Gladiatrix

A/N: This is an alt story. It doesn't follow canon and since Faith and Tara never met in season 5 this is a "what if." I've gotten some reveiws, not here, that express a disbelief that Tara would be so forgiving of Faith. But I can only write the characters how I see them. I can't write from anyone elses POV.

Rating: R

BtVS++++++

Within moments of calling on the Goddess an unseen wind began stirring, quickly picking up in intensity. Over the sound of the rushing wind, they could hear a musical voice.

"Tara, begat by Jane, Jane begat by Inez, Inez begat by Ruth, Ruth begat by Sarah. The blood of your ancestors flows through your veins. As does their magic. Why do you call on me, child? You know I can not interfere with your battle against Glory." A single tear slid down Tara's cheek.


"Thank you, Goddess," Tara husked out. "I do not call for me, but for another who needs your help. The dark slayer," Tara explained.

The wind started to die down. For long moments there was silence. "Faith?" the voice asked. "She has found her way. Why does she need my help?" Anya tightened the knots on Spike's rope. "There is one here who questions her path. Will you show us the truth?" Tara asked.

They all watched Glory touch Xander and Faith crashing through glass doors.

Buffy grabbed Spike by the front of his t-shirt. "Where are they?" she asked, raising a stake pointing it at his dead heart.


"There is no time, slayer. Go with Tara. She will lead the way." The voice urged. Tara smiled, turning silver eyes on Buffy. Tara held out a hand. Without a second thought, Buffy dropped her stake. She rushed to the wall of swords Giles kept hidden in the training room.

She grabbed a short and long sword and raced back to Tara, taking the offered hand. Giles took Tara's other hand. Clutched to his chest was the Darkest Magick book he kept hidden from Willow.

Buffy looked at Dawn. "I love you," Buffy whispered. "Always remember that." The teenager ran across the room and threw her arms around Buffy. Buffy leaned down and kissed the top of Dawn's head."If we don't come back, I want you to do everything Willow and Anya tell you, okay?" Buffy asked.


Dawn nodded clinging to Buffy in silent desperation. Buffy let her hold on for a few minutes before puling away. She turned to Willow. "If you don't hear from us in an hour, take Dawn and go to Angel. He'll protect you."

Willow nodded tears streaming down her face. She looked at her girlfriend and her friend, her heart swelling with emotion. "Please come back," she said. Knowing she'd be lost without the three people in front of her.

"No matter what happens. I'll always love you Willow, Tara said sounding more confident than they'd ever heard.

Taking a deep breath Tara stepped forward. Willow, Dawn and Anya were blinded by a white light as Tara, Buffy and Giles disappeared inside the image of Glory's bedroom.

(tbc)