"I'm really sorry but I need to talk to her,
" Tara said. Buffy winced and hoped Tara hadn't seen. Xander noticed Tara didn't look teary-eyed at all. Which was really strange to him considering what Willow had accounted of what happened.
"You don't understand,
" she said cruelly.
"She doesn't know.
" This got a blank stare from everyone.
* * *
"I hear voices coming from the forest,
" Willow whispered, obviously in dream state.
"The moon is full, Oz. It colors itself as blood.
"
"Does it scare you?
" Oz asked. We get a flash of her dream. She is in a white lace and silk gown facing the forest. Another flash. She moves closer. Another flash. You see the moon. It is, in fact, blood red. One more flash and you stay in the dream. The forest was thick. Everything had a red tint to it. Her dress looked nearly pink. Her hair was in curls. They fell short near her shoulders. Oz looked like he usually did. The red bouncing off of his face looked like he was sweating blood. The words
"I think you'd sweat cute blood
" echoed through her mind. She laughed.
"You're not scared?
" he asked.
"I'm never scared with both of you with me, but I'm so confused,
" she said. Tara was on the other side of Willow.
"It's coming for you. You won't be safe here. I can take care of you,
" Tara said.
"No. You know I'd die for you. You'll be safer with your friends – and me,
" Oz said.
"I'm not ready to choose,
" Willow said.
"That's cool. You shouldn't be forced to right away,
" Oz said he smiled. It was warm and she trusted it.
"No! You have to pick now! I love you,
" Tara said, and cold feeling gripped Willow.
"I won't force you. If being with Tara makes you happy, that's what you need to do,
" Oz said.
"He's right. You're happier with me. Leave your friends, they hate you and you know it.
" There was something wrong about this to Willow.
"Don't do what you don't want to. It's your choice.
" They grew misty and then disappeared.
"I've never been so alone in my life,
" Willow whispered. She saw visions of Buffy and the gang with her. Those were the best years of her life. She saw no visions with Tara…
* * *
"The blood moon rises in three days. I need to stop the prophecy,
" Tara said.
"The ‘Blood Moon'. Are you quite certain?
" Giles asked. Tara nodded.
"My Mother, she has tried to bring the prophecy forth, but has never succeeded. If she ever does…
" Tara trailed off.
"Let me guess: Armageddon.
" Angel walked through the door.
"Where were you?
" Buffy asked.
"It isn't important.
"
"Your… mother?
" Xander asked.
"Catherine Madison,
" Tara said.
* * *
"Are you alright? Your dream looked pretty intense,
" Oz said.
"I think I'll be fine, as for my ankle…
" Willow said.
"Do you need to be lifted up?
" Oz asked. She smiled.
"No. Could you just support me?
" she asked. She, on one foot, lifted herself off the bed. She began to teeter, but Oz caught her. She blushed.
"Thanks.
" She put her arm around his shoulder and he had is arm around her middle. They made it through the door. Oz felt Willow stumble. Everyone looked up. Tara looked the other way.
"Tara,
" Willow said. She tried to rush over to her. He landed on the twisted foot and nearly fell. Oz caught her.
"Take it easy,
" he said.
"You're hurt?
" Tara asked.
"Our demon did something to her ankle. She'll be fine,
" Oz said.
"I asked Willow,
" she said under her breath. They made it to the bottom of the stairs and everyone fell silent. It was an uncomfortable silence. Buffy hated it. This was really weird.
"So, we doing the annual hospital thing and then hitting Dominoes?
" Xander asked.
"Why not? They know us by name there,
" Buffy said.
"Yes. Quite.
" Giles looked troubled. As they headed for the door, he stopped Tara.
"Tara, I believe we need to speak,
" Giles said quietly and held her behind. She didn't struggle, she nodded. She picks up a small back pack and slings it over her shoulder. As this happens, you get a flash of gold from inside the pack.
"This won't be quick, we have a lot to discuss,
" he said, motioning for her to put her bag down. Once everyone had left, and were far from earshot, Tara pulled a knife from her pocket.
* * *
"Do either of you ever walk?
" Buffy asked Angel and Oz. Angel's drop-top was parked next to Oz's recently black van. To match his hair or something. They looked at each other.
"No,
" Angel said. Xander rolled his eyes and opened the door to Oz's van.
"Where's Tara?
" Willow asked.
"She stayed behind for some reason,
" Oz said. You see him pull something from his pocket. It glistens in the moonlight. It's blade looked awfully sharp…
* * *
"Now, now, my dear. You're my daughter. I feel a love towards you. Why do you loathe me so?
" a voice asked. You see Tara bond and gagged and tied to a pole around a large bonfire. Across from her was Oz, in the same state. They wriggled, trying to loosen their bonds.
"Isn't it amazing? You didn't even have to make a big scene. I simply stole you from the dream. Your duplicates are taking care of the others. That Willow girl is the one I want. But she must come freely. I didn't expect the demon, but he was a nice diversion. Oh, now don't look so upset. I won't harm her,
" the woman said. Then her smile turned cruel.
"Just play a few mind games.
" Then, she slapped Tara.
"How dare you tell them I had freed myself. You ungrateful little wench. Your sister won't save you. She was seen to. You have no friends – either of you. You are the only two she loved who could be spared.
" She spat on Oz.
"Stop that. There is a place for everyone she knows here,
" she motioned at the other four poles.
"A werewolf and a Wicca. Together. It is unheard of. Witches and werewolves are sacred enemies. But you,
" she pointed her perfectly manicured finger at Tara.
"Gay? Cute.
" She laughed.
"You will all die eventually, but as long as I need you, you will live! ,
" Catherine said.
