Chapter Thirty- Searching

Rick had no idea where to start. He had a title, not a name. What was he supposed to do? Go around with a megaphone, paging the town for the slayer? It was ridiculous. But what choice did he have?

So he asked around. He went around and asked practically everyone he saw. And everyone thought he was crazy. He began to wonder if they were right.

He came across a bar called Willy’s. He hesitated, not sure about going in. The place gave off an ominous aura.

Just then a person came out. Or at least he thought it was a person. They were greatly disfigured. Their skin was wrinkled and drooped. The sight made him cringe. It looked like the flesh might fall right off.

It held a box. A tiny black head peeked out, its green eyes glowing in the night. A kitten, Rick realized.

"Hey there," the creature greeted.

Person, Rick corrected. It wasn’t right to think of him as a creature. He was probably just a guy with a bad disorder.

"H-Hi," Rick stammered in reply.

"You lookin to go inside? You weren‘t here for poker night, were you? The game‘s over for tonight."

Rick shook his head. "No, I didn’t come to play. I’m searching for someone actually."

"Oh yeah? Who? I might know them."

"The slayer. You know her?"

A grin displayed on the weird-looking man. "I’ve never met he," he said. "But my good buddy has."

Hope filled Rick. "Where is she?"

The man shrugged. "I don’t know. My buddy, Spike, would know. He talks about her all the time. Has the hots for her. I don’t understand what he sees in her. Her skin is too tight for my taste. Too bad he didn‘t come tonight for kitten poker. He‘s missed the last three games."

Rick sighed. This wasn’t getting him anywhere.

"So, you have no idea where she is?"

"Sorry, no."

"Thanks for your time," Rick remarked. He turned to go.

"Wish I could have helped you find Buffy. Spike talked about her nonstop, but he never mentioned where she lived. Good luck, though."

Buffy? Rick stopped. He spun back around and smiled.

"Her name is Buffy?"

"Oh, yeah."

"That helps."

"It does?" The man seemed pleased. "Good. I like to help and am sorry when I can’t."
Rick left, feeling more optimistic. He had a name. He was one step closer to finding the slayer.

*************************************

Buffy was quiet. She spent her time in deep thought, hardly talking to anyone.

"Buffy, are you all right?" Willow asked her that afternoon.

Buffy raised her head. "Huh?"

"Is something up?"

"No," Buffy answered too quickly.

"Liar."

The slayer sighed in defeat. "All right. I had a dream. It kinda is lingering me with bad vibes."

Willow leaned toward her friend. "Was it a slayer dream?"

"Oh I hope not." Buffy shivered at the thought.

"Want to tell me what it was about?"

"Not really. Maybe later."

The red-head nodded in understanding.

"Let’s talk about something else, k?" Buffy said.

"All right. What do you want to talk about?"

"How about Tara and you? Any new sparkage there?"
A goofy grin formed on Willow’s mouth. Her eyes got all dreamy. "Major spark. We’ve been talking about moving back in together."

Buffy’s eyes widened. "Really? How come you never told me until now?"

"Because it isn’t final yet. We’re ’thinking’ about it."

"Well, I’m happy things are working out. I’ll be sad to see you go, but . . . Ya know, togetherness is always good."

"Definitely. And I’d only be across town. Plus, more room. Babies need room," Willow pointed out.

Buffy giggled. She placed a hand on her bulging belly. "How I know it. I sometimes wonder if I’ll be able to get through the front door."

"Oh, Buffy, quit!" Willow scolded. "You’re beautiful."

"Or so some people tell me."

"Spike, huh? Well, he’s right. You are all glowy and vibrant."

Buffy had to smile at that. The expression only proved Willow’s point.

********************************

Rick was lucky that Buffy was an unusual name. He went to the library and searched databases. He found Buffy in the Sunnydale directory. Buffy Summers, age 21. Her current residence was at Revello Drive.

He abandoned the computer and ran out the door.

*********************************

That night Buffy chose to relax. She lay on the bed, declaring herself a vegetable.
"You’re very edible," Spike agreed. "But I would classify you more of a dessert."

Buffy smiled. "Sundae?"

"With syrup and whipped crème. Very delectable."

"Mmm, I like the sound of that."

"Turn over, pet," Spike ordered.

She complied, rolling over to face him. He held up a bottle of lotion.

"Cocoa butter time," Spike said.

"Oh, yeah. Can’t have me getting stretch marks."

His warm fingers lifted her shirt. His fingers slipped behind her back and unhooked her bra. Naked and exposed, she gazed up at him with innocent eyes.

"You take such good care of me," she murmured.

Spike squirted the ointment onto her skin. He lathered it, running his hands up and down her stomach.

"Always, Buffy," he told her. "I’ll always take care of my girls."

"Mmmm, that feels good."

Spike had shifted his attention to massaging other parts of her. Her back, neck, and then her breasts. Buffy moaned in pleasure.

"I want you, Spike," Buffy declared. "Do you want me?"

"I always want you."

He bent down to taste her mouth. He devoured her with his tongue.

When he pulled back, he smirked. "Yep, a dessert from heaven."

There was a knock on the door.

"Whoever it is, is dead," Buffy shouted in annoyance.

"Buffy, come downstairs quick!" Dawn said frantically.

Spike sat up. "What is it, platelet?"

"There’s a strange man downstairs. He demands to see the slayer," Dawn informed.

"I’m coming. Give me a minute," Buffy said.

She got up and started to get dressed. So much for relaxing.

_______________________________________________

 

Chapter Thirty- One- Ready, Set, Go

Buffy descended the steps with Spike right behind her. They made it to the foot of the stairs where they saw a man. He stood by the door, looking worn and desperate. It seemed as if he might topple over at any second.

He took one staggering move toward them. "Are you the slayer?" he choked.

"That’d be me. She who likes pointy pieces of wood," Buffy said.

The man took a good look at his supposed heroin. His eyes grew wide as he spotted her enlarged middle. "Y-You’re . . ."

"Really fat?" she commented, cupping a hand over where her daughter lay.

"Pregnant." The stranger shook his head. "This can’t be right. You are supposed to help me."

"If worse comes to worse I can use my weight against me." She smiled.

"I wouldn’t underestimate her, mate," Spike advised.

"Would you like to sit down?" Buffy asked. She led the man into the living room. She was afraid he might collapse.

They settled down, Buffy and Spike on the couch. The man drooped in the recliner.

"Let’s start with introductions. Hi, I’m Buffy. And you are. . .?"

"Rick."

"So, how’d you know to come to me? I don’t have slayer written on my forehead. At least I hope I don’t. I haven’t brought myself to look in the mirror lately."

Spike frowned at her with disapproval. "Stop it with the ugly pregnant jokes, pet."

Buffy laughed. "Sorry, couldn’t resist. I’ll stop."

"M-My wife is dead," Rick stammered. "Somebody . . . Something raided our home. They hurt Susie and took my daughter into the basement. Just before Susie. . . died. . ." He took a deep breath. "She said that she heard them talking. They said something about a ritual. The Ritual of Bound Destruction. She also told me to find you. That you were the only one who could stop them.

Slayer and ex-vampire exchanged looks. They knew this was serious. Any ceremony performed by a demon meant total badness. Spike knew first-hand. He had brought Drusilla back to full strength. Buffy knew because she had averted quite a few.

"I’m calling Giles," Buffy declared. "This requires scholarly knowledge."

"I agree, luv."

The watcher answered his phone right away. He told Buffy that he would meet them at The Magic Box. She agreed and hung up, telling everyone what the plan was.

************************

Buffy, Spike, Dawn, Alexis, Willow, and Rick gathered around the table at the shop. Xander was yet again unreachable. Anya and he had been extremely busy lately. They had to make lots of arrangements for their move and their son’s birth.

Each person had a book. They furiously scanned every page, searching for a reference to the ritual.

Willow looked up from her volume. She gave them a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I need a moment to rest my eyes."

Buffy nodded. "That’s fine, Will." She lowered her book as well. "In fact maybe we all should take a break."

"No!" Rick protested. "Keep looking. We have to save my baby girl."

"And we will," Buffy assured the man. "But we can’t do that if we can’t even think straight."

"Eureka!" Giles stood up, triumphantly.

The gang stared at Giles. He cleared his throat, the excited expression leaving his face.

"Did you really just say that?" Buffy questioned.

Giles took off his glasses to clean. "Yes, I’m afraid I did." He replaced his glasses and gestured to the text he held. "I found it. We should have looked here in the first place. It is the Compilation of Fallen Rituals after all."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Of course." She stepped closer. "What we got? Is it the end of the world and we’re all going to die, yada yada yada?"

"The world can’t end!" Dawn piped up. "Brian’s going to ask me to Semi-Formal. At least . . . I’m hoping he will. But he never will if the world is gonna end."

"The world is not going to end. I’ll stop it," Buffy vowed. She met Giles’s eyes. "What do I have to do to stop it?"

"Nothing," Giles simply said.

"Huh?"

"Nothing," he repeated. "It isn’t an apocalyptic ritual."

"Oh."

"Good!" Alexis exclaimed. "That’s good, right?"

"Of course," Giles answered. "But this ritual isn’t to be taken lightly."

"What are we dealing with?" Buffy asked.

Giles studied the page he had open. "The Ritual of Bound Destruction is a ceremony performed on someone in order to kill another. The person is bound spiritually to another a distance away. Then the person is sacrificed. There’s chanting involved and a few other technicalities. The result is two dead people."

Buffy crossed her arms. "So they’re doing this because they can’t get to the person they really want to kill?"

"It seems that way."

Fury raged in Rick’s eyes. He even shook with anger. "They want to kill my daughter!"

Willow covered her mouth, her eyes wide. "Oh, God! They’re going to kill a helpless baby? That‘s awful."

"And wrong," Dawn added. "I wanna kick their asses until they fall apart limb-by-limb."

That was all Buffy could take. She stormed into the training room, going straight to the weapons. It was her nature to rush into things without planning. The situation also hit too close to home. She was going to be a parent herself. She was not going to let a baby die.

The others followed her.

"Buffy," Giles said. "I haven’t finished reading everything about the ritual. You must stop this rashness and . . . "

"Suit up," Buffy ordered. "Read on the way."

She grabbed a hefty sword. She swung the blade confidently through the air. She noticed Spike about to say something beside her.

"One word about how I can’t fight in my condition and there will be hell to pay."

Spike shook his head. "Nothing of the sort. Just be careful, luv. Promise me you’ll be careful."

She gave him a quick smile. "Always."

The tender moment ended as soon as it began. She spun around. She stood tall and determined. "Let’s go!"

____________________________________________________

 

Chapter Thirty- Two- Kindred

Rick led them to his house. It was about a mile away, farther from town.

"This is it," he confirmed.

They entered the house. It was just as Rick had left it. He tried to keep his eyes from the blood that stained the floor, but it was hard. He sunk to his knees, freaking out.

"Buffy," Willow called. She pointed to the fallen man.

Buffy barely glanced at Rick. "Leave him. We don’t have time to deal with this."

Chanting hit their ears. They followed the sound. Dawn and Alexis gasped when they passed the body of Susan Dobson. The girls dealt with the horror quickly and moved on.

The chanting was coming from the basement. Buffy led the way down the steps. The display that lay before them made them stop. Judas stood by a table, with a flaying baby on the top. A demon, that Buffy deduced must be the legendary Gestalt demon, lurked to the side.

"Slayer," Judas greeted. "We weren’t expecting you."

"Shucks. And I thought my invitation got lost in the mail. I really didn’t get invited?" Buffy punned.

She was about to storm into battle, but was bounced off by an invisible barrier. She would have fallen, but Spike rushed forward. He caught her arms, steadying her.

"A force field," muttered Giles.
"I can get it down," Willow said. "Give me time."

"We don’t have time!" Buffy sighed. "Okay, do what you can, Willow."

The Gestalt wasn’t in the force field. The wall only enclosed Judas and the baby. It came at them, going for Giles first. He rammed into the man, making him drop his book.

Buffy sprung into action. She sent a kick hurtling into the demon’s chest. He staggered back. Getting into the fight, she went for another kick. This one didn’t go so well. She began to lose her balance.

Spike grabbed her. "Luv, your center of gravity is a bit messed up."

"Punches it is then."

Meanwhile, Giles had recovered his fallen book. He had lost his place and flipped through it in frustration.

Willow had her eyes closed, concentrating. She murmured under her breath. She was searching the force field for a weakness. So far she hadn’t found one.

The chanting grew louder. Buffy doubled over, gasping for breath.

"What is it?" Spike demanded.

"I . . ." Buffy winced.

"Is it the baby?"

"Uhhh," Buffy moaned. "My stomach hurts."

"God, Buffy . . ."

The Gestalt saw an opening. He went for it. He knocked Buffy aside. Spike growled, releasing his anger at the demon. He moved violently, releasing an explosion of punches and kicks.

"It’s the ritual!" Alexis shouted. She leaned against the wall for support. "I know who Judas wants to kill with the ritual."

Dawn’s eyes widened. "You!?"

Alexis nodded. "Me."

*****************************

Giles finally found the passage. His eyes scanned the page in a hurry.

"Dear lord," he whispered.

His head snapped up. "The ritual can’t be stopped once it’s started."

"What!?" Dawn shrieked.

"Not without a willing death."

"Willing d-death?"

"I’m afraid so."

"We can’t . . . Buffy can’t die again. Spike can’t die. Willow . . . Me?"

Giles slammed the book shut. "You will do no such thing!"

"I’m willing," Dawn said. "I’m sixteen. I know that’s young. But a baby hasn’t even had the chance to live yet. I . . . I’m willing, Giles."

"And so am I."

They both shifted their attention to the stairs. Rick stood there. His eyes were red and swollen. He had an aura of strength about him, despite his ragged appearance.

"It’s my daughter there. I’m willing to save her by any means possible. That includes death."

Just then Willow let out a whoop. "I’ve got it down!"

********************************

They didn’t notice Alexis slipping from the basement. She pulled herself up the stairs with difficulty. She made it to the kitchen. She clung to the island for a moment. Then she opened a drawer.

Not there. She managed to search the whole kitchen. Eventually she found what she was looking for. She grabbed it and staggered back toward the basement.

*******************************

Spike fought hard. He wasn’t losing. He also wasn’t winning. The demon was strong. They were equal matches. The demon didn’t seem to be getting tired. Spike, on the other hand, was. He gritted his teeth, ignoring the fire in his muscles, and kept going.

"I’ve got it down!" Willow yelled in triumph.

Good going, Red, Spike thought.

"Get the baby!" came another shout.

Alexis, Spike realized.

Spike sent all his power shooting at the demon. The demon went down. Before the creature could get up again, Spike went for the table. He swooped up the baby.

"Fools!" Judas said with a crazy laugh. "You can’t stop the ritual. You can take that child away from here, but it will make no difference. It has started and will continue."

Spike thrust the baby into Dawn’s arms. Then he went to Buffy and picked her up.

"Let’s get out of here," Spike suggested.

The Gestalt had recovered. He snarled at them, prepared to strike. He never got the chance. A match from nowhere hit him.

Everyone turned their heads to see Alexis. She held a matchbox, lighting match after match. She threw them everywhere.

"Back up," she advised her friends and family.

Ges let out a holler of pain. His whole arm was aflame. He thrashed about, not knowing what to do.

"Never learned how to stop, drop, and roll, huh?" Alexis said. She tossed another match. "Good!"

Alexis grinned and her legs gave out. Giles helped her up, an arm around her.

"Like I said before," Spike said. "Let’s get the buggering hell out of here!"

The group was in agreement. They rushed out of the house. On their way, Rick grabbed a butcher knife.

******************************

They watched the house burn.

Spike settled Buffy down on the sidewalk. He knelt down beside her. She wasn’t in good condition. Neither was Alexis. The girl had passed out completely.

"Pet, how ya doin?"

Buffy’s eyes glistened. "Spike?" She blindly reached for his hand.

Spike took her hand and held on tight.

"Watcher, how does this ritual end? I take it the demise of the practitioner doesn’t do the trick?"

Giles ran a hand through his hair. "There must be a willing sacrifice. That is the only way."

"You have one!"

Rick raised the knife he possessed. He inched it toward his throat. He hesitated. "I-I can’t do it." He scanned the people around him. "Someone, do it for me? Please."

No one said a word. Spike rose. He stepped up to the man and took the knife. He understood. If Rick hadn’t volunteered he would have willingly slit his throat instead.

Heads turned away as Spike did the deed. The air was filled with the crackling of fire and the gurgling of a dying father.

*****************************

A while later, the gang was gathered in the Summers’ living room. There were solemn faces all around.

The baby began to cry.

"She needs to be fed," Buffy said.

The slayer and her daughter were back to being perfectly healthy again. Rick’s sacrifice had saved them both, along with his little girl.

A bottle was rummaged up. It was one of the items Buffy had bought for when baby Alexis was born.

"Can I do it?" Alexis offered.

Giles handed her the bottle of milk. She took it, cradling the baby gently. The baby sucked hungrily at the liquid.

"It’s over," Dawn announced.

Buffy nodded. "Yeah . . . It’s over."

But not without loss.

They all looked toward the baby. The baby who had lost her parents and had no one to turn to except them now.

Alexis gazed down at the baby. She felt some kind of strange connection with the child. Maybe it was because of the ritual that had bound them together.

Then their eyes met. Alexis gasped in awe. The baby had emerald eyes. Beautiful green orbs that held more understanding than they should.

"Sirena," Alexis choked out.

_________________________________________________


Chapter Thirty- Three- Hellos and Goodbyes

It was the end. Judas and the Gestalt were supposedly dead, burnt up in the fire. The threat against Alexis was over. It was time for her to go back where she belonged.

The entire gang gathered at the magic shop to say their goodbyes. Tara and Willow agreed on performing the return spell together. The red-head still didn’t feel comfortable doing magic on her own, but trusted herself when she was with her girlfriend.

"We’re ready," Tara announced.

That was the Scoobies’ cue to clear out. They left the main part of the store, leaving Buffy, Spike, and their daughter alone.

There was silence. No one knew what to say. Alexis took charge and threw herself at her parents. They held her back, afraid to let go.

"I love you guys," Alexis declared.

She pulled back to see her mother crying. Spike didn’t look far gone either.

"Aw, don’t be like this," she said. "You know I’m not really leaving."

"I know," Buffy said. "But it still feels that way."

Alexis gave them a small smile.

"I’m so glad you came to us. Who knows how things would have turned out without you." Buffy reached for Spike’s hand. Their fingers entwined together. "You’re the reason things turned out the way they did."

"We owe you a lot, Sunshine. Your our salvation," Spike said.

"I wouldn’t go that far. I didn’t do a whole lot actually. You both are the champions," Alexis remarked. "I guess I better get going."

Buffy’s eyes shed more water. "Oh, baby, I’m going to miss you."

Alexis rolled her eyes. "I know I shouldn’t be saying this to my mom but . . . You are an idiot. I’m right there." She pointed a finger to Buffy’s stomach.

With that, Buffy began to laugh through her tears. Spike joined her.

"I guess I am pretty stupid, huh?"

"I’m not even going to answer that question." Alexis walked toward the training room. Without glancing back she added, "See ya around in about three and a half months."

*****************************

"Are you sure about this?" Willow asked. Her voice was shaky and uncertain.

The witch gazed down at the bassinet. Sirena stared up at her with her stunning green eyes and smiled. Willow could see the baby actually smile at her. She could tell that this little girl was special.

"She needs someone. A-And I’ve seen you with her. I know you want to keep her." Tara came up beside her.

"I do," Willow confessed. She turned toward her lover. "But do you? Are you ready for this big step? I mean we just got back together."

"I would have chosen to wait. But this baby needs us now not later."

"So it’s okay then."

Tara’s arms slid around Willow’s waist. She laid her head on her shoulder. "Everything’s going to be just fine. I know it."

**********************************

"I miss her," Buffy whispered. She sat up in bed, running fingers through her hair. She let out a frustrated sound. "God, I really am stupid! She was right. Stupid Buffy."

"You aren’t the only one, luv," Spike informed.

Buffy laid a spread hand over her belly. "I know she’s here, but it doesn’t feel the same." Her eyes stared across the room.

Spike touched Buffy’s hand. The sensation made her turn her attention back to him.

"She's with us. We just have to wait is all."

"Waiting sucks."

"That it does."

_____________________________________________________

 

Chapter Thirty- Four- Hey, I’m Having a Baby Here!

About three and a half months later

Buffy awoke, feeling uncomfortable. She rolled over in bed and winced. Her stomach hurt. She tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t.

The slayer craned her head to get a glimpse of the blonde lying next her. Spike was deep in slumber, oblivious to Buffy’s predicament.

She got out of bed with some difficulty and crept out of the dark bedroom. She made her way down the hall to the bathroom. She flipped on the light switch, her eyes focusing. She stood there for a moment, leaning against the door. Ugh, she wished the ache in her belly would go away.

Buffy went to the toilet and sat down. She peed, finding that as she did so the pain eased.

There was a rap on the door. "Buffy? Pet? You okay?"

"Yeah, fine. I needed to use the bathroom," Buffy called.

She flushed the toilet. Then she washed her hands and headed back to bed. Spike was waiting for her. She settled down, molding her body close to his. His strong arms held her to him.

"Go back to sleep, luv," he instructed.

The slayer complied. It wasn’t long, however, when she woke up again. She felt the urge to use the bathroom again. Which was ridiculous. The clock said that it had only been an hour ago that she went. But when nature called, nature called.

Buffy disentangled herself from Spike. She was almost out of the room when he spoke.

"Again?"

"Yeah," Buffy told him. "Again."

She used the toilet again, this time emptying her bowels. As she was washing her hands a strong wave of pain swam over her. She clutched the counter until it passed.

I’m going into labor, Buffy realized. Oh my God. She was scared and excited both at the same time.

"Mom, I wish you were here," she whispered.

There was no reason to worry Spike. She had read quite a few books and they all said that labor lasted hours.

She stuck her head into the bedroom. Spike had gone back to sleep. Good. She didn’t feel like resting at the moment. She went downstairs.

There was nothing good on TV. She settled for a talk show. She made fun of the guests as she watched, trying to get her mind off the inevinable.

About an hour later she shut off the television. The pains were regular now. She stood up and began to pace the room. Every now and then she’d stop, hunching over. She tried to control her breathing like she had learned in lamaze class. It was more difficult to achieve than she anticipated. She experimented, going through a few contractions without it. She found that the breathing exercises were helping, and went back to trying them.

Suddenly she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. She froze, a deer caught in headlights. She knew this wasn’t going to be good.

"What in the hell are you doing!?" Spike demanded.
Buffy opened her mouth. Her mind had seemed to leave her right then.

"Uh . . ."

It was then that her body chose to unleash another contraction. She let out a little moan. They were getting stronger.

Spike rushed forward. He grabbed her arms. His voice was softer when he spoke.

"Buffy, how could you not tell me?"

She took in a deep breath. "Remember that book you gave me? The one we both read? It says that there is no need to panic. I don’t need to leave for the hospital until the contractions are ten to fifteen minutes apart."

"How far apart are they now?"

"I . . ."

"You don’t know!?" Spike asked incredulously.

"I kinda lost track. These last few I haven’t looked at the clock," she admitted.

Spike led her to the couch. He set her down next to him. He rubbed her back, which felt really good.

"Well, let’s start now."

After a few contractions it was confirmed that they were estimately fifteen minutes apart.

Spike jumped up and grabbed their coats. "Come on!"

"Spike, don’t panic. There is plenty of time."

He shook his head. "No there isn’t. You’re in active labor."

"Fine, Fine. Let’s go." She got to her feet. "Dawn. We have to call Dawn. And Xander or Giles, or somebody. We don’t have a car."

Dawn had spent the night at a girlfriend’s house. Some new girl at school. Jasmine? Joceline? She found the piece of paper with her name and number. Jackline.

Spike grabbed the phone and dialed for Dawn.

"Nibblet?"

He listened for a moment.

"That’s great, pet. I’m glad you got to see that movie. Look, bit, I think you might have to cut your slumber party short. That is, if you want to see your neice born that is."

There was a squeal heard from the reciever.

"So, I suggest you meet us . . ."

A confused expression came over Spike. "Dawn? Dawn? Are you there?"

Buffy frowned. "What is it? Did she hang up? She wouldn’t have hung up."

Spike shook his head. "No." He stared at the phone. "The phone went dead."

"The phone went dead!"

"Yeah."

"How are we going to call someone to pick us up?"

Spike turned around. "We can’t."
Spike took her arm and pulled her toward the front door. "We’ll walk it."

They were almost outside when she requested for him to stop. "Wait, Spike." When he didn’t she raised her voice. "Wait!"

"What? What is it?"

She held onto him, breathing hard.

"Oh."

Buffy wimpered.

Spike ran a hand over her hair. " S’ Okay, luv."

When the contraction ended, Spike surprised her by swooping her up in his arms. He carried her out into the night.

They made it a ways before they realized how dark it was.

"There should be streetlights," Buffy remarked.

"You’re right."

They went on. A little while later they came across a fallen powerline.

"The phone ‘and’ electricity are out? That really sucks," Buffy said.

"The hospital has a generator."

They went on, entering the downtown. Out of nowhere jumped four vampires.

"Oh great," Buffy said. "Did you bring a stake? I didn’t bring a stake."

"Kinda slipped my mind," Spike replied.
"Me too what with the impending birth and all."

Spike put her down. She was relieved to find that her legs were steady.

Spike stepped forwad to fight. Buffy watched, annoyed that she couldn’t help. He dusted two by twisting their heads. She smiled, glad he still had his vampiric strength.

One of the vampires came at her. There wasn’t much choice. She couldn’t just stand there.

Buffy punched him in the nose. Then she hit the side of his face. She stepped on his foot, making him howl. She swiped her leg across, making him lose his balance.

"I maybe having a baby here, but I’m still the slayer," she told the vamp. She held him down with her foot.

Spike dusted the other vamp and came over. He looked down at the fallen vampire.

"Good job."

"Thanks."

He bent down and took hold of the vampire’s head. He turned it. There was a crunch and then poof, he was gone.

Buffy let out a relieved sigh.

A few forms ran toward them. Slayer and ex-vampire went into fighting stances. They relaxed when they saw who it was.

Anya and Xander came near.

"We just came from your house," Xander informed. "You weren’t there."

"We tried to contact you, but the phone’s out," Buffy said.

"Power’s out all over town."

"Vampires did it," Anya explained. "They’re after you. Big surprise. We made one talk before we killed it. Said that tonight was the night. What did they mean by that?"

"Uhhhh." Buffy held her belly.

"Oh no," Xander said.

"Oh yes," Buffy said. "I’m having this baby tonight."

"We have to get her to the hospital," Spike insisted.

"That’ll be the first place they look for me. I can’t go there," Buffy said.

"Right. Right." Spike was at a loss.

"The magic shop!" Anya exclaimed. "You can go to the shop. There are lots of protection charms to help."

"Willow and Tara! Get them," Buffy instructed.

"I’ll do it," Xander offered.

Spike picked Buffy up. "Come on, it’s time for you to have our daughter."

______________________________________________________

 

Chapter Thirty- Five- Hey, I’m Having a Baby Here! Part II

Spike carried Buffy into The Magic Box.

"You can put her down there," Anya said. She pointed to a spot on the floor.

"I need to cover her with something," Spike answered. "Do you have a blanket?"

"I don’t . . ."

"Argh, fine!"

He put Buffy down and shed his leather duster. He helped Buffy remove the gray sweatpants she wore before draping it over her lower half. He knew that the coat meant death. He had taken it off his second slayer. But it seemed all right. Alexis’s purpose was to bring things to life. She spread light wherever there was darkness. Maybe she could transform the old thing into something new. A piece of material that brought good memories along with the bad.

"Do you mind, luv?" Spike asked Buffy.

She glanced up at him with incomprehension. "Huh? What?"

"My coat?"

She shook her head. "No. Not really caring about anything except getting through this."

They lit a few candles. The light was dim and cast shadows over the room. Buffy was glad. She didn’t think she would have liked the bright lights of the hospital.

It wasn’t long before Xander entered. Giles, Willow, and Tara followed suit. They rushed to Buffy’s side.

Willow knelt by her best-friend. She took her hand. "Wow. This is it, huh?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"You ready?"

"I don’t know," Buffy confessed.

Buffy suddenly squeezed Willow’s palm as a contraction hit.

"Um, Buffy. . ." Willow winced. "Buffy! Don’t break my hand, please."

Buffy released her hand. "Oh, sorry."

It was then that all hell broke lose. Vampires flooded the store.

"Oh God!" Buffy cried. "They can’t do this! This can’t be happening."

A vampire in game face made its way toward Buffy. "Slayer," it said.

"Hey, I’m having a baby here! Leave me alone!" She swung her leg when he came up, knocking him aside.

Tara held out her hands. "Aback!"

A stream of power poured out of her outstretched palms. The vampires shied away. "Hurry, get stakes. I can‘t keep this up for long," she shouted.

Spike, Xander, and Giles gathered weapons. Tara let her guard down and a battle began.

Anya ran over to a corner of the store. She took something off a shelf and then returned. In her clutch was a necklace. A crystal pendant dangled from it. She gave it to Willow.

"Put it on her," Anya ordered. "It’ll protect them."

Willow nodded. She looped the string over Buffy’s neck.

Time passed. How long nobody could be sure. The guys were busy staking vampires. It seemed like a new one showed up every time they dusted one. Buffy continued to go through labor. If a vampire came too close Willow and Tara would grab hands and chant ‘elluminat¢e’, and they would explode into nothing.

Buffy closed her eyes. She was really tired and she hadn‘t even started to push yet. "I can’t do this," she complained.

"Oh, stop it," Anya snapped.

"Anya, don’t be mean. She’s in a lot of pain," Willow pointed out.

"The book I’ve read said that child birth isn’t a big deal. And she’s the slayer. This should be a breeze."

Buffy’s eyes shot open. She glared at the other woman. "Shut up! You really don’t know what you are talking about. When you go through it, you’ll know."

Another contraction ripped through her body. She moaned, clutching Spike’s duster.

"Spike, this is your last and only kid! Got it!?"

Spike was currently busy with fighting and didn’t acknowledge her announcement.

A few moments went by. The contractions were really strong, hardly giving Buffy a chance to recover. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take.

Buffy’s eyes widened. She all of a sudden noticed what was next to her.

"Fertility statues!" she shouted at the store owner, incredulous. "You put me near fertility statues!"

"I know you don’t feel that way now, but after this is all over you are gonna want another kid."

"No, I’m not! This is it!" Her eyes got dark and scary. "Get me away from these statues!"

Willow and Tara helped Buffy move away from the fertility Gods. She was now by a shelf of candles and herbs.

The slayer’s breathing changed. There was a hesitation before exhaling.

"I wanna push," Buffy stated.

Tara rubbed Buffy’s arm. "All right, honey. I think it’s time. Don‘t use too much force at first, all right?"

Bring her knees up to her body, Buffy placed her hands behind them. She nodded at the blond witch. She pushed, giving a small grunt.

Spike came into view. "How is she doing?"

It was realized then that the vampires were gone. A layer of dust covered the floor.

"She’s doing fine," Tara assured him.

Buffy reached for her boyfriend. "Spike, don’t leave me again."

He took her hand. With his other one he smoothed down her sweaty hair. "I’m going to stay right by your side, pet."

He had spoken too soon.

The shop’s door opened and a figure stepped in. It was a vampire. Buffy could feel a warning tingle run down her spine. His face was disfigured, charred and red. She studied the vamp intently, knowing there was something about him. And then the alarms went off. She gasped.

"Judas!"

I have to stop, her mind cried. I can’t have my daughter now. Not when he’s here. She clutched her stomach. Stay inside, she begged. You can’t come out yet. It was useless and she knew it. Another urge to push overcame her that she couldn’t fight.

Spike rose. Buffy wouldn’t let go of his hand.

"No! You can’t leave me again! No! You promised to stay."

"I have to. You know that. I can’t let him hurt you or Alexi again." He looked down at her and met her eyes. She released his hand, knowing he was right.

"You are going to pay, slayer!" Judas said. "You and your little spawn. Look what you’ve done to my face?"

The burns were awful, covering his entire face and arms. Buffy knew that the fire must have gotten to him good. Vampires healed fast too. She hated to think of what the damage had looked like when it had been fresh.

Spike stepped forward. He smirked. "You’ll have to get through me first."

The sounds of combat mingled with Buffy’s cries.

Buffy’s eyes kept fluttering closed.

"How can she fall asleep at a time like this?" Xander asked. "I mean, shouldn’t she be wide awake? She’s having a baby."
"She’s conserving energy for the last part of the birth," Anya replied.

"Oh. Got it."

Spike rushed over. He grabbed a stone statues of an Egyptian god. He ran at Judas, lifting the statue high. He smacked the idol hard at the vampire. The object hit Judas’s wounded face making him holler with agony.

"Watch the merchandise!" Anya yelled. "You break it, you buy it, mister."

"I have to stop," Buffy whispered wearily.

"Stop? Buff, I don’t think that’s possible," Xander commented.

"Buffy, dear, are you scared? You’re doing just fine," Giles added encouragingly. "It’s almost over."

"I know. That’s why I have to stop," Buffy informed.

"Um, not really making sense here," Willow said.

"I have to wait for Spike." She looked at them, pleadingly. "Help me to not push."

"It’s not really a choice, Buffy," Giles said.

Tears formed in her eyes. "I don’t want to have this baby without Spike."

He was only across the room, but it seemed as if he were miles away.

Buffy struggled not to push.

"Don’t fight it," Tara soothed. "It isn’t good on the baby. You don’t want to hurt her, do you?"

The soon-to-be-mother shook her head.
It was inventible. Buffy couldn’t stop her baby’s decent. She reluctantly continued to push.

Tara lifted the leather duster and examined Buffy’s progression. She could see the vulva bulging between her legs. Buffy pushed again and a dark something came into view. It disappeared when the contraction receded.

"I think I saw the head!" Tara said in triumph.

"No!" Buffy screamed. "Spike, get your ass over here!"

"Just a moment, luv. Let me dust this nasty and I’ll be right over," Spike answered from across the shop.

"No! You can’t."

"What!? Not comprehending here."

"You can’t dust him," Buffy protested.

"He’s a baddie, Buff," Willow commented.

"I know. But it suddenly occurred to me that. . ." She paused to push. "Uhhhh. . ." She panted. "If he isn’t around in the future then Alexis would never have a reason to come back here. And . . . Uhhh. . ."

"Don’t talk, Buffy. Concentrate on pushing. " Willow said. She looked up at the rest of the gang. "I think I know what she’s saying. History will change if he doesn’t survive and become human. Alexis wouldn’t travel through time."

"And there’s no guarantee I’d have gotten with Spike," Buffy managed to get out.

"Right then," Spike said. He kicked the vampire in the side. "What we going to do with the bugger?"

"I can send him away!" Willow offered. "Remember that spell I did for Glory? Well, I improved it. I can pinpoint where he’ll end up. How does the artic sound?"

"The head’s completely out!" Tara announced.

"Spike, get over here now!!" Buffy shouted at the top of her lungs.

Giles and Xander went over to Judas, making sure he stayed unconscious on the floor. Spike sprinted to Buffy.

He took a peek at his daughter. "She’s beautiful."

Willow gave him a raised eyebrow. In reality the baby’s head was covered in fluid and a reddish color. Spike was looking through a parent’s eye.

"Come on, one more push," Tara urged on.

Buffy clutched Spike. "One more push," she breathed.

"You can do it, Buffy," Spike told her.

She did. The tiny body slid out of her, making its way into the world. Tara caught the infant. It was hot, wet, and very slippery. The two witches stared at it with concern.

Buffy noticed their expressions. She pushed herself up. "What is it? What is wrong?"

The slayer saw that her daughter wasn’t moving. She was still as death.

"NO! God, no!"

"Give her to me!" Spike demanded.

"Spike. . . " Willow began.
Just then there was a draw of breath. Then there was another. The baby opened its eyes to reveal clear blue orbs.

Buffy collapsed against Spike in relief. Tears streamed down both their faces.

"Thank God," Tara muttered.

Buffy had one last contraction, doing away with the placenta. Then everything was over.

Willow gathered a pair of scissors and brought them back. She handed them to Spike. He gaped at them, his brain not comprehending their purpose.

"The cord," Willow said. She pointed to the umbilical cord that still connected mother to daughter.

"Right," Spike said, doubtful. He knew he had read how to do this, but all knowledge left him.

He made a tentative, small slice. He eyed his baby and slayer, noting neither winced. He sliced it in two, thankful when it was done.

The baby was given to Buffy after being cleaned up. The child lay on her mother’s chest, while Buffy sank back, exhausted.

Spike huddled close. His girls. His precious girls.

Love enveloped the family. They had never known warmth like this.

"I’m so proud of you," Giles said to Buffy.

She simply grinned at him.

Someone burst into the store. Heads turned to see Dawn.

"Where were you guys!? I searched everywhere. The hospital. The house. Giles’s house. Willow and Tara’s. Xander’s. And then I had to hide because there were vampires everywhere. What happened?" Then she saw Buffy, Spike, and the baby between them. She was at a loss for words.
Anya rolled her eyes. "What does it look like? Buffy had her baby."

"Come here, Dawnie," Buffy requested. "See your niece."

Dawn came over. She knelt, looking down at the perfect little girl. "She’s so cute. I can’t believe I missed it."

"There wasn’t much to it. Just some moans, groans, and pushing," Buffy said. She smiled, her face aglow.

Laughter spilled out of Dawn. "Yeah right."

"Better get you two to the hospital, luv," Spike told Buffy.

"In a minute," Buffy said.

Silence spread over the store. Light spilled in from outside. Spike glanced from the rays outside to the sun held in his daughter’s eyes. He knew he was finally forgiven. The sunshine bathed him and he let it soak into his skin. And it felt right.

_________________________________________________

 

 

Epilogue

Buffy and Spike snuggled on the couch. Their eyes were locked on the display three little kids were making on the floor. Blocks were scattered everywhere and the beginnings of a tower was in progress.

All of a sudden the building went crash. Five-year-old Alexis stood up. "Daddy, Nicki made it fall!"

Spike leaned forward. "Sunshine, I don’t think he meant to."

"I’m Godzilla," Nick declared.

Sirena started to cry.

"Oh dear," Buffy muttered.

There was a knock at the door. Buffy got up to answer it. Xander and Anya stood outside. She quickly let them in.

"How was Nick?" Xander asked.

Buffy smiled. "He was fine. Although, he just knocked down a tower Alexi and Sirena were building. He says he’s Godzilla."

A laugh escaped Xander. "Yeah, that’s his new favorite monster now."

Anya went over to get her son. She took hold of his hand. The little boy looked up at his mother.

"I didn’t mean to make them cry," he told her.

"I know, honey. Ask before you do it again, all right?"

Nick LeVelle (Anya insisted that Xander’s middle name was beautiful) Harris was born a few weeks after Alexis. Anya was in labor longer than Buffy, by about three hours. She screamed throughout the whole thing, declaring she would kill her husband when it was all over. Afterward, she apologized to Buffy and told her that she very brave.

The Harris family thanked Buffy and Spike for babysitting. Then they left with their son, who was begging for ice-cream.

It wasn’t long before Tara and Willow arrived to get Sirena. They had to pry the girl away from her playmate. Alexis and Sirena were practically inseparable.

Spike and Buffy settled back on the couch. The parents watched as their daughter made a castle.

"You don’t mind watching the other kids, do you?" Buffy asked.

"Nah, they aren’t much trouble," Spike replied.

She shifted in his arms, gazing up at him. "So, you don’t mind being surrounded by children?"

"Well. . ." He leaned down and captured her lips. "I do like occasional breaks. Convenient because your friends have agreed to reciprocate the offer to babysit. And there is always Dawn."

"So. . . You wouldn’t mind another one then?"

Spike’s eyes bugged out. "What?"

"Alexis kind of forgot to tell us something." Her voice was soft. "She has a baby brother or sister."

There was a span of silence. Buffy looked at Spike. He wasn’t moving.

"Spike?" She shook him. "Spike!?"

He snapped out of it. "Sorry, luv. M’ fine, really."

"Geez, scare me half to death."

"So, you’re . . .?"

She gave him a tiny smile. "Yeah. Are you okay with it?"

He grinned. "I always wanted seven before I was turned."

"Seven?" his wife squeaked. "We are ‘so’ not having seven."

"Five?"

"Let’s start with two."

"Fine with me, pet. Two to begin with."

_______________________________________________

Okay, this wasn’t exactly the way I wanted it, but it’ll do. So, that’s it, folks. It is done. The End.