Out of the Mouth of Babes

“Dad, you awake,” Connor called, rapping on the door to his father’s suite.

He fidgeted while he waited. This confrontation wasn’t something he was looking forward to. The last nine hours had been surreal. All he had wanted was to hang out with Clem and Josh. Shoot some pool; drink a couple of beers before heading home. Instead he had been involved in a bombing, the cover up of a crime, and a vampire blood ritual. Not bad for a guy who only wanted peace and quiet in his life.

The door was yanked open and his father loomed over him. Connor shook off his unease. He hated that the mere size of his father intimidated him. No matter how old he would get, he would still look like a child next to Angel. He stood as straight as he could and looked into those brown eyes filled with curiosity and concern.

“Connor,” Angel exclaimed. “What are you doing here? Are you all right? Did something happen?”

Spike had said it would happen. It did. Angel growled and leaned closer to him, sniffing at him. Connor blushed under his father’s inspection. Didn’t he realize how much he resembled a dog when he did that? It was a wonder that vampires didn’t sniff people’s asses and crotches. Connor shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

“Are you going to answer my questions?” Angel asked, sighing and running his hand through his hair. “Any of them?”

Relieved that his father wasn’t berating him for something, Connor followed him down to his office. As he settled into the chair in front of the desk, he realized he was more comfortable here than he was in Angel’s personal space. It was part of keeping his father out of his heart. In the intervening years since he returned from Quor’toth, his father had tried to build a relationship with him. But always Connor pushed him away. At one time he must have trusted the vampire completely, dependent on him for food and warmth. Then it was taken away in an instant. The moment that Wesley had scooped him up out of his bassinette, life had become hell for him.

Raven believed in happy endings. Even now with Buffy drifting further away, she believed that somehow her family would be reunited. Connor knew it wouldn’t happen without great cost. What would his life been like if he had remained here? Would he believe in happy endings if he had grown up with his father and Cordelia instead of Holtz in that hell dimension?

Angel looked up from where he had been reading Spike’s message, “Tell Spike it’s taken care of.”

For a moment father and son stood across the desk from the other, their stances uncomfortable.

“Connor, why don’t you stay for a little while? I’ll fix you breakfast and you can tell me your side of things. Maybe answer those questions.”

Connor finally understood his father would never give up on him. Angel would wait until the end of time for his son to return to him. No matter how many times Connor rejected him; Angel would find an opportunity to offer peace again.

Angel moved to the door but something held Connor back. He knew what it was. Spike had told him to say it.

It was said and it felt a huge burden had been lifted from him. It was something that he had wanted to say for a long time. Fear had held him back that maybe if he let go, he’d lose again. But from watching Spike, he found that you lost if you didn’t let go. He waited as the emotions flickered across Angel’s face and then his arms were held out to him.

Spike shifted in his chair, his fingers turning to the next page in his book, and he glanced over at Buffy napping on the couch. So, far things had been quiet. No police knocking on the door, just a small article on the third page of the newspaper identifying a missing local man. He had left behind a frantic girlfriend and parents. Guilt kept hounding Spike at how the family must be worried not knowing what had happened to him. Every time it made itself known, Spike would push it away. Life was about survival and his wife was more important than their need to know. What was the idiot doing in the cemetery in the middle of the night anyway? So, if you wanted to justify it, if the man had been smart then he wouldn’t have died.

Buffy gave a delicate snore and kicked her covers off. Sighing, Spike stood and pulled it over her again. His fingers drifted over her cheek for a moment before he straightened. She seemed to be terrified all the time now. Her slumber was restless again, clinging to him when she did manage to fall asleep. He had found her crying a few times but she wouldn’t tell him why except to say that it was everything. He had considered calling Willow to see if there was a way to join their minds together so he could see what was scaring her. But he didn’t. He knew the risks and would keep his promise to put their children first.

“Sir,” Bryant said, from the door. The young man shuffled, still uncomfortable in this house of supernatural beings and Spike knew Bryant was afraid of him. “I finished the mural. Would you like to see it?”

Spike nodded, glanced down at Buffy to make sure she was sleeping peacefully before stepping out of the study. Leading the way, Spike made his way up to the attic. Sean was waiting for them and he stepped out of the way when they appeared. At first he didn’t see it. The mural was of a meadow with cute lambs playing on green grass, fluffy white clouds and a sun. He doubted it when he did see it. Spike blinked and stepped closer, his fingers hovering over the painting. It was. Around the sun were three stars; the symbol of Aurelius.

“Buffy asked you to paint this?” Spike asked, looking over his shoulder at Bryant.

“Yes, she did. She even gave me a sketch to follow. Did I do something wrong?”

“No, it’s perfect actually,” Spike said, shaking his head. “Look why don’t you head downstairs. I need to do something. Sean, keep your ear out for Buffy.”

“Dad, you sure everything is all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”

Spike dialed the number for Angel. His mind swirled with questions as he waited for his Sire to answer the phone. His emotions bounced from one extreme to the other. One moment he wanted to grieve for his wife and the next he wanted to run. It had been such a battle to become the man he was. A battle fought in love for the woman who seemed intent on dragging him back to who he was once.

“Hang on,” Spike said, and pushed the buttons to call Giles for a three way conversation. The phone rang only a couple of times before Kate picked up the phone. “It’s Spike, is Rupert around?”

“No emergencies,” Spike said with a laugh. He was beginning to feel like he needed to start every conversation with an update. “Bryant just showed me the mural that Buffy requested.”

“You called us for that?” Angel asked sarcastically. “Aren’t the lambs cute enough?”

“Oh, they’re adorable. Tell me are there any prophecies about sacrificial lambs for the Order of Aurelius?”

“What does Aurelius have to do with the mural?” Angel asked. His words exact and slow as if he was trying to wake from a nightmare.

“Nice scene of those fluffy little animals frolicking under the symbol of Aurelius. Is that enough explanation?”

“Yes, I think it is,” Giles said. “As a matter of fact I think it’s the first real clue we’ve had. It will narrow the field quite a bit.”

“Do you think it was a deliberate clue or just another symptom…?” Angel asked.

“Of her delusions,” Spike finished. “I don’t know. I’m trying to think, remember, I spend so much time just trying to deal I don’t really pay attention to her ramblings.”

“Maybe you need to,” Giles said, quietly. “Look I’m not trying to add more to your shoulders. God knows you have enough as it is. But maybe she has been trying to tell us something and none of us have been listening.”

“Don’t William,” Angel chided. “Giles is right. You’ve got a hell of a lot going on. It’s the ones that aren’t around her all the time that should have noticed something. You’re with her constantly. It would be harder for you to see.”

Angel knew him too well. It was exactly what Spike was doing. Blaming himself for missing something that might be crucial to what was happening to his wife. If he’d been blinded to something she’d been trying to tell him and had left her in that hell because of it, he didn’t know if he’d ever forgive himself.

“I think all of us need to get together and brainstorm,” Giles said. “To try and figure something out. I’m assuming at this point we all agree it isn’t insanity but something else.”

“Yes,” Spike said. “I don’t know, Giles, I honestly don’t know. Are we grasping at straws just so we don’t have to accept the truth?”

“Giles is right,” Angel said. “We all need to get together and talk. Everybody needs to write down anything; no matter how ludicrous it sounds that she might have said to us. Maybe we’ll find a pattern or things we should have seen.”

“It will give us all time to do some more research on this new development,” Giles said, “and to see if we can remember something.”

“Watch her, Spike, write down everything she says or does. Have the kids do the same,” Angel instructed. “Let us know. We can move this up if we need.”

A minute later after brief good-byes, the three hung up the phone. Spike sat on the top step, wrapping his arms around his knees and felt the weight of his life press on his shoulders. His mind began to search for something that she might have said or done. But why didn’t she just tell him? Why all those secrets that she kept so hidden from him? Was there something or someone preventing her from turning to him?

The baby shower was still raging on. Her family was still everywhere, eating and joking as if today was like every other day. Buffy took another bite of her salad and looked around at everyone that was gathered in the kitchen.

Angel and Cordelia being cute and giggly as she tried to feed him cake. Angel didn’t eat food. Didn’t she know that? Buffy shrugged and once again marveled that her ex had won a game that needed a lot of knowledge of baby supplies. It showed the devotion he must have had when Connor was a baby. It was good that father and son had made up. Buffy hadn’t seen Angel looking that happy in quite a while.

Dawn and Raven were talking about the men in their lives while they piled another platter with sandwiches. Apparently Josh was still playing the sympathy card with Dawn to get extra loving. Buffy scrunched up her nose at the thought of her little sister being sexually active. It was just a total ick factor. She stood, putting her plate in the sink and discreetly trying to figure out where her husband was. He was laughing somewhere and she realized he was on the phone when he said ‘Max’. Their friend hadn’t made it to the party because they were waiting for some information on the stalker. Max had assured them that she would be arrested within a couple of days.

With another quick glance around, Buffy made her way to the back door. It was like being in prison and she wondered how Faith had stood being locked away. The door closed behind her and she breathed deeply taking in the sweet scent of being alone. All day she had been questioned and studied as her family tried to figure out what was going on with her. She wanted to be free of it for just a moment.

Buffy hesitated, making sure that no one was following her outside, before she headed to the back wall. Her fingers ran across the magnolia bushes, pausing to inhale their sweet scent. The back door opened and she sighed. Someone was coming. There was no way that they’d allow Buffy to wander around unsupervised. She looked over her shoulder to see Cordelia making her way across the back yard.

“Trying to catch a moment alone,” Buffy said, turning to head back to the house.

Cordelia’s fake friendliness was not something she wanted to deal with at the moment. There was too many things going on and the droning from her head was irritating her.

“I wanted to talk to you for a minute,” Cordy said, halting Buffy with a hand on her upper arm. She waited until the Slayer turned around before continuing. “I know everyone has been doing this whole coddling routine and trying so obviously to be unobvious about asking you questions. But I’m not.”

“You’re not,” Buffy said, knowing there had to be a catch, there always was with Angel’s wife. Her snark factor had only grown over the years.

“No, I’m not,” Cordy said, smiling with all those teeth showing. “No, I’m telling you. I’ve known all along that you weren’t insane. You’ve always been wacko but not insane. So, why don’t you quit this game or whatever you think you’re doing and let up on your poor husband?”

“Do you love Connor?” Buffy asked, the back of her fingers brushing against the brunette’s cheek. The smiled vanished from Cordelia’s face and Buffy smiled. “Do you?”

“I’m not playing this game,” Cordelia said, batting Buffy’s hand away from her. “If you have something to say, just say it.”

It worked. Cordelia was hooked. There was a flash of fear in her eyes before she resumed her standard princess stance. It wouldn’t last.

“How you must have hated Darla for the very act of conception? She had what you wanted. The craving for Angel’s flesh, grinding into you, fucking you senseless and you couldn’t have him. Could you? Not then.”

“Then there was Connor. The child you wanted to create with Angel. You were his mother in so many ways, changing his diaper, cuddling him to your breast, wishing that he could nurse from your teat. Wesley stole away your baby, your dreams, and your hope that you’d be a family.”

“Don’t Buffy,” Cordelia pleaded, tears filling her eyes. “How can you be so cruel?”

“I’m not. The truth is so liberating. Don’t worry. I won’t tell them,” Buffy said, taking the other woman’s hand. “I won’t tell how when Connor came back that you wanted him. He was a child still but a man in so many ways. He adored you, wanted you, looked at you like Angel never had. And for a moment, just a moment, you wondered what it would be like to fuck him since you couldn’t have the father.”

“Shut up, you don’t know anything. If you even think about spreading these lies, I’ll make you pay.”

Buffy laughed because it was the truth. They both knew it. If it wasn’t then Cordelia wouldn’t be so upset.

“It seems a family trait. William wanted so badly to crawl back into his mother, and Connor wanted to do the same. Maybe it’s why Angel’s father hated him so much,” Buffy said her laughter louder with each sentence. “This family is so incestuous.”

Through eyes that had narrowed to slits, Buffy watched her old enemy run to the house. A part of her felt triumphant at hurting the other woman and a part of her ached for Cordelia. If only they understood but it was already too late.

The house was blessedly quiet. Raven and Sean had gone to the movies with Fred and Wesley. Cordelia had refused to stay at the house and had gone to a hotel with Angel along with the rest of the LA gang. Elijah was sleeping and Spike was downstairs leaving Buffy to tend to business.

An open suitcase lay on the bed where Buffy was packing the few things she knew she’d need. The baby carrier was the last item to be stuffed inside before she forced the lid down. She put it inside the closet in case things didn’t go according to plan. Next, she checked on her son and decided to let him sleep until the last minute.

Closing her eyes, Buffy tried once more to convince herself this was the only way. She knew it was. It wasn’t like she had a choice. She didn’t need any more reminders of who was in control. It was time and she made her way down to the living room where Spike was watching a movie.

“Would you like some wine?” Buffy asked, running her hands along his shoulders and down his arms.

Buffy allowed him the kiss, enjoying the feel of his tongue as it invaded her mouth. She teased it with her own and wished she had the time to make love to him. To let him know one last time how much she loved him. In spite of what she’d said that day, she would never let go of him. Never let go of the love she had for him. It was the only thing keeping her sane.

She poured out two glasses of red wine, glanced over her shoulder and pulled a small packet out of her jeans. The mixture of powdered herbs were almost black and a shiver of fear ran through her at what she was about to do. It had been her choice. She was the one who had stolen it from the Magic Box after careful research and idle conversation with Anya. Sighing she opened it and poured the contents into the glass for Spike. After throwing the packet into the trash, she mixed Spike’s wine with her finger.

Taking the glasses, Buffy returned to sit next to her husband on the couch. It shouldn’t take long for it to take effect if he would drink enough. She cuddled into his side so that he couldn’t reach the table and had to hold onto his drink. It worked as he absently sipped the liquid, finishing half the glass in only a few minutes. Her head was nestled against his chest and she could hear his heart beat slowing and feel his body starting to sweat. He knew something was wrong as he shook his head. Buffy pulled away and stood.

“Don’t fight it, Baby,” Buffy pleaded as he tried to stand. “Let it take you under.”

Sobbing, she stepped out of the way of his hand reaching for her. She hated this. She hated doing this to him. If only things could have been different. Spike staggered as the herbs took effect and he fell crashing onto the table.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Buffy cried, as she saw the hurt of her betrayal shining in his eyes. “I love you, remember that.”

It was over. Spike was unconscious. Buffy lifted him onto the couch and covered him with the afghan. Her fingers drifted along the planes of his face, her beautiful man, such a contrast of life itself. He carried the extremes of nature within him in perfect balance, love and hate, good and evil, he had seen both sides of every emotion and let it mature him into the creature he was. How could she ever have garnered the love of one such as him? She knew when this was over, the chances of that love being lost was very real. Everyone has a breaking point and how much hurt could one heart take? She kissed his cheek and returned upstairs.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she left their home and lead them through the cemetery. Elijah stumbled, still half asleep, and she picked him up, making their progress slower. Someone appeared before them, a vampire, and he reached for her son.

She handed him the suitcase and took his arm to help keep her balanced as they continued to the entrance road. It wasn’t a surprise when she saw the limousine waiting for them. She placed Eli back on the ground and held tight to his hand. The minion hurried forward to put her suitcase in the trunk so he could open the back door. Buffy held her breath as another vampire stepped out of the back.

The vampire before her was handsome. His tall, dark looks bore a striking resemblance to Angel but she knew Dagon lacked the other’s style. He was a wannabe that could never quite measure up. The execution and delivery of his plans lacked the grace and beauty of Angelus’ legend. His evil was heavy-handed and often without enjoyment of what he wrought.

Buffy allowed him his game. Let him lift her hand in greeting, kissing her palm with cold, emotionless lips.

“Believe me when I say it is honor to finally meet you in person, Mrs. Blood, “Dagon said, “The woman who domesticated William the Bloody.”

Buffy only nodded. It was time this monster found out who he was dealing with and if he really thought Spike was domesticated it would only make his downfall easier.

He reached to help her in and she accepted it begrudgingly. Elijah crawled in first, followed by his mother, clutching her hand as he stared at the vampire already seated in the car.

“Hello my little prince,” the woman said, holding her arms out to Elijah. “We can play such games again. You will love the castle where we are going to live.”

“Is that my dark mummy?” Elijah asked pointing to Drusilla, and at Buffy’s nod, he darted to her, cuddling in her lap as they lost themselves in talk of the game they could resume.

Dagon settled next to Buffy, “Isn’t this nice? The beginnings of a family reunited…”

Author’s Note: Thank you to Vette for cluing me in about the Order of Aurelius. And a reminder that in the Baby world Cordelia never ascended to a higher plane so she was by Angel’s side during the whole Connor crisis.

Chapter 49 – Unravel

March 15, 2008 11:45 PM

Raven knew something was wrong. She approached the house cautiously. Her Slayer senses were on full alert. The house was brightly lit which for her parents was unusual. They liked the lights dimmed with lots of candles burning especially when they were alone. She took a quick look behind her to make sure everybody was ready. Fred was right behind her while Wesley and Connor flanked her. They were as tense as she was and she turned the knob to an unlocked house. The alarm didn’t beep and she reached for the hand axe they kept in the small bench in the foyer.

Connor took off down the hallway toward the kitchen, Wesley and Fred turned into the dining room leaving Raven to step into the living room. Nothing and she walked toward the couch looking for the remote to turn the television off. She saw the broken table, took a look around, and peered over the couch and saw Spike.

“Dad, Dad,” Raven said, rushing around to kneel in front of her father. “In here,” she shouted as she shook Spike again. “Wake up, come on.”

Wesley pushed her hands aside and felt for a pulse. “He’s alive.” After looking for any injuries, his gaze swept the living room and he pointed to the wine glass on the floor. “He was probably drugged.”

“Mum,” Raven said in alarm and took off running upstairs. She returned just a few moments later. “Mum and Elijah are both gone.”

She watched as Wesley reached for his cell phone and punched in a code. She didn’t need to ask. He’d called for Angel.

~~~~~~~~

March 15, 2008 10:45 PM

It was a castle, Buffy thought as the car pulled into a long driveway. The house was built with stones and large windows with turrets that stood guard on either side. She put her hand on Elijah’s shoulder as he bounced in excitement at seeing the house. He was going to be able to play in the place he had only been told about in stories for months now.

Another servant rushed out when the car stopped. The door was opened and they were helped out as the driver retrieved Buffy’s suitcase.

“This way ma’am,” the servant said leading the way into the house. “My name is Roderick and if there is anything that you need, please let me know.”

Buffy noted with surprise that Roderick was human even though she had heard from Angel and Spike that this happened. Vampires employed someone who could do things for them that could only be done during the day and the humans were paid extremely well for keeping quiet about their employer’s activities. She followed him into a huge foyer that was open to the top of the house. The house was beautiful and seemed to have stopped in a time long before this one. It reminded her of English manors she had only seen in movies

“Buffy,” Dagon, said resting his hand on her lower back. “There will be plenty of time for exploring tomorrow. Please, allow Roderick to show you to your suite and get some sleep. I will join you for breakfast and we will talk then.”

“I want to play with Eli,” Dru said, holding the boy’s hand. “It is still early. The stars have barely begun to shine.”

“No, Dru,” Dagon said, taking her hand from Eli’s and pulled her against him. “I told you that we must conform to their schedule for now.” He kissed her cheek and turned back to Buffy. “Please tell Roderick if you need or want for anything. This is your home now and I want you to be comfortable.”

“Thank you,” Buffy whispered, taking her son’s hand and followed the servant up the stairs. She wondered if Spike had been discovered and if they were beginning the search or if her husband had washed his hands of her. She knew though he would come for his children. He had promised so she knew he wouldn’t break it. She only hoped that he figured things out so he was prepared.

“Mr. Dagon has given you a suite with a private bath,” Roderick said, opening the door. “A twin bed has been placed in your room for Elijah. Everything is made up and there is a wet bar in the sitting room with drinks and snacks for you. If you would like something more substantial, please let me know.”

“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Buffy said, walking around her new quarters. It was more than comfortable with a couch and chair in front of a fireplace. The bedroom held a four poster bed for her and a small child’s bed tucked in the corner. “Thank you.”

For a moment the servant looked uncomfortable. He seemed to gather his courage and looked up at her. “The master has requested that tomorrow that you wear the clothes he has picked out for you. They are in the closet. And, of course, your door will be locked but just pull the cord if you need anything. I was also told to inform you that the house and grounds are heavily guarded.”

“I was expecting that,” Buffy said, a minute smile tickling her lips. “It’s all right.”

Roderick nodded and slipped away.

“Time to get you back into bed,” Buffy said smiling at her son. Dagon was right. There was plenty of time for them to cope with their new surroundings tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~

March 16, 2008 12:22 AM

Angel was furious.

Everyone was panicking as they planned search parties. His people were there already, Sean had returned home after dropping Bryant off, Raven’s Scoobettes were there, Giles and Xander were on their way. Spike was still fighting nausea from the herbs and was in the bathroom trying to regain his equilibrium. Chaos was reigning and he was sick of it.

“Shut up, now,” he shouted, catching everyone’s gaze briefly. “Do you really think she just got lost in a delusional state? Buffy drugged Spike. It was planned. Think. She didn’t take the cars or even her purse. She didn’t have any money. So, obviously she has someone helping her.”

“Controlling her,” Spike said, stepping into the room. “I saw her face. She didn’t want to do this. Someone is forcing her to do it.”

“The stalker,” Raven said.

“Thank you,” Angel said. “Someone is thinking. Hand me a phone now.” He quickly dialed a number and waited until Max answered the phone. “Buffy is missing. We’re thinking it might be the stalker.”

“What do you mean Buffy is missing?” Max answered. “What happened?”

“That’s why I’m calling you,” Angel said, wanting to throttle the other man for not immediately giving him the information he needed. “Spike was drugged and Buffy disappeared. He says someone was forcing her so we thought it might be this stalker you’re inept ass can’t find.”

“It can’t be her,” Max said. “We arrested her two hours ago.”

“Who is she? Any chance she is working with someone who might be in on this?”

“I don’t think so,” Max said. “She’s a secretary that lives in a little town north of Atlanta. She’s an obsessed fan, pictures of Spike framed all over the house, even runs a website dedicated to him.”

Angel ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head to let everyone know that it wasn’t the stalker. “So, this is absolutely no help at all.”

“Not entirely,” Max said. “She’s confessed to just about everything but she denies having anything to do with the attack on Nikki.”

~~~~~~~~

March 15, 2008 12:45 PM

Elijah was asleep, so trusting and innocent, holding no fear in this new place. To him it was the place his dark Mummy had told him about. Buffy knew it was for the best that he considered this an adventure and not the nightmare that she did. Sleep wouldn’t come and she rolled onto her back again. She missed her husband and children, her home and her own bed.

A scraping noise startled her and she sat up. Her eyes searched the darkness for the source and her eyes widened as the bookshelf swung back. She grasped for the stake beneath her pillow comforted by the feel of wood in her hand. The idiot Dagon hadn’t had her searched. His arrogance at her compliance was making him careless. A momentary grin lit up her face at the thought of turning the bastard into dust.

The warm glow of a candle preceded Drusilla into the bedroom. Her hand touched a spot on the wall and it closed again. Buffy watched as she put the candle down and approached her son. Relaxing, she left the stake under the pillow and smiled at the tiny vampire tucking the covers closer around Elijah.

“Does Dagon know you’re here?” Buffy asked.

“It doesn’t matter,” Dru said, sitting on the edge of the bed. “The same key holds us both.”

Cool fingers danced across her cheek. Buffy had almost forgotten how it felt to be caressed by fingers so dead. She closed her eyes as she leaned into the hand, acknowledging that Drusilla was right. It wouldn’t do Dagon any good to keep them physically separated when their minds had been joined for so long. Only death could tear them apart now and Buffy suspected even that wouldn’t work. Too many moments shared, too many memories recalled, and one soul torn between them.

“Did he hurt you tonight?” Buffy asked, and at Drusilla’s nod slid from the bed to retrieve a wet clothe. She sat behind Spike’s former love. “Lift your gown and I’ll clean it for you.”

The pale back bore the marks of Dagon’s whip and Buffy’s eyes filled with tears as she wiped the blood away. The vampire’s games held no love, no possession, and no respect for the girl he had chosen to stand beside him. Drusilla was nothing but a stepping stone for what he really wanted. In the preceding months when Drusilla had fled into her mind, Buffy had borne the brunt of Dagon’s tyranny and knew the coldness of his rule.

‘Don’t cry,” Drusilla whispered, turning to face Buffy and cupping her cheek again. “It will go away soon. It always does.”

“He shouldn’t,” Buffy protested, shaking her head. “You are the childe of Angelus and the Sire and one time companion of William the Bloody, he should respect that.”

“The one-eyed Jack only peers into the court but is never invited.”

Buffy understood and scooted back, lifting the covers. “Do you want to stay the night?”

It was amazing to watch this vampire be childlike as she nodded and slipped into the bed beside Buffy. Underneath the lunacy, and the demon, Drusilla was still the lost girl that Angel tortured and in her own way she was still looking for someone to protect her from her nightmares. Dru curled against Buffy, laying her head on the blonde’s shoulder with her hand over the baby.

“The wee one is swimming.”

“His schedule is messed up and he doesn’t like it,” Buffy said, laughing as her own hand covered the spot where her baby was kicking.

“It’s a girl,” Dru whispered. “I’m her grand-mum and I’m going to be so much better than mine was. Teach her and the little prince everything they need to know and I won’t ever leave them alone.”

“I know you won’t,” Buffy said, covering Dru’s hand with her own.

~~~~~~~~~

March 16, 2008 1:15 AM

The house was bustling with activity. Productive activity, Angel noted with satisfaction, as Giles and Wesley directed everything. The living room was being rearranged and tables set up for the research and the two Watchers would sort through the notes and information accumulated. Angel grabbed Spike’s arm as he wandered by. His Childe was still suffering from the effects of being drugged and was going into shock. His mind was obviously reeling as he wandered about, muttering to himself, until Angel worried about Spike’s sanity.

“Stop it,” Angel said, cupping his face. “We need to think and recriminations aren’t going to help. Not hers or yours. Are you sure that Buffy isn’t acting alone?”

“Bloody Hell, Peaches,” Spike sneered, pushing his Sire away. “We’re talking about Buffy here. Do you think she is capable of it?”

“Anyone is capable of anything given the right circumstances.”

It was something that Angel knew without doubt. Even people with the best intentions if pushed hard enough could do the most heinous acts. And Spike needed to face that if Buffy was given the right reasons or the right enticement she could sell them all out. It was already a part of her nature, sending him to hell, running away, stabbing Faith and using Spike to release her emotional distress. Angel didn’t know if Spike could survive if Buffy had betrayed him. His Childe had finally let go of all his fears and insecurities in the matters of the heart and to find he had been wrong again would be a fatal blow.

“Not her, Angel, not now,” Spike said. “She loves me, loves our children and that baby is everything. She’d never put our children in danger without good reason.”

Angel nodded. “Then who and how could anyone be working with her? She’s hardly been out of your sight for months.”

“Mind control possibly?” Giles said, joining them in the foyer. “Is it possible it is Drusilla? We’ve discussed her and dismissed her several times but logically…”

“Logically it makes no sense,” Angel said. “Dru’s in France. I know she’s strong but I don’t know if she’s capable of controlling anyone from that distance.”

“Are we sure she’s still there?” Spike asked. “I know you’ve talked to your people there but can you trust them?”

Angel located Wesley in the living room and motioned him over. “I want you on the next plane to France,” Angel said. “I need to know for sure if Drusilla is still there.”

“Isn’t there someone else?” Giles said. “Wes knows the prophecies and research as much as I do. We need him here not halfway across the world.”

“How about sending Max?” Cordelia said standing in the entranceway with her arms crossed. “He’s already in Atlanta and it would save hours to send him.”

“Send him, Angel,” Spike said, laying his hand on his Sire’s arm to get his attention. “Give him a chance.”

Angel nodded. “Cordy call him, set it up. I want him there ASAP.”

~~~~~~~~

March 16, 2008 1:35 AM

The only light was the flickering of the candle, its glow dancing against the wall. Buffy ran her fingers through the dark tresses of the vampire nestled at her side. Seeing life through Drusilla’s eyes had changed her in so many ways as she knew Dru had been changed by seeing her life. Somewhere the domination and control had grudgingly given way to awareness which had finally yielded to this surrender. They would never be friends but they were family. And they had been abandoned in so many ways that now when the future was so uncertain, they would cling to each other. Sisters who needed each other to survive and find consolation in the nightmare they found themselves caught in.

“Why did you leave Spike?” Buffy asked, curious as to what had taken Drusilla away from someone with the capacity to love like Spike did. Why walk away from an endless well of love and protection when Dru needed it so badly?

“It was you,” Dru whispered. “You were all over him, leaving him to taste like ashes.”

“Think it might have been the cigarettes,” Buffy said, smiling.

“A bright light, enticing the moth, my little Spike couldn’t resist the flame and you burned it all away. My prince was gone, leaving only the man, glowing with your goodness. You didn’t see and he hurt for so long.”

“I was wrong. For so many things, for so long and I regret each day that he hurt.”

“He hurts now,” Dru said. “He doesn’t understand. He only knows you left him all alone.”

Buffy closed her eyes trying to push away her guilt. It was horrible in its intensity, weaving through every fiber of her being. She would never forget the look in his eyes when he realized what she had done. It tore her apart to deceive him but Dagon commanded her appearance and she didn’t dare disobey. Not if she wanted her family to live.

“He’s not alone,” Buffy whispered. “I’ve seen to that.”

Their family would stand stalwart around Spike and their love would protect him. It was the only comfort she had now.

~~~~~~~~

March 16, 2008 2:24 AM

It was beautiful, reaching to the sky, someplace she once fantasized about when she played princesses with her friends. She stared in awe at it, looking around at the grounds, and the long driveway. She inhaled the sweet scent of flowers, looking up again she saw someone in an upstairs window. A hand waved before Elijah ducked away again.

Tara sat up in bed, her hands rubbing her face, trying to wake up. It had been so real as if she was there and she knew it wasn’t a dream. She grabbed the phone and quickly dialed the number for Buffy and Spike. Any doubts that were left were vanquished when Angel answered the phone.

“Angel, its Tara. Buffy and Eli are gone aren’t they?” Tara asked standing and shaking Willow to wake her at the same time.

“How did you know?” Angel asked.

“Elijah is sending me a message…”

To be continued in Chapter 50 – Q&A

Everything was exquisitely done. The crepes were light, the strawberries juicy and sweet, and the ham held the merest hint of maple. Buffy’s plate was overflowing as she helped herself to a second serving. Starving as she and her baby was she didn’t care how bad she looked; food was the order of the day.

Elijah had already eaten his fill and was playing in the drawing room with Drusilla. Buffy only allowed him out of her sight as long as she could still hear him. She trusted Dru with her son but the minions that occasionally scurried about bothered her. Even with strict instructions they might decide that the boy was too tempting to pass up.

“I see you are enjoying your meal,” Dagon said, effortlessly appearing beside her chair. He kissed her on the cheek and fingered the lace on her dress before sitting. “You are very beautiful. That era would have suited you quite well.”

His eyes skimmed over her and Buffy hid her repulsion behind her glass of milk. The clothes he had made for her were all recreated fashions from the Edwardian age. The dress was white tulle with a layer of embroidered batiste. It was totally feminine and Buffy would have found it lovely if it wasn’t Dagon’s little gift. To perfect the image a maid had come to their room earlier that morning to help them dress and to do her hair.

Buffy continued to eat and ignored Dagon. It didn’t seem to bother him as he leaned back in his chair and played with the place setting.

“After the baby is born,” Dagon said his voice seductive and careful. “I will enjoy dressing you up and showing you off…as my paramour.”

“Such defiance,” Dagon, said, laughing while a finger caressed her hand. “You’ll find it is more of a coveted spot than to merely be a wet nurse.”

“Please do not tell me that you really think that your husband and Angelus will come for you,” Dagon said, tilting his head in a manner reminiscent of Spike. “Drusilla once had that fantasy. She thought that she could make her Daddy come back and he would come charging in to save her. Twice now he and William have failed her. Now she, how did you put it, oh yes, now she gives herself to me.”

His words only confirmed Buffy’s earlier assumptions about the night Spike found her straddling Angel. Drusilla had been using her body to try and release Angelus unknowing of the spell to anchor his soul. Angel and Spike may have locked the raven haired beauty away where they could forget her but Angelus wouldn’t abandon her. Even if it was only a show of possession he would have gone and returned her to his side.

Buffy stood unable to bear the vampire’s scrutiny anymore. His words made her uncomfortable because they echoed her own doubts. Angel had abandoned her once already, would he come now once he knew the truth? Would Spike’s love extend far enough to want her back or would he only come for his children? She turned to the china cabinet and made a show of looking over the small collection of birds that aligned the shelfs.

“Drusilla’s whims,” Dagon said. “Since I freed her she dreams only of birds,” his hand rested on Buffy’s lower back and stood beside her, “but you know that don’t you? She wants to fly away and never return. Do you dream of flying away, Buffy? Where you don’t have to face the repercussions of these past months…in my arms?”

“It may not have been your body but there have been times, my love, don’t deny it,” Dagon said, following her; so confident of a prey that had no where to run. “That I have looked down into Drusilla’s face and seen you while I enjoyed her charms. Just as I am sure that Spike has enjoyed hers again.”

Buffy ran out of places to run as her body hit the wall. The monster in her nightmares became reality as he cornered her. His touch was cold as he leaned forward to kiss her and she pushed him. He laughed as he staggered back.

They were at standoff for a moment as they stared at one another. She knew Dagon wouldn’t push the issue too far because he wouldn’t run the risk of hurting the baby. This whole charade was for her child that Dagon wanted. His games with her were just a bonus to while away the time until that moment came. It was afterwards that frightened her if Spike didn’t come through. She shuddered as the memories of waking and finding herself in Drusilla’s body as Dagon rutted on her flooded her mind. She wondered if she would ever feel whole or clean again.

“Mummy, Mummy,” Elijah called, running into the room. “We’re going to explore the house. Will you come with us?”

“Go on, Buffy, take the child and explore,” he said, waving his hand. “I will come and find you when he takes a nap. We will finish our discussion then.”

The house was filled to capacity as the family worked to find Buffy and Elijah. There wasn’t a member that wasn’t there to contribute, gathered around tables and reading books or working on deciphering ancient codes. Del had brought the Chickies in to help her in the kitchen and with watching the babies. The dining room had been turned into a nursery where the children played or napped while Del ran the kitchen, keeping the coffee brewing and water hot for tea. Food was always available if someone needed a snack or a sandwich. Not a moment or gesture was wasted as the team worked together.

Willow walked into the living room creating a diversion as everyone’s concentration was broken to see if she had good news for them. The look on her face gave the answer they didn’t want. The locator spells hadn’t worked and disappointment simmered in the air.

“Nothing, zilch,” Willow said. “We can’t get any kind of trace of them.”

A collective sigh was issued and heads bowed again, returning to the work they were doing before the interruption.

“Damn it,” Spike said, pacing from his spot at the table to the doorway and back again. For hours at a time that’s all he did, up and down the hallway, through the kitchen back through the living room to the hallway again. His emotions making him a walking time bomb that the next discouragement would bring about a devastating explosion. He just wondered if it was worry for his children or anger at his wife that was taking him over the edge. “We need something, anything, because this is bloody useless.” He swept a pile of books off the table and headed down the hallway.

Willow sighed and turned to Angel. “Tara is meditating again. Elijah should be napping soon and she’s hoping she can contact him.”

“Thank you,” Angel said, squeezing her shoulder knowing she needed the encouragement that she and Tara’s efforts weren’t wasted even if they hadn’t brought the results desired.

The phone perched on the table rang, bringing heads up again as they waited to see who was calling. Spike stopped his rounds and hovered impatiently while his Sire answered.

“It’s Max, Drusilla’s gone. She’s been gone since the middle of October, left with some vampire named Dagon…”

Spike felt like he’d been physically struck when he heard the name and he rushed to grab the phone away from Angel. “Max, are you sure it was Dagon?”

“Yeah, I’m sure man. The demons are singing quite nicely with a little persuasion. The funny thing is from the description they gave I thought they were talking about Angel. I’m heading back but I’ve got some contacts checking on how they got out of France…”

But Spike didn’t really hear beyond ‘I’m sure’ his mind was reeling with the implications of Max’s news. His hand went slack and the phone slid from his grip crashing onto the floor. It couldn’t be but yet it was. This was his fault. If he had only taken care of business years ago instead of being bewitched by green eyes looking into his right before she kissed him. If he hadn’t hurried home to follow the candy trail to his Little Red Riding Hood this might not be happening.

“Spike, what is it?” Angel asked, gripping his shoulders. He gave them a shake to try to bring his Childe back to the present. “Talk to me, boy.”

“He was the one…” Spike stuttered, trying to focus, trying to accept. His eyes met his Sire’s. “He was the one I rescued Drusilla from seven years ago.”

Spike watched as Angel’s eyes showed the trail his mind was taking. From the moment when Spike had disappeared from Sunnydale, to his return to find Buffy living in his crypt, through the preceding years until Drusilla had once again called them for help.

“And most likely the one that was with her two years ago,” Angel said, with acceptance that they had failed by refusing to take care of Drusilla themselves. “When we ordered Wesley and Gunn to imprison her in France.”

“What the hell have we done?” Spike asked. He rubbed his eyes in frustration and glanced at the family whose faces were filled with confusion.

Wesley broke through the silence and reminded them there were things to be done. It wasn’t the time for recriminations.

“Who is this Dagon?” Wesley asked, standing. “Is he a special vampire? Or just a vampire with a yen for power? What does he want from Drusilla and apparently now Buffy?”

“The first thing that came to my mind when I heard the name,” Kate said, sitting back and crossing her arms. “Is that story by H.P. Lovecraft; the one about the sea monster.”

Giles smiled at his wife before facing the others. “Well, Dagon is a Philistine deity whose parts of his body resemble a fish.”

“I don’t think the meaning of his name is going to help us,” Angel said. “Not that we don’t appreciate a little lesson in…”

“Wait a minute,” Fred said, moving to stand beside Wesley. She fanned through notes until she found what she wanted. “Here it is…remember when Spike was telling us about the day he had to ch...I mean restrain Buffy. She said that ‘things were set in motion the night he died’. Didn’t Dru say something about fish before she turned you?”

Spike stiffened as he remembered Drusilla’s words that night. “Burning baby fish all around your head.”

Raven looked up to meet her father’s gaze. “If the baby is born within the next three days it will be a Pisces; the sign of two fish.”

Cordelia dropped her pen as realization washed over her. Buffy wasn’t trying to be cruel in the conversation they’d had only yesterday. The Slayer had been giving her a message. She looked up and waved her hand. “Buffy has been giving us clues. These things she’s been saying haven’t necessarily been random. Like telling Spike about the night he died. When we talked yesterday she made a point of mentioning Connor’s conception.”

Buffy closed the door leading into the bedroom before making her way to the couch. It had been an interesting afternoon as Elijah, Drusilla and she had explored the house. There was always someone a few steps behind them but they ignored the minion guards and took amusement in the secret passages and dark corners that littered the old mansion. Buffy wasn’t sure who had a wickeder imagination, her son or the vampire. The telepathy between them was also astounding and they communicated with ease without uttering a word. Drusilla had asked Buffy if she considered her son evil for having the sight and Buffy had told her no. It was a gift to be treasured not feared. Her maternal instincts were taking over where Dru was concerned and she had wanted to throttle her parents for telling her she was an abomination of God.

The two vampires were waiting for her as she returned to the sitting room. She sat on the couch and Drusilla curled beside her. They both were more comfortable if they were touching in some way as if they could merge into one being. Buffy stared at Dagon waiting for him to start his show. This was his chance to preen and impress her with his power. He wouldn’t though. Buffy figured that any information she could garner would eventually help her and her son to escape taking Drusilla along with them.

Buffy shook her head. She just wanted him to start his explanations. Most of it she understood because Drusilla had already told her of her vision that had started this in motion. She knew what Dagon had planned but she wanted details and his thoughts to complete the picture of the madness he had conjured.

“Oh, Buffy, you do amuse me,” Dagon said, laughing. “You know what this is about. Why do you pretend that you don’t? Is it to impress me or seduce me? It doesn’t matter either way. I’ll be happy to spell it out for you. It’s quite simple; I’m going to restore the Order of Aurelius. It has been destroyed by those fools that you two hold in such high regard. Eight hundred years of power and it lays in ruins now. I will be the one to bring back the reign of terror it once held.” He leaned forward. “And to think the Slayer that destroyed our Master will help to bring us back.”

“How am I helping you?” Buffy asked. It terrified her that this fiend held the lives of her family in peril. And she would do anything she could to stop him.

“Your children, sweet, your children,” Dagon said, sipping a glass of whiskey. “Raven has changed the world by making demons acceptable. By the time I am ready to declare war on the human race they won’t even see it coming because we will have become your neighbors and co-workers. And no one will think they’ve cause to be afraid of what will be so common. Elijah will be raised to be my right hand man. Drusilla has shown me how valuable the sight can be but her lunacy makes her a liability. Elijah is already on our side and will make a fine prophet for the new Order. And the baby you carry will be the one to usher in a new age of evil.”

Dru stirred beside her. “It was to be the other one, the child of Angel, but the bad Englishman stole him away.”

“Let’s piece this together, shall we?” Giles said. He stood in front of the blackboard that had been brought in; writing down details as he spoke. “We have Dagon, whose name literally means ‘little fish’, also the name of a Philistine deity, Drusilla said she saw burning baby fish all around Spike’s head, Connor was conceived under the sign of Pisces and Buffy’s baby if born in a few days will be a Pisces. And does anyone have a clue what this means and why this Dagon wants this baby.”

“I think the first thing we need to find out who is Dagon and where did he come from?” Angel asked, walking around the room as he spoke. He would lay his hand on shoulders as he passed, drawing attention to his words and to let them know that everyone was valuable. “How did he meet up with Drusilla? And how is Buffy and Drusilla linked? The control started before she left France so there has to be something we overlooked. Find it.”

“This Dagon guy,” Gunn said. “He has Drusilla and Buffy who have been with both of you.” He nodded towards the two vampires. “So, it looks like he has to have a personal grudge against the two of you. I would think because it would be kind of unusual for him to meet Drusilla and then want Buffy. What about Darla? Did he ever try to get to her since she was having a Pisces conceived baby?”

“Yeah, I would think it would take more than fish to want to pull off a coup,” Spike said, leaning back in his chair with his hands linked behind his head. “I’ve never met him myself. The closest I got was when I picked Dru up in Central America.”

“Did you say Central America?” Wesley asked, raising his head from his notepad.

“Darla was in Central America before she came to Los Angeles,” Wesley said. “She was there seeking a shaman to answer her questions about being pregnant.”

“Okay, more links,” Giles said, writing on the board. “Drusilla, Dagon and Darla were all in Central America at about the same time. But that still doesn’t give us the one piece we’re missing.”

“I have an idea,” Dawn said, uncomfortable as everyone’s attention turned to her. “I may be way off base but…”

“No,” Spike said, leaning on the table again. “Anything is helpful. Even if you don’t have it just right someone else may have the conclusion. So, talk to us.”

“It was what you were saying about clues and things in Buffy’s tirades,” Dawn said, reaching for her husband’s hand. “In the beginning when all this started remember…” she stopped and took a deep breath. “It was when we were fighting over Spike and she was telling me to stay away from him. But she said something about the cruelest pain of all is having a taste of what you want but then you can’t hold onto it. What if she was talking about Darla and Angel?”

“You mean about Darla losing Angel but what would that have to do with Dagon?” Fred asked.

“Max said something about Angel and Dagon’s description,” Spike said, shaking his head. “I was kind of out of it but I think the gist of it was that Dagon looked like our boy here.”

There was silence as the new information was digested. Many stared at Angel as they considered the implications of the similarities between Angel and Dagon.

“Maybe Darla sired Dagon hoping to replace Angel,” Willow said. “I mean it would kind of make sense if she was feeling all lonely without him.”

Dagon’s agitation was evident as he returned to the chair. In his hand was a glass of whiskey, his second, since he had started his tale of his death and rebirth. His prior life was one of hardship and pain as the child of a factory worker in the early twentieth century. It seemed his only wealth lay in his looks and by twenty was already the companion of a wealthy married woman. He had great ambition to be more than what he had been born into but Darla had stolen it all away from him.

“The whore only wanted a playmate to replace her Angel,” Dagon spat, taking a sip of his drink. “She told me how to act and how to dress so that she could pretend that she had her champion back. I was even beaten once because I didn’t get the room with the fucking view. I hated her with a passion.”

“Why did you stay with her?” Buffy asked, shifting on the couch. “Wouldn’t it have been easier just to leave? I know she sired you but you could have gotten away.”

“You still haven’t figured me out yet, have you?” Dagon said, smiling. “I had to prove something to the world. She told me of her Sire and the Order. I begged Darla to take me to the Master. She refused saying I wasn’t good enough to meet with him.” His eyes narrowed as he remembered her refusal. It still stung even after all these decades. “Angelus tossed aside the invitation to join the Order. He refused to take his place in line to rule. And the bitch still thought he walked on water.”

“Yes, I wanted it,” Dagon walking behind the couch. His fingers drifted through Buffy’s hair. “I still want it,” He leaned over her shoulder. “And I’ve learned since then to take what I want.”

“I found something,” Fred said excitedly, looking up from the Watcher’s diary she had been reading, “About the ritual Spike did with Buffy.” Her finger continued down the page. “Oh, maybe it’s not too good after all.”

“What is it?” Wesley asked, leaning over so he could view the passage she was reading. “Oh…”

“Would the two of you please explain?” Angel said his hands on his hips as he moved closer to them.

“It appears in the thirteenth century that there was a vampire who also had the gift of sight,” Fred said. “His Childe had a Childe also and those two performed the ritual. But because the Sire had the telepathy he was able to gain control of his…grand-childe.”

Spike looked down at his hands as another damning piece of evidence was laid against him. He had allowed Dagon to live, he had left Drusilla alone, he hadn’t listened for Buffy’s clues, and he had performed the ritual with her. He was waiting for them to turn on him, accusing him, hating him like they once did. Like he now hated himself.

“It appears as time went by they became almost one being,” Wesley said. “Their personalities merged until others couldn’t tell who was in which body. They changed out at will.”

“Well, that’s just fucking wonderful,” Spike said, slamming his hand down on the table. “Don’t you think so Daddy? You can get your exes in one convenient package if we can find them. Two bodies, one delusional personality.” He stood and threw his arms wide. “Oh, I forgot I get the castoffs to take care of. This should be a helluva lotta fun.”

Xander rushed to his side and grabbed his arm. “Come on, Spike, let’s go take a walk. Grab a smoke, breath some fresh air.” Spike pulled away from him but Xander blocked any path of escape. “I mean it. Let’s go clear our heads.”

Spike yielded to his friend’s pressure. His life was crashing down around him and all he could feel was fear as things took him over. Just a few days ago he felt in control. He felt like he could handle anything and then his precious Buffy had walked out taking his security with her. It had all been for her, all of this and she was gone along with his son and baby. He knew he was losing it and he followed Xander outside to the side yard away from the lights of the house.

“Spike, you need to pull it together,” Xander said. “I know, man, I know how much you’re hurting but you’re not doing anyone any good. Not us and not Buffy.”

Spike nodded. He needed to be strong but he just didn’t know how to get back his power without his wife. Tears welled in his eyes and ashamed at another sign of weakness he turned away from Xander. He was pulled back around and into a hug. It was then that he released the poison that was destroying him. Months of fear and pain were released while he sobbed.

“I just want her back,” Spike cried. “It’s destroying me to think that she may never come back.”

“Get angry,” Xander said, patting Spike’s back. “Fight for her. That’s what we need from you and so does she. We have to get her back and then we can deal with everything else. But right now you’re focus has to be on getting Buffy and your kids back.”

Spike nodded. He threw his head back and drew a deep breath to clear his head. They had been through too much, loved each other too much to let go of it now. He forced himself to think of the night that he’d regained his power, recalling how it made him feel and let it flood his being again.

“You make me sick,” Angel said, leaning over the table toward Cordelia. “I can’t believe you would even for a moment think of doing that.”

Cordelia pushed back from the table and ran from the room. The look of devastation and loss plainly etched on her face and Kate hurried to follow her. Spike looked around the room at Angel looking angrier than he had seen him in forever, Connor had disappeared along with Raven and everyone else looked uncomfortable and embarrassed.

“What happened?” Xander asked, stepping further from the room. No one answered and he turned to his wife. “Anya?”

“It seems Cordelia once had a thing for grown up Connor,” Anya answered, flinching when Angel hurled a book across the room.

“We were going over the night that Buffy was asking about family,” Giles said. “It seemed she was asking about who was sleeping with who and kept using the word incest.”

“Well, come on now, vampires don’t give a crap about that stuff when it comes to shagging,” Spike said. “So, what’s it got to do with anything?”

The words surprised the hell out of Spike. It would be like Buffy thinking of sleeping with Sean and the thought made him ill. But he also knew of the love Cordelia had for his Sire long before Angel turned to the woman. Loneliness and loss can make a person consider being with someone that wasn’t appropriate especially if that someone looked at you in adoration. It was also something that was years in the past and something that Cordelia had risen above in making the right choices.

“She’s human,” Spike said, stepping closer to Angel. “Everyone has weird feelings and she isn’t his mother. Give her credit for never acting on it. And Buffy was younger than Connor was when you fell in love with her.”

Angel pushed him back but Spike could see he had dented the anger a little. At least Angel might think about it awhile before doing something he’d regret. But it still didn’t explain why the gang was thinking this was useful information concerning his child.

“What does this have to do with Buffy anyway?” Spike asked, turning to face Giles.

Giles removed his glasses and sighed before answering. “We think he may raise the baby to become his mate.”

It seemed all so glorious when told by Dagon. He felt that meeting Drusilla was destiny finally giving him a chance. Her words of ‘burning fish’ and her pregnant grand-mum had seemed so easy to fit together with his name. All he had to do was take what he felt was his. Angelus and Spike had no desire to restore the family to its former status.

“That fool of a watcher changed everything for everyone,” Dagon said, sitting again in his chair. “Connor would have been raised to rule with me. But I knew something else was coming. The cards foretold it and I knew that Drusilla’s vision of the family reuniting couldn’t be wrong. So, I waited.” His gaze raked over the vampire who was now lying with her head on Buffy’s lap. “Dru kept running from me but they wouldn’t listen would they, darling? They locked you away in that nasty chateau and forgot all about you.”

“It was horrible,” Drusilla said. “It stank of humans and they were mean to me.”

“It’s over with,” Buffy said, running her hand along the vampire’s back to soothe her. “You’re not alone anymore.”

“I’m all warm,” Dru whispered, nuzzling Buffy’s leg. “Spike is warm now; his flesh so hot against ours.”

“He won’t matter soon,” Dagon said. “He will be gone and his daughter will rule beside me. Changing the world to a darker place and until then I will have the comfort of the women that should have rightly stood by the rulers of Aurelius.”

Buffy wondered if he really thought that he would be able to bring down Angel, Spike and the rest of the family. Didn’t Dagon know how many demons, vampires and gods they had destroyed over the years? Wasn’t he even worried that she had destroyed the Master and Angelus? It was only a matter of time before he would be history like the others. Her hand stroked her belly as she contemplated the next month her family would have to find them.

“Did you know that Pisces is the final sign in the zodiac?” Dagon asked. “It seems fitting that the baby born under this sign will end the era when humans rule the earth.”

“What do you mean?” Buffy asked. “The baby isn’t due for another month.”

Dagon smiled. “No, my sweet, the child will be born before the next phase of the moon. Labor will be induced this very night to ensure it.”