[In the wake of the turmoil in the house earlier in the month, it's become painfully clear that something isn't quite right with Tara. There have been subtle signs for awhile - odd moments where she has said something completely out of the blue that didn't quite make sense that were easy to politely explain away as a moment of inattention, or distraction, but whatever it is, it's plainly been getting worse.
She had been willing to brush it aside briefly to focus on the more immediate problem of vampirism - Tara didn't seem to be in any danger, nor did she seem to pose a danger to anyone else, but now that things are settled, it's time for Willow to refocus her research energy on the next problem.
There's no shortage of problems in Trench.
She settles in on their bed when she walks into the bedroom they share, and studies Tara in concern. Her eyes are tired - she hasn't been sleeping well for awhile, and recent events certainly haven't helped at all with that.]
Hey... I wanted to, uh, check in a little after... Well, after everything. Are you okay?
[It was a bit more frequent, moments where her memory would lapse and what she was calling "blips" would happen. Certain times where she almost seemed to black out, but still function, having no control over what she said or did. When she came back to herself, there would be confusion and looks from others, enough that she knew something strange happened. But there was no memory of it, no realization about what she did.
Much like the feeling of death and...emptiness like a void, she didn't talk about it with anyone. It might startle them, but it was her issue and likely some corruption on her part. Maybe. Possibly. It was hard to say, but she was a bit too afraid to look into it or talk about it.
Much like her blood type and how she's come back wrong.
More than anything, she didn't want Willow to know. She would worry, panic maybe and...well, she didn't show signs of going overboard on the magic, but would this be the catalyst. Tara didn't want to take that risk. She didn't want things to go back to the way they were.
So the question is met with her forced smile, the sort she'd been using to make it seem like she feels something. It was almost convincing by now.]
Yeah, I'm fine. It's been a bit weird with Oz and Faith, but you know, weird is something we're used to by now. Are you okay?
[Willow nods as Tara assures her she's fine, without really believing it. There's been too much strange behaviour, and it's getting harder to ignore the more time goes on and the more often she seems to say or do something completely unexpected, like she's too far into her own head, or another world completely.]
Well... it's better. Mostly, anyway. Qrow and I are still trying to stay out of each other's way a little, but it's okay. It'll be fine.
[She shifts her focus again back to Tara in the wake of the question.]
Are you sure you're okay? I know everything's been... kind of crazy, especially since you just moved in not that long ago. I mean, this is crazy even by Trench standards.
Okay, maybe a little less so by Deerington standards, but this place really seemed kind of... calmer until now.
[More of a hope on her end, but she would hold fast to it. What Willow did was a hard choice, but it was something that she felt was necessary. And given that others had been uncomfortable, it was better to remove the source of it all.
She shifted a little, pulling her knees up to her chest. This was obviously something she couldn't just brush aside, even if she wanted to pretend the topic didn't exist.]
Yeah, it seems calmer lately and yeah, I'm fine. I'm a bit worried about what will come. It doesn't seem like the calm is going to last forever.
I don't really know the difference between Deerington and the Trench.
[Which might be a good topic. It would steer Willow away from anything else.]
[Things have been smoothed over with Oscar and Ozpin, which is also a relief, but not perhaps so surprising. She knows Ozpin, with all of his lifetimes of experience, is remarkably forgiving, and she's always known Oscar to be understanding as well as having a very good head on his shoulders.
The way she shifts and pulls her knees up sends the signal to Willow that no, Tara is, as she suspected, not okay. She shifts a little closer, but she decides to go along with the distraction for now.]
Well... Deerington was a dream instead of the real world. So there was all kinds of crazy reality warping stuff happening all the time. One morning we even woke up to the town going totally Old West. Complete with giant worms underground, and like, feral mountain men that wanted to eat people.
So kind of like Dune? [Showing her dorkiness again. Sometimes she wished for Xander, someone that helped her feel less weird.] But that's kind of like what's happening here? We were pulled into this sort of different place where they were harvesting organs. Isn't that no different than being in the Old West? It's not a different time, but we weren't in Trench then.
[She doesn't want to go through anything like that again.]
It's not the best introduction I've had to a place.
[The distraction has at least kept Willow from probing further. One of the last things she wanted was to go into details about what she feels (or rather what she doesn't) and the weird blips that had been happening. Willow was better off thinking that the worst thing that happened was just that strange occurrence with the Blood Zealots and wherever they were taken.]
I'd rather we have to deal with giant shrimp than be here.
Yeah, kind of. Just less drugs. Probably less Dune and more Tremors? It was kind of a time. That's how I got Radar - there were all these horses running loose, and if one decided they liked you, you kinda couldn't get rid of them.
[Willow smiles, she's genuinely fond of the horse, and he's saved her life more than once. She hadn't even really had much experience riding at that point - but he still went as carefully and gently as he could so she wouldn't fall.]
It was kind of different from the Sleeper Farm - that was us being dragged somewhere else...
[And Willow is right with Tara on that one, it was a horribly traumatic experience, and she hopes it never happens again. From what she's read, though, it looks like an annual threat in Trench, so they'll have to be more prepared next year.]
Deerington going Old West was more the town itself changing settings. Kind of like a play, or a movie?
[Her expression shifts to something quietly sympathetic as Tara says she would rather deal with giant shrimp than be here, and she lays a hand on her arm gently. She doesn't admit that she chose to come to this world rather than go home, nor does she admit that sometimes she thinks it would have been easier if she hadn't. What's done is done there, and she truly does love the little family she's found among the other Sleepers.]
This is a hard place to live sometimes. But this house is probably the safest place in the whole city.
[Willow is sitting at the desk in their shared room, surfing the network when she comes across the post.
Alarm rises as Maul says he's managed to break the curse. She had been hoping so hard that it wouldn't work. That the potion that would cure him wouldn't change based on one facet of his personality feeling remorse for all the grief, and pain, and hardship he had caused in the dream.
It's not the first time he's come at them with some very specific, very intimidating threats, but now suddenly, he's been handed the opportunity to see them through.
She glances over at Tara, and bites her lip. She remembers Maul threatening to come at Glitch through the people he cares about.
Oh.
Oh no.
She very gingerly sets the Omni down on the desk, like she's afraid if she doesn't handle it gently, he might come right through the screen at them, and turns to Tara with rising dread.]
Um... There's, uh, some stuff? We need to talk about? Or, I guess, that I need to tell you about...
[She had been trying to read a book, but finding her mind wandering. Willow was a better distraction than the thoughts that always seemed to be swirling in her head. Though the concern on Willow's face only made those thoughts worse. Did she know something or seen something? Was something new happening in Trench? The new horror that she was anticipating?
This wasn't exactly the best introduction to a conversation. 'We need to talk', the universal sign that something bad was coming.]
[Willow glances at her Omni one more time, and goes to sit next to Tara on the bed. Her tone is anxious and quiet.]
So, there's this guy here. He was in Deerington too - his name is Maul, of all things, and he's about as nice as that suggests. I had, um. Kind of a bad run in with him in Deerington - a lot of us did. He's kind of a psychopath.
He and Glitch have a lot of history here too -
[It occurs to Willow that Tara probably doesn't know Glitch particularly well yet.]
He's the other teenager that lives here - not Oscar, the other one. He's been through a lot for his age - even by Sunnydale standards, but he's a really great kid.
Anyway, so Maul attacked him, at this training center right next door to where I used to live, and cut off his arm. Glitch, and the guy running the center - General Ironwood, he was from the same place as Ozpin and everyone, ironically-
[Because for while, it felt like half the town was from Remnant.]
They made an announcement about it on the network we had back then. Maul and I argued, because he tried to justify himself, basically went all, "This is everybody's fault but mine! But mostly I blame the boy I just maimed!"
[She was furious at the time, and even talking about it, there's still a little flare of temper that rises in her. It settles after a moment as she moves on.]
Anyway, we argued, and he threatened to, uh, kill me. Publicly, and broadcast it on the network. Great guy, right?
[She huffs in irritation. Because that asshole.]
He tried too. He came at me in the street not long after I got Radar. I barely got away from him, and he would've caught up with me too, except I had some wards set up around my house and TRUST - that's what the training center was called - so he couldn't get on the property.
[It's a long, confusing story. One that leaves her a bit muddled and definitely scared. Whoever Maul was, it wasn't someone she wanted near Willow again. If she had to, she'd break out the blood magic she's been trying to avoid.
She fidgeted with her hands, playing with the fabric of her gloves. It was a bit warm in the house, but wool would at least guarantee that Willow wouldn't be hurt. She chewed her lower lip, trying to make sense of it all. Willow threatened, some guy looming as a danger. Like Adam or Glory, someone that could do a lot of damage.]
So...why do you need to tell me this? Has something happened?
[It's hard to talk about this sensitively without getting into the details of her death, and wow, is that ever not a conversation she's ready for right now. Especially with Maul apparently prepping to come after her again.]
He, uh, tried a second time. But I - I wasn't home. So he tore down my house. Right to the foundations, there was nothing left. That's when I moved in here with everyone. It was safer.
John came up with an idea to cast a spell on him - to stop him from hurting people.
[She's sure, even if Tara hasn't met Constantine yet, she's mentioned him before. They are close, after all, and have been for quite some time. This part, at least, is going to sound very specifically familiar.]
If he tried to hurt anyone, it would hurt him too. The cure for it was true remorse. The idea was if he realized how badly his actions were hurting the people around him - especially given he has a lot of close friends here - that maybe he would stop. And for awhile, it seemed like he was getting better. I mean, he was still angry, and still with the threats, but they seemed to have less... I dunno, bite behind them?
[Willow pauses, trying to determine the best way to break the news, but in the end, she decides it's best to come out with it.]
He, um. He posted to the network. Just now. He found a way to break the spell we cast on him, and it kind of sounds like he's right back where he started. He's already made it clear he plans on coming after the people responsible.
[Tara gives a look of reproach at the idea of controlling someone through magic. Three times with that experience, she's not really the most understanding about it, even if it was to try to save people. It was like muzzling Spike. Whatever the reason, it wasn't right. Some things should be left to nature.]
You know better than to do that, Willow. What happened the last time you tried to control someone with magic? He's a murderer, but controlling someone's actions and mind, it's against the laws of magic. It's just like the Initiative.
[She's not happy. Really not happy.]
Of course. [She crossed her arms.] When you do that sort of magic and it breaks or backfires, things go wrong.
[Faith arrives at the clockhouse wrapped up in black leather and looking like baby's first assassin rogue DND character. She's beginning to feel apprehensive about this house that is leagues ahead in terms of security and upkeep compared to her own, and yet Willow's dead and Faith can't even find Maul to stomp his fucking head into the ground.
It's fine.
Tara mentioned she wanted to move in, and Faith's here to help, so she just steps inside.]
Uhhh, Tara? [She calls out to the empty foyer as she hesitantly starts walking toward wherever Willow and Tara sleep.] I'm here if you need help clearing your stuff or whatever.
I'm here. [She peeks around the doorframe, her hands full of clothes. Since arriving and realizing the problem with her blood magic, she had to buy a larger wardrobe than she was used to. And bulky was a good thing in this case, which made packing a bit harder.
She gestured for Faith to follow her, needing to use her head rather than hands.]
Thanks for letting me stay with you. [It was a bit of an imposition. She technically invited herself and made it clear that she really wanted this. It wouldn't be a surprise if Faith felt obligated. It made her a bit self conscious, even if it was good to see Faith. Probably the only person that she felt safe with for now...which was odd.] Um, I'm sorry that I'm butting in. At least the apartment won't feel so empty? I hope?
[She pressed her gloved hand to her temple, letting out a sigh. At least with Faith, she didn't have to pretend to feel anything.]
I...I can be what I am there. Dead and everything.
Relax, T. You're not intrudin' on anything. [Faith follows along. She does feel an obligation, both to Tara, and to Willow. And to some extent, to Buffy. But it's a mixed bag. She's glad for the company, and it doesn't make her feel like she's being pitied.]
Not gonna ask you to be anything, yeah. It's been a rough enough month as it is.
Uh, you told the rest of the house that you're leaving?
[She doesn't want to deal with RWBYs breaking down her door.]
[The nickname is endearing and actually means something to her. With Willow making friends here and finding family, she at least found something similar. Maybe not family, but at least a friend.]
You can ask. Maybe I should talk about it anyway.
[And who was safer than Faith.]
Yeah, I told them. They know. Less the reason why. I think they assume I'm bereft. I mean, not that Willow's death isn't...hasn't...
[ It's at this point, of course, that Ozpin interrupts.
He steps into the doorway, and hangs there with the air of a disappointed teacher or an unwelcome relative. Despite the hands planted on his walking cane, he seems to hover uncomfortably at the edge of the space.
These are not ideal circumstances under which to meet Faith again, and he gives her a tense, polite nod with his mouth pulled to a tight line. To Tara he says: ]
I came to offer assistance... or to give the expected line, I suppose. You really are welcome to stay.
What? No, it's... [And then Ozpin arrives, and there's a different sort of tension in the air. She gives Tara a concerned glance, though it's not pity so much as it is firm disagreement.
Similarly, Faith responds with a tense nod of her own, her body language immediately indicating that she's on her guard around him.
She shrugs. Glancing between Oz and Tara.]
She'll be safe with me. [Safer than Willow was with you.]
[Faith is dead, Ozpin is dead, the house is destroyed, and the survivors have scattered to shelter with other people they're close to.
Willow hasn't been back long - Ange had restored her just long enough before the attack for her to have a conversation with Faith before the flames broke out. They had barely had a chance to set things right between them again. The only other person she's spoken to since her return was Ozpin.
She doesn't know if she can ever fix things between her and Tara. Or even if she should try to begin with. Tara is likely better off without her. Tara is definitely safer without her.
Willow has feared corruption and how it could twist her since learning of its existence. It was impossible not to, under the circumstances, knowing what she risked turning into. She has spent the last several days, trying to unravel where it all started, and how to move on from it.
It's occurred to her that she hasn't felt quite right since before, as the wolf, she bit Savage. She hadn't wanted to hurt him - they were friends. But she had been afraid, the mushrooms had been obscuring her vision, and she thought he was Maul, trying to kill her again. Even that, she realizes in hindsight doesn't make sense. Maul had done everything he could to show her he didn't want her dead, not truly, and to make amends for it.
She told no one what had happened, outside of the man she now knows as John. He was supposed to be a healer. She thought he could help. Part of her had wanted to tell the people she was closest to, but she couldn't bring herself to do it, afraid of how they would react. Clear headed, she recognizes what a mistake that had been. Tara would have been concerned, of course, but knowing it wasn't something Willow did intentionally, she probably would have helped, the same as Ozpin or Oscar, or any of the rest of her family. Clear headed, it's easier to recognize it as a sign of something unnatural brewing, so subtly she failed to see it for what it was.
It still takes a day or two for her to reach out. She needs time and space to try to recover from the grief and shock from so much loss and horror all at once. It's starting to worry her that the wounds from where Reaper had shot her don't seem to be getting any better, but at least they're no worse.
She's already worked out what she needs to do, and she hates it. She hates even more that she can't go in person, but it's too dangerous. She is terrified both that she might hurt Tara again if corruption should take hold again, and more than that, she's afraid by virtue of their relationship, Tara might be targeted by those looking to harm her, should they decide there hasn't been enough harm already.
The feed opens and it's not the familiar bedroom they shared for the first several months Tara was in town, but the Pines' family home. She's resting on the sofa where she can keep her injured leg elevated.
It takes her a moment to find her voice, and when she does it comes out a little congested and rough sounding.]
Hey... I, uh. I'm sorry I can't come see you in person. Can we talk? If - if it's a bad time, it's okay.
[She knew this conversation had to happen eventually, though she hadn't expected it to wait for so long. Maybe that was better. She wasn't looking forward to this. Despite her corruption, she still had some control over her thoughts and that old morality that had driven her. True, it might not be as strong as before, but it was still there.
The answer about what to do regarding Willow was obvious and slightly easier than the last time. There was pain, a lot of pain and an ache in her heart at the idea of hurting Willow. Maybe that was why she waited so long? Likely even prepared to wait as long as possible? She didn't want to have to do this again, especially after all Willow had been through.
But it was clear that they both had something to work out on their own.
She nodded, not so afraid to talk to her. Being here instead of in person was slightly easier.]
[Willow looks at the camera miserably at the question, and shakes her head a little. It seems unfair to lean on Tara for comfort after everything Willow has put her through, but she owes it to her to be honest.]
Not... really? There's, um. There's been a lot happening. Even beyond - you know - the everything. I don't even know where to start. Everything's such a mess, and it's my fault. All of it's my fault.
[Her corruption, the trail of injured and dead she left in her wake, dragging Faith down with her. Not to mention the house, and the deaths there that she's still fairly sure was retaliation for what she had done.
She takes a deep breath and tries to gather her thoughts, and slow herself down so she doesn't just blurt out everything - apologies, and deaths and houses being burned all at once.]
'Sorry' doesn't feel like it even begins to fix it. But I am. Sorry, I mean. I didn't want any of this to happen. I never wanted to end up like that again, and I never wanted to hurt you. Are you? You know? Okay?
[It seemed a silly question, given everything. Of course Willow wouldn't be fine, but it wasn't so much her emotions she was referring to as the injury. Still, she took that update and filed it away, at least knowing how Willow was managing mentally.]
Yeah, I've heard about some of the fallout.
[The apology was appreciated but slightly irritated her. She had told Faith that she wasn't herself during those events, affected by a number of things. That held true for Willow as well and she genuinely believed that. Being dark, killing people, that she could let slide, at least for the circumstances of this world. Willow was affected by magic, the moon and a necromancer.]
I don't blame you for going dark or the people you killed, Willow. You weren't yourself and so many things played a part in this. The moon didn't help either. The Trench makes it easier for us to fall into that sort of darkness. It's why corruption is so common.
I don't blame you for what you did to me or how you left me out to be corrupted. It was the same influence pushing you to kill others. I know that you wouldn't do it because you genuinely hated me or wanted to hurt me. So, don't beat yourself up about that.
I forgive Faith and I forgive you.
[BUT]
You hid all this from me. I offered to help you several times and you said no. Instead, you went to some necromancer and asked him instead.
I know you were desperate, that's fine. I've done things in desperation too.
It's that you kept secrets from me again. You didn't trust me with the information.
[There was nothing that would have stopped this from being an extremely difficult conversation, knowing where it's going to lead, but at least Tara has already heard about the fallout at home. It probably shouldn't be a surprise, but at least that's one conversation they don't need to have.
The fact that Tara doesn't blame her for what happened doesn't change much. Willow still blames herself, both for her actions and for the fallout that came as a result. It doesn't change either, what she is certain is the best course of action.
It's still a relief. Except for, of course, that very obvious, very impending but.
Willow sighs when Tara talks about the secrets she's kept. It's difficult to explain that she didn't want a repeat of the catacombs, that she had already felt the distance between them in the time immediately following, and that even going to someone whose opinion of her didn't really matter much had been difficult.
Perhaps, it's a bit easier to offer some explanation, though.]
I didn't tell anyone. I, um.
[She sighs.]
There was... an incident. Back in March. Someone got bit. He only turned for a night, thankfully, but it scared me. I was afraid of how everyone'd react, but I knew I had to do something to keep it from happening again. So I didn't tell anyone. I went to... Well, I guess he's going by John now. He was sure he could help, that he could keep me from changing.
[In hindsight, it feels ridiculous. Her friends would have been concerned, of course - Tara, would have been concerned, but it's easier to recognize now that they wouldn't have rejected her. She does not yet recognize it as corruption's influence.]
I was afraid of how everyone'd react, and I thought I could fix it on my own.
[It helped a little to hear Willow say she was wrong, but it didn't ease some of the frustration and pain.]
I wish you trusted me enough to give me a chance. Did I treat you differently after the catacombs? I thought that we were starting to connect more and find our way back to each other.
[Or had she seen too much in the flirting and smiles? She had given everything she could to summon feeling again and shared what little progress she made with Willow. She wanted her partner back, not just her friend.
But maybe she was naïve in this.
After so many secrets before, maybe Willow was justified in worrying how Tara would react. It was just- she tried so hard and it felt like a slap to those efforts.]
I know it's hypocritical of me to be angry because I kept secrets before too for similar reasons.
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mid to late January
She had been willing to brush it aside briefly to focus on the more immediate problem of vampirism - Tara didn't seem to be in any danger, nor did she seem to pose a danger to anyone else, but now that things are settled, it's time for Willow to refocus her research energy on the next problem.
There's no shortage of problems in Trench.
She settles in on their bed when she walks into the bedroom they share, and studies Tara in concern. Her eyes are tired - she hasn't been sleeping well for awhile, and recent events certainly haven't helped at all with that.]
Hey... I wanted to, uh, check in a little after... Well, after everything. Are you okay?
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Much like the feeling of death and...emptiness like a void, she didn't talk about it with anyone. It might startle them, but it was her issue and likely some corruption on her part. Maybe. Possibly. It was hard to say, but she was a bit too afraid to look into it or talk about it.
Much like her blood type and how she's come back wrong.
More than anything, she didn't want Willow to know. She would worry, panic maybe and...well, she didn't show signs of going overboard on the magic, but would this be the catalyst. Tara didn't want to take that risk. She didn't want things to go back to the way they were.
So the question is met with her forced smile, the sort she'd been using to make it seem like she feels something. It was almost convincing by now.]
Yeah, I'm fine. It's been a bit weird with Oz and Faith, but you know, weird is something we're used to by now. Are you okay?
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Well... it's better. Mostly, anyway. Qrow and I are still trying to stay out of each other's way a little, but it's okay. It'll be fine.
[She shifts her focus again back to Tara in the wake of the question.]
Are you sure you're okay? I know everything's been... kind of crazy, especially since you just moved in not that long ago. I mean, this is crazy even by Trench standards.
Okay, maybe a little less so by Deerington standards, but this place really seemed kind of... calmer until now.
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[More of a hope on her end, but she would hold fast to it. What Willow did was a hard choice, but it was something that she felt was necessary. And given that others had been uncomfortable, it was better to remove the source of it all.
She shifted a little, pulling her knees up to her chest. This was obviously something she couldn't just brush aside, even if she wanted to pretend the topic didn't exist.]
Yeah, it seems calmer lately and yeah, I'm fine. I'm a bit worried about what will come. It doesn't seem like the calm is going to last forever.
I don't really know the difference between Deerington and the Trench.
[Which might be a good topic. It would steer Willow away from anything else.]
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[Things have been smoothed over with Oscar and Ozpin, which is also a relief, but not perhaps so surprising. She knows Ozpin, with all of his lifetimes of experience, is remarkably forgiving, and she's always known Oscar to be understanding as well as having a very good head on his shoulders.
The way she shifts and pulls her knees up sends the signal to Willow that no, Tara is, as she suspected, not okay. She shifts a little closer, but she decides to go along with the distraction for now.]
Well... Deerington was a dream instead of the real world. So there was all kinds of crazy reality warping stuff happening all the time. One morning we even woke up to the town going totally Old West. Complete with giant worms underground, and like, feral mountain men that wanted to eat people.
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[She doesn't want to go through anything like that again.]
It's not the best introduction I've had to a place.
[The distraction has at least kept Willow from probing further. One of the last things she wanted was to go into details about what she feels (or rather what she doesn't) and the weird blips that had been happening. Willow was better off thinking that the worst thing that happened was just that strange occurrence with the Blood Zealots and wherever they were taken.]
I'd rather we have to deal with giant shrimp than be here.
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[Willow smiles, she's genuinely fond of the horse, and he's saved her life more than once. She hadn't even really had much experience riding at that point - but he still went as carefully and gently as he could so she wouldn't fall.]
It was kind of different from the Sleeper Farm - that was us being dragged somewhere else...
[And Willow is right with Tara on that one, it was a horribly traumatic experience, and she hopes it never happens again. From what she's read, though, it looks like an annual threat in Trench, so they'll have to be more prepared next year.]
Deerington going Old West was more the town itself changing settings. Kind of like a play, or a movie?
[Her expression shifts to something quietly sympathetic as Tara says she would rather deal with giant shrimp than be here, and she lays a hand on her arm gently. She doesn't admit that she chose to come to this world rather than go home, nor does she admit that sometimes she thinks it would have been easier if she hadn't. What's done is done there, and she truly does love the little family she's found among the other Sleepers.]
This is a hard place to live sometimes. But this house is probably the safest place in the whole city.
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End tag here?
Feb 10th, right after Maul's network post, before the Clockhouse group chat post
Alarm rises as Maul says he's managed to break the curse. She had been hoping so hard that it wouldn't work. That the potion that would cure him wouldn't change based on one facet of his personality feeling remorse for all the grief, and pain, and hardship he had caused in the dream.
It's not the first time he's come at them with some very specific, very intimidating threats, but now suddenly, he's been handed the opportunity to see them through.
She glances over at Tara, and bites her lip. She remembers Maul threatening to come at Glitch through the people he cares about.
Oh.
Oh no.
She very gingerly sets the Omni down on the desk, like she's afraid if she doesn't handle it gently, he might come right through the screen at them, and turns to Tara with rising dread.]
Um... There's, uh, some stuff? We need to talk about? Or, I guess, that I need to tell you about...
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This wasn't exactly the best introduction to a conversation. 'We need to talk', the universal sign that something bad was coming.]
Um...okay? What is it?
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[Willow glances at her Omni one more time, and goes to sit next to Tara on the bed. Her tone is anxious and quiet.]
So, there's this guy here. He was in Deerington too - his name is Maul, of all things, and he's about as nice as that suggests. I had, um. Kind of a bad run in with him in Deerington - a lot of us did. He's kind of a psychopath.
He and Glitch have a lot of history here too -
[It occurs to Willow that Tara probably doesn't know Glitch particularly well yet.]
He's the other teenager that lives here - not Oscar, the other one. He's been through a lot for his age - even by Sunnydale standards, but he's a really great kid.
Anyway, so Maul attacked him, at this training center right next door to where I used to live, and cut off his arm. Glitch, and the guy running the center - General Ironwood, he was from the same place as Ozpin and everyone, ironically-
[Because for while, it felt like half the town was from Remnant.]
They made an announcement about it on the network we had back then. Maul and I argued, because he tried to justify himself, basically went all, "This is everybody's fault but mine! But mostly I blame the boy I just maimed!"
[She was furious at the time, and even talking about it, there's still a little flare of temper that rises in her. It settles after a moment as she moves on.]
Anyway, we argued, and he threatened to, uh, kill me. Publicly, and broadcast it on the network. Great guy, right?
[She huffs in irritation. Because that asshole.]
He tried too. He came at me in the street not long after I got Radar. I barely got away from him, and he would've caught up with me too, except I had some wards set up around my house and TRUST - that's what the training center was called - so he couldn't get on the property.
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She fidgeted with her hands, playing with the fabric of her gloves. It was a bit warm in the house, but wool would at least guarantee that Willow wouldn't be hurt. She chewed her lower lip, trying to make sense of it all. Willow threatened, some guy looming as a danger. Like Adam or Glory, someone that could do a lot of damage.]
So...why do you need to tell me this? Has something happened?
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Uh huh... There's more.
[It's hard to talk about this sensitively without getting into the details of her death, and wow, is that ever not a conversation she's ready for right now. Especially with Maul apparently prepping to come after her again.]
He, uh, tried a second time. But I - I wasn't home. So he tore down my house. Right to the foundations, there was nothing left. That's when I moved in here with everyone. It was safer.
John came up with an idea to cast a spell on him - to stop him from hurting people.
[She's sure, even if Tara hasn't met Constantine yet, she's mentioned him before. They are close, after all, and have been for quite some time. This part, at least, is going to sound very specifically familiar.]
If he tried to hurt anyone, it would hurt him too. The cure for it was true remorse. The idea was if he realized how badly his actions were hurting the people around him - especially given he has a lot of close friends here - that maybe he would stop. And for awhile, it seemed like he was getting better. I mean, he was still angry, and still with the threats, but they seemed to have less... I dunno, bite behind them?
[Willow pauses, trying to determine the best way to break the news, but in the end, she decides it's best to come out with it.]
He, um. He posted to the network. Just now. He found a way to break the spell we cast on him, and it kind of sounds like he's right back where he started. He's already made it clear he plans on coming after the people responsible.
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You know better than to do that, Willow. What happened the last time you tried to control someone with magic? He's a murderer, but controlling someone's actions and mind, it's against the laws of magic. It's just like the Initiative.
[She's not happy. Really not happy.]
Of course. [She crossed her arms.] When you do that sort of magic and it breaks or backfires, things go wrong.
[Not that she isn't worried about Willow.]
Can you ward this place?
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action, some time after febuary 20th
It's fine.
Tara mentioned she wanted to move in, and Faith's here to help, so she just steps inside.]
Uhhh, Tara? [She calls out to the empty foyer as she hesitantly starts walking toward wherever Willow and Tara sleep.] I'm here if you need help clearing your stuff or whatever.
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She gestured for Faith to follow her, needing to use her head rather than hands.]
Thanks for letting me stay with you. [It was a bit of an imposition. She technically invited herself and made it clear that she really wanted this. It wouldn't be a surprise if Faith felt obligated. It made her a bit self conscious, even if it was good to see Faith. Probably the only person that she felt safe with for now...which was odd.] Um, I'm sorry that I'm butting in. At least the apartment won't feel so empty? I hope?
[She pressed her gloved hand to her temple, letting out a sigh. At least with Faith, she didn't have to pretend to feel anything.]
I...I can be what I am there. Dead and everything.
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Not gonna ask you to be anything, yeah. It's been a rough enough month as it is.
Uh, you told the rest of the house that you're leaving?
[She doesn't want to deal with RWBYs breaking down her door.]
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You can ask. Maybe I should talk about it anyway.
[And who was safer than Faith.]
Yeah, I told them. They know. Less the reason why. I think they assume I'm bereft. I mean, not that Willow's death isn't...hasn't...
It's just...it's my fault.
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He steps into the doorway, and hangs there with the air of a disappointed teacher or an unwelcome relative. Despite the hands planted on his walking cane, he seems to hover uncomfortably at the edge of the space.
These are not ideal circumstances under which to meet Faith again, and he gives her a tense, polite nod with his mouth pulled to a tight line. To Tara he says: ]
I came to offer assistance... or to give the expected line, I suppose. You really are welcome to stay.
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Similarly, Faith responds with a tense nod of her own, her body language immediately indicating that she's on her guard around him.
She shrugs. Glancing between Oz and Tara.]
She'll be safe with me. [Safer than Willow was with you.]
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Video; UN: Willow
Willow hasn't been back long - Ange had restored her just long enough before the attack for her to have a conversation with Faith before the flames broke out. They had barely had a chance to set things right between them again. The only other person she's spoken to since her return was Ozpin.
She doesn't know if she can ever fix things between her and Tara. Or even if she should try to begin with. Tara is likely better off without her. Tara is definitely safer without her.
Willow has feared corruption and how it could twist her since learning of its existence. It was impossible not to, under the circumstances, knowing what she risked turning into. She has spent the last several days, trying to unravel where it all started, and how to move on from it.
It's occurred to her that she hasn't felt quite right since before, as the wolf, she bit Savage. She hadn't wanted to hurt him - they were friends. But she had been afraid, the mushrooms had been obscuring her vision, and she thought he was Maul, trying to kill her again. Even that, she realizes in hindsight doesn't make sense. Maul had done everything he could to show her he didn't want her dead, not truly, and to make amends for it.
She told no one what had happened, outside of the man she now knows as John. He was supposed to be a healer. She thought he could help. Part of her had wanted to tell the people she was closest to, but she couldn't bring herself to do it, afraid of how they would react. Clear headed, she recognizes what a mistake that had been. Tara would have been concerned, of course, but knowing it wasn't something Willow did intentionally, she probably would have helped, the same as Ozpin or Oscar, or any of the rest of her family. Clear headed, it's easier to recognize it as a sign of something unnatural brewing, so subtly she failed to see it for what it was.
It still takes a day or two for her to reach out. She needs time and space to try to recover from the grief and shock from so much loss and horror all at once. It's starting to worry her that the wounds from where Reaper had shot her don't seem to be getting any better, but at least they're no worse.
She's already worked out what she needs to do, and she hates it. She hates even more that she can't go in person, but it's too dangerous. She is terrified both that she might hurt Tara again if corruption should take hold again, and more than that, she's afraid by virtue of their relationship, Tara might be targeted by those looking to harm her, should they decide there hasn't been enough harm already.
The feed opens and it's not the familiar bedroom they shared for the first several months Tara was in town, but the Pines' family home. She's resting on the sofa where she can keep her injured leg elevated.
It takes her a moment to find her voice, and when she does it comes out a little congested and rough sounding.]
Hey... I, uh. I'm sorry I can't come see you in person. Can we talk? If - if it's a bad time, it's okay.
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The answer about what to do regarding Willow was obvious and slightly easier than the last time. There was pain, a lot of pain and an ache in her heart at the idea of hurting Willow. Maybe that was why she waited so long? Likely even prepared to wait as long as possible? She didn't want to have to do this again, especially after all Willow had been through.
But it was clear that they both had something to work out on their own.
She nodded, not so afraid to talk to her. Being here instead of in person was slightly easier.]
Are you okay?
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Not... really? There's, um. There's been a lot happening. Even beyond - you know - the everything. I don't even know where to start. Everything's such a mess, and it's my fault. All of it's my fault.
[Her corruption, the trail of injured and dead she left in her wake, dragging Faith down with her. Not to mention the house, and the deaths there that she's still fairly sure was retaliation for what she had done.
She takes a deep breath and tries to gather her thoughts, and slow herself down so she doesn't just blurt out everything - apologies, and deaths and houses being burned all at once.]
'Sorry' doesn't feel like it even begins to fix it. But I am. Sorry, I mean. I didn't want any of this to happen. I never wanted to end up like that again, and I never wanted to hurt you. Are you? You know? Okay?
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Yeah, I've heard about some of the fallout.
[The apology was appreciated but slightly irritated her. She had told Faith that she wasn't herself during those events, affected by a number of things. That held true for Willow as well and she genuinely believed that. Being dark, killing people, that she could let slide, at least for the circumstances of this world. Willow was affected by magic, the moon and a necromancer.]
I don't blame you for going dark or the people you killed, Willow. You weren't yourself and so many things played a part in this. The moon didn't help either. The Trench makes it easier for us to fall into that sort of darkness. It's why corruption is so common.
I don't blame you for what you did to me or how you left me out to be corrupted. It was the same influence pushing you to kill others. I know that you wouldn't do it because you genuinely hated me or wanted to hurt me. So, don't beat yourself up about that.
I forgive Faith and I forgive you.
[BUT]
You hid all this from me. I offered to help you several times and you said no. Instead, you went to some necromancer and asked him instead.
I know you were desperate, that's fine. I've done things in desperation too.
It's that you kept secrets from me again. You didn't trust me with the information.
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The fact that Tara doesn't blame her for what happened doesn't change much. Willow still blames herself, both for her actions and for the fallout that came as a result. It doesn't change either, what she is certain is the best course of action.
It's still a relief. Except for, of course, that very obvious, very impending but.
Willow sighs when Tara talks about the secrets she's kept. It's difficult to explain that she didn't want a repeat of the catacombs, that she had already felt the distance between them in the time immediately following, and that even going to someone whose opinion of her didn't really matter much had been difficult.
Perhaps, it's a bit easier to offer some explanation, though.]
I didn't tell anyone. I, um.
[She sighs.]
There was... an incident. Back in March. Someone got bit. He only turned for a night, thankfully, but it scared me. I was afraid of how everyone'd react, but I knew I had to do something to keep it from happening again. So I didn't tell anyone. I went to... Well, I guess he's going by John now. He was sure he could help, that he could keep me from changing.
[In hindsight, it feels ridiculous. Her friends would have been concerned, of course - Tara, would have been concerned, but it's easier to recognize now that they wouldn't have rejected her. She does not yet recognize it as corruption's influence.]
I was afraid of how everyone'd react, and I thought I could fix it on my own.
I was wrong.
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I wish you trusted me enough to give me a chance. Did I treat you differently after the catacombs? I thought that we were starting to connect more and find our way back to each other.
[Or had she seen too much in the flirting and smiles? She had given everything she could to summon feeling again and shared what little progress she made with Willow. She wanted her partner back, not just her friend.
But maybe she was naïve in this.
After so many secrets before, maybe Willow was justified in worrying how Tara would react. It was just- she tried so hard and it felt like a slap to those efforts.]
I know it's hypocritical of me to be angry because I kept secrets before too for similar reasons.
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