hit her. She was propped up on her elbows and watched the cat as it approached.

Tara stepped next to the girl, her nose mere inches from the blonde's, much like it was when they first encountered each other.

The slayer reached up and petted the Jaguars head. "Thank you..." she paused and twisted around to lift up the cat's back leg, "...girl." She smiled. "I owe you one." Buffy giggled when Tara leaned forward and nuzzled her face, her whiskers tickling the blonde's nose.

After paying attention to the black cat for a few more minutes, Buffy finally stood and brushed off her clothes. She pulled a leaf from her hair and let it flutter to the ground. "I should go, girl." Buffy said, scratching Tara's ears one more time.

Tara stepped back and looked up at the young woman before her, tail tucked. She blinked at her and then turned and ran into the bushes.

"Alright... this is just too weird. Time for Giles to get... Gilesy." Buffy turned and hightailed it out of the cemetery.

Staying out of sight, the Jaguar followed the slayer. At this moment, Tara didn't care if she was supposed to be heading back to her cage. She knew Amy would be pissed and she was likely to be punished, but she needed to get home, 'Home to my family, to Willow. My Willow. I'm coming home, darling.'

*****

"Where is she? She's supposed to be back by now," the brunette witch said, angrily. She paced in the small room. "I never should have let her out of that cage." The girl stopped pacing and walked over to the corner of the room behind the stairs that lead out of the basement.

Opening a door that led to a small room, she stepped in.

After flipping on a light, the witch spoke. "She has disobeyed me. You said she never would, that she had a loving soul and would surrender to any threats."

Walking forward, she stopped in front of a figure lying slumped over on the floor. "You lied to me." The witch raised her palm and energy crackled over her fingers, before it shot out and flowed into the girl on the floor; she screamed in pain.

"No!" It was the only word the girl could speak, curling up into a fetal position and clutching her chest.

"Now... time for you to pay attention little girl," the witch ordered.

Feeling the pain subside, the young woman backed up and pushed herself to the wall, sitting finally. She still held a hand to her chest and kept her eyes on the other form before her.

Blinking her eyes, the young woman watched as the witch changed forms; morphing from a young brunette, identical to herself, to an older and scruffier male form.

"Are you ready to help me?" He asked.

"Yes," Amy said. Her head was now pounding with pain and she was feeling lightheaded.

"Let's pay strawberry a visit." He grinned evilly, energy still crackling on his hands.

Amy knew she couldn't argue. She would only be subjected to more magical torture, but what did didn't know was her only defense. "Okay," she said.

Her eyes closed briefly when she felt a warm liquid trickle over her lip. Wiping her face, she looked at her hand. Her fingers were streaked with blood from her nose. Lifting her gaze back up to the warlock, he smiled dangerously at her. 'How do I do this? I have to help Willow and warn her, but how?'

Puzzled, Amy just closed her eyes and rested her head back on the wall. Her mind floating with hundreds of possibilities, but only one out come; Tara. Tara was the only way to help Willow and keep her from harm, but if Amy helped her escape then Rack would come after her and she would suffer his torment for betraying him.

'I don't care. I have to help her,' she vowed, as she watched Rack leave the room in a shimmy of black energy. "...But, how do I get out of here?" Amy frowned. She would find a way.

*****

Buffy finally approached her house. As she stumbled in the door breathlessly from running, her eyes landed on her watcher.

He was sitting in a chair talking to Xander and Anya.

Pushing the door closed, she pulled her jacket off and draped it over the railing on the stairs.

"Hey, guys," she said entering the room and collapsing in the chair across from her friends.

"Hey, Buff. How was the slayage?" Xander had his arm draped around Anya's shoulders.

"One vamp, one slay... although, I didn't do the slaying part," she said, remembering back to the e.

.

"Then who did?" Anya asked, a confused expression on her face.

"The cat did," Buffy's voice hinted that, that fact should have been obvious.

"Are you quite alright?" Giles sat forward in his chair, leaning his elbows on his knees as he eyed his slayer. "You weren't injured, were you?" His fear was apparent in his eyes.

"No, I'm fine." She assured him. "Giles, it protected me again. This is really starting to make me confused gal. Why does it keep doing that?" she asked him, under the assumption that he would just hold all the answers.

"I don't know. I'm afraid I don't have any new theories since earlier." The watcher was clearly disappointed in him self.

"Well, is it..." Anya was about to ask a question, but then she paused. She looked around the room. "Did you hear that?"

"Hear what, An?" Xander looked at her curiously.

"It was like a scratching noise." She stopped. "There it is again." The ex-demon followed the noise with her ears.

Standing, she walked towards the stairs. That's when she knew for sure she wasn't just hearing things. Anya spun around and stared at the front door. "It's coming from the door, outside."

Buffy got up and walked to the door, looking out the glass at the top of the doorframe. "I don't see anything."

She jumped, startled, when the noise beckoned them again, "There's something out there," she said, surprised.

"Well, duh... I just said that, but forbid you ever listen to and believe the ex-demon. I mean, what do I know. I've only been around for over 1,000 years." She huffed.

"An, calm down. We didn't say we didn't believe you," Xander said, stepping up beside his girlfriend. "Did we, Buff?"

"Huh? No... sorry, Anya." Her ears perked up at the scratching again. "There it is again." Buffy bravely grabbed onto the door handle.

at'sat's goin' on guys?" Willow said from the top of the stairs.

"I don't know. There's a scratcher thingy, scratching the door from outside," Xander said, his eyes wide with wonder.

"A scratcher? Well... what is it?" Willow slowly descended down the stairs, stopping when she stood on the third step from the floor.

"How are you, Willow?" Giles asked in his best paternal voice, as he approached the stairwell.

Finally closing the distance to the floor, she walked over and stood beside him. Her eyes were enough to answer his inquiry. They were puffy and bloodshot from crying. Her nose was reddened as well. She just looked at him, her heart aching for guidance and relief from her sadness.

"Oh, Willow... I'm sorry. It will be alright." Giles pulled the young woman to him, embracing her tightly.

Willow just clung to him. He was one of the only ones, besides Tara, who could mend her worries and she depended on him like any daughter would her father. "I love you, Giles."

The watcher didn't hesitate before answering back. "I love you, too, Willow. I promise you..." He pulled back, putting a hand on each side of her face to look her in the eyes, "...I will always be here for you. You are my daughter, you know," he said proudly.

Everyone had grown silent, not wanting to interrupt their moment, but it hadn't stopped the noise from outside, which was growing louder by the minute.

"This is all moving and special and all, but... that noise isn't going away. Something's still out there," Buffy said, before being cut off by Anya, who had just gasped loudly.

"What, what is it?" Xander asked her.

She was staring wide eyed at the door.

The ex-demon just pointed at the small window on the doorframe. They all followed her finger and the gasped alike when they saw what she was looking at.

Anya sighed and then inhaled sharply again. "See... I told you that was appropriate," remarking her sigh.

"Holy moly schpedoinkle..." the young man spit out. "Golly look!"

"Oh my God. It's the cat. It must have followed me home," Buffy exclaimed, as she watched the cat drop out of sight. The slayer reached for the doorknob again and started to turn it.

"What are you doing?" Xander's voice was full of fear.

"I'm going outside," she answered, matter of factly.

"...But the big scary killer cat!" the construction worker pointed out. "Is it safe? It can't be very safe."

"Guys, I'll be fine. I can't explain it, but I know she won't hurt me. Now... I'm going out there," her tone hinting no fear.

"She... who's she?" the young man was confused.

"The cat. It's a girl, a female," the slayer remarked and went back to the task of opening the door and then paused. She turned to Willow. "Will, come outside with me," she offered.

"What? But, the kitty?" she said, questioningly

"It won't hurt you," Buffy promised.

Willow looked at Giles, who had a very worried-Giles expression on his face.

"Buffy, I don't think that's a rather good idea. It could be dangerous. I know it hasn't harmed you, but we don't know how it will react to others, other than yourself." He stepped closer to the blonde.

"Giles, I want to. I wanna see the kitty. Please?" Willow's eyes pleaded with his. Something was pulling her to do this. She didn't know what, but it was a very strong feeling of need.

He peered t het her briefly, before pulling of his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright... but if you sense any immediate danger, what so ever, promise me you'll come back inside?" he conditioned.

"I promise," she said, with her resolve face intact.

Willow stepped up behind Buffy, as the blonde opened the door and they carefully slipped out. The redhead gripped the back of the slayer's shirt for protection.

"Oh, boy," Xander said. He stumbled backwards and sat down on the stairs, resting his head on the railing. "Wake me when that thing turns them into WillowBuffy soup," he said before passing out.

*****


End of part 6