Chapter 23

The clouds parted and the lights from the city below twinkled like thousands of Christmas lights in the distance. Warren stared out the window with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. When the door to his cage had opened, he’d expected to find a bullet with his name on it, waiting for him. He had been gratefully disappointed. He didn’t dare breath a sigh of relief until the plane was up in the air, and the place of his imprisonment was in his rearview mirror. Now, he could give into the relief he felt. He could feed his need for revenge against Buffy and her friends. He could imagine driving up to the Summers’ home, knocking on the door, killing the first person who answered it. He could imagine the anguish Buffy would feel, knowing that she’d caused the death of one of her friends. He would pick them off one by one, saving those Buffy cared the most about for last. And when Spike and Dawn were cold and dead, or dust in Spike’s case, he would leave. He would leave her alone and devastated. The same way she’d left him after Katrina left. The same way she’d left him after the Army debacle. She would know the pain he felt, and he would be content to live the rest of his life in exile. Because really… a destroyed Buffy was the best.

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

Reginald scanned the people at the other tables, checking them out carefully. He couldn’t risk his conversation being overheard by one of Travers’ operatives. He knew he was being paranoid, but one could never be too careful around the likes of Shackelford and Travers. He hoped they would be too preoccupied ensuring Warren’s return to Sunnydale to worry about him. He hoped. Giving the café one last sweep, Reginald pulled out his phone. He dialed Olivia’s number, knowing that she’d be on her way to work soon.

“Reginald. It’s good to hear from you. I was beginning to worry.” Olivia’s crisp tone floated over the miles.

“Yes, well, Travers has kept me very busy since we arrived. He had me transcribing and researching the Council’s archives for information on the computer chip placed into Spike’s head.” Reginald held the phone with one hand, and reached out for his coffee with the other.

Olivia drummed her fingers on the countertop in her kitchen. “Has he made contact with Giles and Buffy yet?”

“Yes, we visited them today. Visit wasn’t the word for it. It was more like an ambush.

“I’ll have to call Giles later to ask him what happened. Is there anything else?”

“Travers is planning on taking the baby and raising her himself. He believes he can control her power by substituting himself in place of her parents.” The thought of Quentin Travers raising an innocent was enough to chill the blood in his veins. “He plans on doing a ritual with the blood of the Key to unlock her powers.”

Olivia’s heart stopped for a moment, and the worse feeling she’d ever experienced settled in the pit of her stomach. “Oh, my god. He is insane. He has no idea what will happen if he draws the Key’s blood. We still don’t know the extent of her powers.”

“He’s corrupt and power-hungry. This is no longer about preserving the balance. This is about tipping the scales in his favor.” Reginald shuddered to think what the other side would do if one man possessed such power. Would a war be declared between good and evil? He mustn’t forget the child and her parents. Buffy was only 7 months along in her term. Would she lose the baby and her life trying to protect her family and friends from Travers and Shackleford?

“Travers is willing to risk the child’s life to possess her power. We have to warn Giles and the Slayer. They must be prepared.”

Olivia shook her head. “No, we can’t warn them. We won’t have to. Rupert isn’t stupid. I’m sure he’s already deduced what Travers has planned. He’ll take the necessary precautions, and don’t underestimate Buffy and her husband. They’ve dealt with a hell god. They can deal with Quentin.” She hoped.

“But… they don’t know about the other man who’s been working with their friend. They don’t know all that has gone all. All that Travers knows.” He yelled into the phone. His raised voice caused a number of people to turn and look in his direction. He merely turned his body away and towards the window. “Olivia, Travers is planning something big. If you’re worried about my cover, fine, I won’t approach Giles, but you need to warn him. Please, I beg of you.”

“I’ll tell him to be careful, but we can’t risk Giles doing anything that might give Travers any reason to suspect his plans have been discovered. I will talk to the Committee about sending some reinforcements to you. That’s all I can do. Let me make a few calls, update the members on the latest.” With that she rang off.

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

The small coffee table was a nice addition to the crypt, if Clem said so himself. The place was slowly, but surely, taking on his personality. He hoped Spike didn’t mind. His place wasn’t nearly as nice or as close by Spike’s.

Spike whistled as he walked the familiar path to his…er… Clem’s crypt. Might as well call it that. He was never going back. He had a home now. Buffy was home. Buffy and Dawn and Bitty. Wherever they were that was home to him. If not for the fact Travers was running around loose, he might have enjoyed taunting the fledglings sneaking up behind him. He really didn’t have time to play. He wanted to drop in on Clem, and pick up whatever he had for Buffy, and head home. Okay, he wanted to stop in at the Java Hut and pick up some of that Hazelnut Coffee ice cream they sold. But he was heading home after that.

Didn’t these young ones ever learn? Couldn’t they sense a Master Vamp? When he’d been turned, he could smell Darla and Angelus a mile away. Now, that could have been the stench of their lovemaking, but Spike figured he wouldn’t questioned it. It wasn’t as if he cared where they were or what they were doing. As long as they left him and Dru alone, he was happy. Things definitely changed once he hit Sunnydale. He thought with a smile.

The rustle of leaves brought him back to the situation at hand. The lack of proper training for minions and fledglings. He wondered who in their right mind would sire these dopes. Didn’t anyone take pride in their work anymore? He shouldn’t judge. It wasn’t as if they had much of a chance to understand their new abilities and heightened senses with Buffy around. She wasn’t one for allowing too many fledglings to rise on her watch. He casually reached inside his inner pocket and palmed Mr. Pointy. He knew Buffy loved him when she allowed him to take it out on patrol.

A few more steps. That’s it. Come a little closer, you wanker. That’s right. A poor, defenseless man walking through the cemetery, just waiting to be your dinner. That’s right, mate. A little closer. The fledglings never knew what hit them. Spike swung both arms out, striking the bumbling duo. He walked away from the dust cloud, and knocked on the door.

Clem stood up quickly, the gift bag and ribbon that had been in his lap, now lying at his feet. Spike quirked his eyebrow, and smiled.

“Did I catch you at a bad time?” He teased.

Clem hurried to pick up the items. “No, I was just finishing up. Everything okay out there?” He asked timidly.

“Yeah. All the nasties are accounted for. I’ll be calling it a night as soon as I check downtown.” Spike told him, strolling over to the refrigerator. Grimacing at the collection of “snacks” inside, Spike pulled a bottle of O neg out the back. Twisting the top off, he took a long drink, smacking his lips appreciatively.

“So, what do you have for my missus? And it better not be anything to tempt her away from me.”

Clem’s folds turned a pretty shade of red. “Ah, Spike. You know Buffy doesn’t look at me like that. Even if she did, the folds would be too much for her. There are few women who can handle them. You know what I mean?”

Spike’s chest hurt with the effort not to burst out laughing, but he had no desire to hurt his friend’s feelings. “Yeah, I know what you mean. Us good-looking ones do have to worry about our effect on the ladies.”

“I knew you’d understand.” Clem grinned. “But here’s the stuff for Buffy. I was telling my mother about the two of you, and she thought you could use some stuff from when I was a kid. It’s not much.” He handed the decorated bag to Spike.

“Clem, thanks. I know Buffy will be in tears by the time she opens it, so I’ll say thanks for her.”

Clem shuffled his feet, embarrassed. “You’re my best friend, Spike. And Buffy is a terrific gal, especially now. Before the baby, everybody was kinda afraid of her because of the whole Slayer/demon thing, but now, we all think she’s the coolest. How many slayers have hooked up with a demon? A vamp, no less. She’ll always have a place in my heart. And, I’m trying to get in good for babysitting duty.” He winked.

Spike thought about his precious baby girl in Clem’s claws and smiled. He would gladly entrust her to him. “Yeah, well, don’t be surprised if we’re a little selfish with the tot for oh, a couple of years.”

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

Giles pulled his glasses off, and watched Anya. She’d been standing at the front window since she locked the door. He wondered what she saw outside that fascinated her so.

“I want to tell Xander soon about us. I need to. We need to. Don’t you think?” Anya asked, her back to him.

“Yes. I...” He stammered. “I must admit I was a bit jealous of the way he looked at you. Jealous and guilty all at the same time.”

Anya turned and smiled briefly. “It was a very confusing evening. I’m no longer angry about our relationship. The hurt is still there, but it’s easing. I think that’s because of you, and because I understand what he was feeling.” Anya descended the short flight of stairs to the main floor of the store. Her heels clicked on the tiled floor as she strode over to the table.

“Xander has so much anger and hurt inside. It’s like a tumor. It keeps growing and growing, sometimes receding, but there nevertheless. And it‘s hurting him. Is that the correct analogy?” She asked, looking over at Giles.

Giles pulled his glasses off, rubbing them with his handkerchief. “Yes, it is the appropriate analogy. Buffy and Xander are alike in that sense, except Buffy faced her demons and is finally happy. Xander hasn’t, and they shadow every part of his life.”

“You mean, Buffy’s daddy issues or her Angel issues?”

“Both. Buffy is a product of her experiences, those with her father and those with Angel. They helped to shape the woman she became, but they also prevented her from finding happiness. She’s found all that she was looking for in Spike.” Giles admitted reluctantly.

“And in you, Rupert. You are her father. You gave her the guidance and strength she needed. Don’t sell yourself short, my love.” Anya placed her keys on the counter, and wrapped her arms around Giles’ neck. “You’re a pretty terrific man, Rupert Giles. Don’t you go forgetting it.”

Giles bent his head slightly, rubbing his forehead in Anya’s hair. “Thank you. I thought I’d failed her when she got pregnant, but she is happy and settled. I will work to ensure she stays that way. I just wished I could do the same for Xander. But I fear when he learns of our relationship, he will ....”

“Lose it.” Anya finished.

“Yes,” Giles chuckled without mirth. “He’ll lose it. And I don’t know what he’ll do.”

Anya sighed and tightened her grip around his waist. “Which is why we’ll tell him soon. I don’t want him to think we fell in love to hurt him. That I jumped you to hurt him.”

Giles cupped her face, pulling her chin up. Making sure her eyes were on him, he kissed her lips softly. “You wouldn’t do that, Anya. I believe you wouldn’t use your heart to hurt him. I saw with my own eyes how much you cared for Xander. You couldn’t hurt him, not deliberately, if you tried.” He smiled and stroked his thumb across her lips.

Anya returned his smile. “Thank you. Thank you for believing in me.”

“My pleasure, Anya. My pleasure.”

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

The Magic Box wasn’t far from the Java Hut. He could slip down a back alley, and be there in no time. You could also be a snack for any demon waiting for a not-so-sharp fellow to wander into the shadows. Reginald grumbled at his ineptness. He hated not being able to do more to help the Slayer and her husband. He would do all he could, but he wanted to do more. He wanted to take Travers and his cronies down, and restore the Council to its original purpose.

Reginald looked up and nearly dropped his coffee. This was either his good-fortune or a test. Either way, he wasn’t going to look a gifted horse in the mouth.

Spike stood in line, listening to the inane chatter of two of Sunnydale U’s finest. Goodness, he couldn’t believe Buffy had gone to that school, and liked it. The women in front of him sounded as if they’d been dropped on their heads as babies. How they actually made it to college was beyond him. Who did the testing these days?

Reginald considered his options. He knew any direct contact might not be appreciated or welcomed at this point. All their files on William the Bloody indicated his quick-temper and penchant for hit first, ask questions later approach to life. The chip would protect him, but who would protect him if Travers ever found out. And there was no doubt in Reginald’s mind that he would.

“Yeah, let me have a 2 pints of Hazelnut Coffee.” Spike told the guy behind the counter. He almost asked for a shot of the liqueur for himself after being tortured by the conversation in front of him.

“Sure thing. $8.58, please.”

Spike handed the man a ten, and waited for his change. Reginald eased out of his chair and closer to the counter, keeping Spike in his periphery, and his eyes on the exit. He wanted to time this so they met at the door.

“Thanks, mate.” Spike shuffled the bags in his hands as he headed for the door. He didn’t see Reginald until they bumped into each other. Spike’s eyes glowed yellow as he realized who had jostled him.

“I wasn’t following you. I was here already when you came in.” Reginald rushed out.

“Bugger off! Tell Travers to get out of town before my leash comes off. He’ll be the first person I visit.” Spike threatened. He didn’t care one iota if this went against their plan. He wanted everything to be clear and out in the open. Touch his family and die. Simple as that.

“Take care of your wife, Mr. Spike. It really is my desire to see your family together.” Reginald pushed past Spike, not giving him a chance to rebuttal his assertion.

Spike stared after the young man, watching as he rushed down the street. What had he meant by that? Why say it? It was probably some trick to get him to follow the man, leaving Buffy and Dawn vulnerable. Pushing aside the young man’s earnest appearance and words, Spike headed for home.

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

The phone rang, jarring Buffy awake. She looked around the room for Dawn, but she’d obviously gone back to her room. Buffy rolled over and grabbed the phone.

“Hello?”

“Ma chere, did I wake you?”

Buffy grinned and sat up. “Françoise, no, yes, I was asleep, but... I’m so glad to hear from you. How have you been? And Marie? Is she doing well?”

Françoise chuckled. “Mama is doing quite well. She sends her love. She’s ready for your return. She says it been dull since you and Spike left.”

Buffy snickered. “Tell her not to tempt us. We almost packed the car up and drove there.”

Françoise’s smile dimmed a little. “Is everything okay, Buffy? It isn’t the baby is it?”

Buffy’s hand slid along her burgeoning belly, stroking her little bundle. “No, the baby is fine. I’m fine. Spike is fine. We have visitors who apparently want to kidnap our child, take her from us. And a friend who I’m not sure is my friend or foe. Other than that, everything is great.”

Françoise pushed the magazines to the floor, and settled down in the oversized chair under the stairs. “Buffy, if you want to come here until the babe is born. You are welcome to stay with us. I would love to spoil you rotten and that precious, little girl of yours.”

Buffy grinned. “I know. And it’s so tempting, but I can’t. If I… If we don’t stop these people now, we’ll never be free. They continued to stalk her and us for the rest of our lives. I can’t allow that to happen. No, Spike and I will handle it. We have people who’ll help us, who love us. But thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Were the diaries helpful?” Françoise inquired.

“Yes, they were. Spike and I have read up to the time of Martine’s death, so that’s been a little hard to take. But Jayme’s diary gave us the information we needed to protect Bitty. Thank you for keeping them safe for us.”

“Even if you were not the Slayer, I would want the best for you. You are an amazing, young woman. Don’t you know your relationship with Spike is the stuff of romance novels. You’ve overcome so much. You deserve to be happy.”

Buffy blinked back tears. “Thank you, Françoise.”

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

Shackleford stared impassively out the window as the Town Car pulled into the drive. A house had been rented solely for Warren’s use. There was no way they could bring him into town without someone recognizing him. He wondered if Warren knew just how popular he was. The local police and the army hadn’t forgotten his little stunt or the murder. Oops, guess he should have told him about the murder charge. Oh, well. He would find out when they finally cut him loose and the police snatched him up for the crime. Of course, if they shot him, it would solve all their problems.

The door to the car opened. Two operatives came out, followed by Warren. Shackleford flicked the cigarette out into the yard, and waited. Warren popped out the back, and looked around. His eyes landed on Shackleford, and it took everything not to dive back in the car and lock the doors.

Shackleford grinned menacingly as the young man flinched. Good, he remembered him. That would save time later. He wouldn’t have to remind him of what would happen if Travers’ orders were not followed. Hell, who was he kidding? He was still going to refresh Warren’s memory. Just for the fun of it. Just because he could. He’d been cooped up in this one red-light town for too long. He needed a bit of violence to relax him.

“Hello, Warren. Hope your trip was pleasant.”

Though the sentiment was nice, Warren wasn’t fooled by the platitude. He could feel the venom in the words, and knew that underneath them was a reminder of the pain this man could inflict on him. Warren lowered his head, hoping the man didn’t see the fear in his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to kill this man, torture him the way he’d tortured him.

“Yes, it was. It’s good to be home. Especially since it means, I get to resume my plans to kill Buffy and Spike.”

“Not exactly. You can kill the vampire and all of the Slayer’s friends, but no harm must come to her or her sister. She must not be harmed. If she is or if she loses her child, you will be killed. You will die. Do I make myself clear?”

Warren gulped. “Very.”

“Good. The house has been stocked with everything you’ll need to survive. Anything else you need just let Mike know. He’s here to keep you in line. Oh, and don’t think he won’t kill you. He has orders to dump your body in the river if you so much as breathe heavily on Buffy Summers.”

“I understand. Hurt and maim her friends, but leave her alone. You can count on her being alone. There won’t be anyone left to love her once I’m finished. Well, except her sister, and you didn’t say I couldn’t play with her.”

Shackleford reached out quickly, encircling Warren’s throat with his hand. He squeezed till Warren’s entire face turned blotchy red. “You lay one perverted hand on the kid, and I’ll remove it personally. She’s to be left unharmed. You try anything and I’ll take you apart, inch by inch. Do we understand each other?”

Warren clawed at the vise grip, nodding his head around the thick fist. “Y…ye..yes.” He finally spat out when Shackleford released him suddenly.

“Let’s go.” With that Shackleford stalked out of the house, chuckling to himself. He was sure Warren pissed his shorts after that little reminder. It was times like these, he really enjoyed his job.

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

Buffy held the small statuette up to the light, peering at the rose-colored crystals hanging from the tree like object.

“Did he say what this was?” She asked. Spike shook his head, scooping the ice cream on top of Buffy’s waffles. “What it’s supposed to do?”

“Thank would be a big, fat no to both questions. He just handed me the bag and said it was stuff that his mother had when he was a kid. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. You know?” Spike stuck the spoon in his mouth and returned the melting pint to the freezer. Buffy sighed at the sight of the spoon hanging from his mouth. Lord, she did love that mouth, and that tongue, and she instantly resented that spoon. That should be her lips and tongue, not some cold metallic piece of silverware.

“What?” Spike said, bending down to stare into his wife’s hazel eyes.

Buffy placed her hands on either side of his face. “Nothing. The spoon was pissing me off. Keeping me from my rightful place.” She teased.

“Oh, is that all. Well, you should know, Mrs. Develin.” He said licking his lips. “Nothing and no one compares to your luscious lips.” Buffy’s grin was lost in the press of his lips against hers. Breakfast was quickly forgotten as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him flush against her belly.

“Dear god, don’t you two ever turn your libidos off?” Giles asked from the doorway.

Spike cursed and took a deep breath. He couldn’t move yet, so he merely rested his head against on Buffy’s shoulder.

“Hi, Giles.” Buffy waved over Spike’s back.

Spike pulled away reluctantly. He loved the warmth of Buffy’s body pressed against his. He could feel his baby growing and existing, and it filled him with so much love, more than he thought possible for Buffy. She was carrying his child, his seed, and it amazed and awed him.

“Giles. Why are you here?” Spike grumbled.

“Obviously, I’m here to make sure you and Buffy never have sex again.” Giles retorted back. The stricken looks on both Buffy and Spike’s faces had him grinning widely.

“Did you just make a funny?” Buffy asked, impressed. “Anya must really be rubbing off on you.” Buffy’s eyes widened when she saw Spike grin.

“I bet she is. How’s that going old chap? Everything in working condition after being out of use for so long?”

“We’re English, Spike. You should know we’re always up for a task.”

The fork in Buffy’s hand clattered to the floor. No, it wasn’t possible she just heard what she thought she heard. Her husband and her father were not trading sexual innuendoes. It wasn’t possible. She was on a caffeine high from the coffee ice cream.

“Did you find out anything new since last night about the spell or the chip?” Buffy asked wanting, no needing desperately to move this conversation away from the sex life of one Rupert Giles.

“Nothing yet. I talked to Tara and she’s going to go over Jayme’s diary for me again. Maybe, I’m missing something. There has to be more information in there than what I’m seeing. She can provide a fresh perspective, and she got a vibe from the parchment.” Giles accepted the cup of coffee Spike offered, sipping the brew slowly.

“What could we have missed? Everything Jayme wanted us to know, we know. He directed us to the Prophecy. He told us of the ritual between Dawn and Bitty. What more could there be? And why can’t we find it?” Buffy asked, lowering her eyes to the ground. She wrapped both hands around her belly. The truth was out there. Mulder said so. Why was it being difficult in revealing itself?

Spike stroked her bowed head. “When I was on patrol last night, I ran into Travers’ little henchman, Mr. Smythe-Bailey. He was at the Java Hut. He said he wasn’t following me, but I don’t know. It felt like a set-up.”

Buffy frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me that last night?”

Spike rolled his eyes. “When would have been a good time, luv? Before you starting bawling about Françoise or after we made love and you fell asleep?”

“And that will stay with me the entire day.” Giles quipped. He leaned against the refrigerator, watching the married duo stare each other, quite unsuccessfully, down.

“What exactly did he say, Spike?” Buffy asked.

“He said he wanted me to take care of you, and that he really wished the best for our family. Or something similar to that. I just wanted to get home. I panicked, wondering if Travers was here, coming to get you and the Bit.” Buffy reached out and traced a finger down his cheek.

“I understand.”

“The Smythe-Baileys have been Watchers for ages. There has been a Smythe-Bailey on the Council for at least a century. Maybe, this young man can be persuaded to help us. I’ll have to ask Olivia what she knows about him.” Giles checked his watch, wincing at the time.

“I must be off, Buffy. I’ll speak to you after your class tonight. Dawn knows to come straight to the Magic Box after school. Correct?”

Buffy slid down off the stool and walked with Giles to the front door. “Yes, she does. Tara is going to bring her home and get dinner started for us. I feel so inadequate. I can’t even cook a decent meal for my family.”

Giles squeezed Buffy’s shoulder. “You do enough. These last few months, you need to take it easy. Relax and let us take care of you. I know Spike and Dawn don’t mind, and neither do the rest of us. So, chill, as they say.” He kissed Buffy’s brow. “I’ll see you tonight. Goodbye, Spike.”

“Bye, Rupes.”

“Bye, Giles.”

Buffy felt Spike’s hands wrap around her belly, and his cold breath at her ear. “Where were we, Mrs. Develin?”

“I think I was here.” Buffy said slyly, dragging her finger across Spike’s lip.

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

“Where are we with our young killer?” Travers inquired over his morning tea.

“Mike said he asked for some personal items of the Slayer, things from her home and wedding. Mike is waiting for them to leave for the day. They have a Lamaze class at 4. After that, they’ll be at the Magic Box till tonight.”

Travers chuckled. “Did Warren say what he wanted with the items?”

“No, but he knows not to do anything to harm the Slayer or her sister. I made it very clear to him.”

“Excellent. Now, we have to wait for Giles and his young charges to investigate the chip schematics. I’ve contacted one of our doctors. He believes we will be able to perform the surgery without danger to the child. The pediatrician has given the okay for travel. It should take us less than a day to put a continent or two between the Develins and their child. I would like to leave the Key here. I don’t relish having to deal with her and the Slayer. We don’t know what untapped power that child has. You’ll take care of her when the time comes.”

Shackleford nodded his head. There was no need for him to say anything. Travers knew he would do what was necessary to complete this mission.

“Now, we need to get the ball rolling. Have Dewey start preparing young Mr. Harris for his surprise. I want him good and irrational when the time comes to make our move. I’m sure Rupert is planning some counter mission to thwart me. Those goody-two-shoe types always are. Mr. Harris will come in handy once the time comes.”

“Yes, sir.”

There was a knock at the door. Shackleford went to open it. Reginald stood outside, his hands clutching some papers. He took a look at Shackleford and shuddered appropriately. He was neither intimidated nor afraid of Shackleford, but they couldn’t know that.

“These came through on the fax.” He said approaching Travers. Travers took the papers and perused them. An evil smile flittered across his face.

“Perfect. My associates have given the go-ahead for the seizure. I will soon be the proud parent of a beautiful, baby girl.”

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

Tara stared at the journal in front of her. She felt the conflict of the various emotions of its owner rolling off it in waves. She felt sadness and regret. Hope and love. Charles Jayme wasn’t an evil man. He was just a man, given a tremendous responsibility. He did the best he could with what he knew. The knowledge that he’d played a hand in the murder of an innocent was a terrible burden he carried until the last day of his life. She hoped he found the peace that had eluded him in life, in death.

Giles had bookmarked the pages that contained the discussion of the Prophecy and the ritual. She understood what Giles wanted from her, and truthfully, she’d felt useless so far. Buffy and Spike were her friends, and she cared deeply for them. She loved Dawn like a sister. They had accepted her love for Willow and brought her into their family.

Tara opened the heavy volume, reverently turning the pages. Her hand hummed and she stopped to read the page that felt so warm between her fingers.

May 20th

Martine sleeps. Finally. The nightmares have plagued her for months, but these last few nights have been the worst. She sees her death. She sees blood and hears her voice screaming to God, to a man, to save her. She wakes up and her body is drenched in sweat, but she shivers from the cold. I am very concerned. Is she having a Slayer dream or is she reliving the terror of the murder of her loved ones?

Martine foresaw her death. She just didn’t realize it. Tara mused. She continued through the book till she felt the warmth again. Martine or Charles Jayme was trying to communicate with her. She wondered if Giles had felt the same energy, but dismissed it. She didn’t know, but she wouldn’t dwell on it. The book wanted to show her certain things, and she believed it would lead her to what they were missing.

December 25th

It is Christmas. I spend it alone in my small room. It is at times like these I miss the youth and vitality of Martine. Our last Christmas together... Had it been a year since she strung garland around the small fireplace? Had it been a year since she managed, somehow, to obtain this lovely new quill and journal for me? I wonder if she and Henri are celebrating this holy day. I wonder if Henri has brought a tree and garland into their home. I am smiling because I know this is so. Martine would want all the trappings of Christmas, even though, she will most likely kill some creatures tonight. She will want to pretend she is normal. She is far from it.

Tara ran her hand over the pages. Martine was probably in her seventh or eighth month. She most definitely wasn’t thinking about killing. More than likely, she was daydreaming about her child. Martine was dreaming of life, and Jayme of death. No wonder he couldn’t see the truth of her love for Henri.

Tara shook her head at the futility that was violence. It never solved anything. Only brought on more pain and suffering. A glance at her watch told her that Dawn would be getting out of school soon. She had better go if she wanted to meet her there. Tara shoved the book into her book bag. She slung her it over her shoulder and climbed down the ladder. She levitated the ladder up into the hole and replaced the glamour spell over it.

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

Dawn slammed her locker closed, and shrieked.

“Xander, what are you trying to do? Give me gray hairs at 16.” She held her hand over her rapidly thudding chest.

“No, sorry. Just thought I’d stop by and drive you to the Magic Box. I was... on my way to get something to eat from Doublemeat.”

Dawn arched her eyebrow, giving him her best impression of a lie detector. “Xander... were you by chance hoping to drive me to the shop and bump into Anya?” She smiled, thinking it sweet he’d go through all that trouble for Anya.

Oh, but he thinks Anya’s interested or at least, that she’s forgiven him. Man, this sucks. I love all of them, yet, Xander’s going to get hurt, badly.

“She might not be there and you would have wasted a trip.” She quickly commented, hoping to steer him clear of the shop and the lovebirds running it.

Xander grabbed her books, and flung his arm around her shoulders. “Don’t be ridiculous, Dawnie. There’s no way Anya would leave the shop during the afterschool hours. Those are some of her best selling times. C’mon. I’ll treat you to an milkshake at DMP.”

On the one hand, Dawn felt really bad about the whole menage d’ trois that wasn’t going on, and on the other, she really liked chocolate shakes.

“Okay, deal. Let’s go.”

Dawn allowed Xander to guide her to the car. She pulled up short as she remembered Buffy’s sleepy warning from last night. Buffy believed Xander would betray them. No, Buffy knew Xander was going to betray them. Would the whole Ganya thing be the reason? Did he need one? He hated Spike. He hated the chip. He hated demons in general.

Dawn nibbled her bottom lip throughout the drive to DMP and to the Magic Box.

“You’re quiet, Dawnie. What’s on your mind? Is it me?” Xander asked, concerned.

Dawn nearly dropped her shake, but kept her composure. “Why would you say that, Xander? I didn’t say it was you.”

Xander shrugged as he stopped at a light. He turned slightly. “Well, I haven’t exactly been the best friend in the world. I don’t like your brother-in-law all that much. I’ve threatened to stake him. You know, the usual stuff.” He said sheepishly.

Dawn grinned, her eyes rolling at the truthfulness of his statement. “I don’t hate you Xander. I don’t agree with what you believe about Spike. It doesn’t mean I don’t love you. We can be friends as long as you keep the Spike rant to a minimum.”

Xander saw the opposite light changing to yellow, and quickly reached out his hand. “I promise to stick to chocolate milkshakes, DMP combos, the latest boy band of your desire, and card tricks. Deal?”

Dawn shook his hand, trying desperately to believe in him. “Deal.”

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

Buffy and Spike looked out over the sea of bodies and shuddered. It was like nothing they’d ever seen before, and they were sure they would be scarred from the experience. A creature approached them, her eyes wide and her arms stretched out even wider. Buffy clutched Spike’s hand like a lifeline, fearful. She knew if she let go or loosened her grip, they’d be separated.

The creature stopped in front of them, her teeth bared.

“Hi, I’m Nancy. I’m going to be your Lamaze instructor. You must be the Develins.” She grinned, perkily, and Buffy inwardly grimaced. Two months of this chick. She would be homicidal by the time the baby was born.

“Come on in. You’re a little late to our class, but we heard you were in the hospital for a weeks, then you two got married, and....” She mumbled on.

Spike tilted his head, and whispered low. “I’ll snap its head off. You make a dash for the car.”

Buffy giggled, and turned to give him her not-quite stern look. Spike merely arched his brow.

“Stop it. We have to do this or they won’t let us have the baby at home. You’re the one who insisted on the RN midwife, so chill.”

Buffy heard what could only be a snarl, but William continued after the petite red head. She handed them each a pillow, and instructed them to take their places on the mat. Buffy asked if they could move to the other side because of Spike’s sun allergy. Nancy twinkled her nose, and went over to ask another couple to switch with them. That settled. They settled onto their mat.

“We have a new couple with us, William and Buffy Develin.”

Spike and Buffy nodded to the couples surrounding them. “This is their first, so they are in our new parents’ group. Those of you who are also newbies make them feel welcome.”

“We’re in a bloody Stepford class.” Spike grumbled.

“Okay, to start off with we’re going to watch the birthing video. We like to get things started with the end result to all of the hard work.” Nancy said, pressing play on the TV/VCR combo. “To preface, this woman is in the final stages of labor. She’s dilated to 1 cm.”

Spike moved till he was sitting behind Buffy. She snuggled back against his chest to watch the video. This was the good part. They would see the labor. See what they had to do, then they could sit back and imagine how their little sweetie would look. Books just can’t prepare you for the actual process. Buffy mused as the video cued up.

15 minutes later....

“Oh, my god. We’re never going to be able to have sex again.” Buffy gasped, shocked and dismayed.

“How can you think about sex after that, Pet? Did you see that stuff coming out of her? It wasn’t just blood, it was stuff... Gross stuff. I feel nauseous.” Spike shuddered and wiped his hands over his face trying to obliterate the image of all of it.

“You bathed in blood with Druscilla for a hundred years, and you can’t take a little placenta for our child?” Buffy’s lip trembled and her eyes watered.

“This so has nothing to do with Dru, and I’ll want to have sex with you when you’re old and gray.”

“Really? You aren’t concerned about the stretching and stuff. A baby-sized watermelon is going to come through there.” She said pointing under her belly. “Sex won’t be the same.”

“If you’re there, it will be. I love you.” Spike took her chin and lifted it to his lips. “I love you, Buffy, but that other stuff. Oh, bloody hell!”

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

“Hi, Anya.”

“Hello, Tara. Come to buy something or use this place as a study area?”

“Study area and pick-up spot for one Dawn Summers.” Tara placed her bag on the table. She leaned against the counter, watching as Anya counted the money again, for probably the umpteenth time that day.

“How’s it going?” Anya whispered.

“Okay. I just started. It’s very interesting reading all that history. Knowing what happened in the end.” Tara kept her answers deliberately cryptic, hoping those listening wouldn’t catch on to what she was talking about.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Giles believes you will.” Anya said proudly.

“You really are happy together, aren’t you?” Tara asked in her normal voice.

The smile on Anya’s face could light up Broadway. “Yes. I am. Am I being too giddy?”

Tara smiled and shook her head no. “You deserve to be giddy. He makes you happy.”

“He does. We’re going to tell Xander. It’s not fair to keep him in the dark. I can tell he wants to get back together, but it’s impossible now. I can’t go back to what we had, Tara. Not when I’ve seen what was missing.”

Tara reached out and took her hand. “Falling in love with Giles doesn’t make you a bad person, Anya. It means that he was capable of healing your heart.”

Anya wiped at the corner of her eye. “Thank you. I know you don’t like lying. I’m sorry we put you in this position.”

Tara waved her hand, dismissively. “It isn’t my secret to tell. And, I understood why you were doing it. I’m glad, though, you’re going to tell him the truth.”

They had been so engrossed in their conversation they didn’t hear the bell jiggle. “Tell who what?” Xander asked.

Tara and Anya shared a look of pure terror before turning their gazes to the new arrivals. “Giles...the truth about this last shipment. It was missing some items we ordered. Hello, Dawn. Xander.”

“Hey, guys, what’s shaking?” Dawn saw the guarded looks between the two women and guessed she and Xander had walked in on a talk about Anya and Giles.

“Homework, then dusting.” Anya told her, shoving the duster into Dawn’s hands.

“Fine. I’ll do math, but it’ll not help in the slaying of demons.” Dawn grumbled.

Tara followed Dawn to the table, eager to return to the journal. That left the former engaged couple to stare awkwardly at each other.

“Can we talk, Anya?”

Anya looked around, seeing no valid reason for refusing his offer. “Sure.”

Xander headed to the training room, hoping Buffy didn’t mind if he used it for a little soul-baring.

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

Warren took the photos and other items he’d requested and laid them down on the kitchen table.

“Look at you, Buffy. All happy and virginal looking. Hah! Well, not so virginal with that kid in your stomach.”

Mike watched impassively from the doorway as Warren cut and pasted. When he pricked his finger and smeared blood on the pics, Mike knew this was no longer pre-school art class.

“Give it a minute to dry, then you can take it back to their house.” Warren said, wrapping a strip of paper towel around his finger.

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

Anya watched Xander pace back and forth in front of the pommel horse. She waited patiently, knowing they needed to talk. She needed to listen to him, and he needed to hear her side of things before her relationship with Giles was made public.

“Where do I begin, Anya? I feel like we’ve been down this road before, but we haven’t.”

Anya hadn’t seen this vulnerable side since the rehearsal dinner. His parents. Their drinking. Their fighting. She had wanted to vanquish the whole bunch, and wrap her arms around him tightly. She wanted to shield him from them, but she couldn’t. He was a product of all his messy family drama and his hatred of her kind.

“What is it, Xander? You can talk to me. I want to listen.” Anya said, trying to ease the way for him.

“I need for you to understand why I’m against Spike removing this chip.” He started.

Anya’s face showed her confusion. “I’m not the one you need to be saying this to, Xander. If you need to explain yourself to anyone, it’s to Buffy and Spike.” Anya stood up, prepared to leave. Why did it bothered her that it always came back to Buffy?

“No, please.” Xander pleaded, grabbing her arm as she passed. He pushed her back to the sofa and urged her to return to her seat. “I need you to listen because it isn’t about Spike being Spike. It’s about Spike being a demon.”

“Spike’s a vampire. Big woo! He loves Buffy, in spite of the demon.” She rationalized.

“But he’s a demon, and I can’t get past that. I can’t...”

“Stop hating them. That’s rich, Xander.” She said without a trace of anger. “You can love Buffy, Willow, and Dawn, but you hate demons. Interesting.”

It was Xander’s turn to be puzzled. “What does that mean?”

Anya sighed. He was so defensive. How did they ever manage to date for three years without killing each other? That was an easy answer. She wanted to love and be loved in return. She wanted to belong to someone. To be something in someone’s life.

“It means that none of them are completely human. Buffy’s a slayer. The true origin of a slayer has never been fully explained. They may have been created from demons. It wouldn’t be a shock to me to discover this. Dawn is a mystical ball of energy. Willow is a powerful witch. They aren’t completely human, yet you love them. You don’t hate what they are. But you hate demons?” Why wasn’t she more upset? Why was she calmly explaining things to him?

Xander heard her, and in the back of his mind, he understood what Anya was getting at, but that didn’t make it right. She was wrong. His girls were human. No matter what they’d become or were originally, as in Dawn’s case, they were human. So was she. Didn’t she understand that?

“Anya, you’re human. You were once a demon, but you’re human now. Spike can never be human again. He’ll always be a demon at heart. A demon that feeds off human lives. A demon that relishes blood and violence. That won’t change in him, and I’m afraid that the people I love will be hurt by that thing.”

Anya balled her fist, counting to ten before answering him. “Why do you hate demons? Why? You like Clem don’t you?”

“Yes, Clem’s a great guy. He’s harmless.”

“Exactly. Clem’s harmless, but he’s a demon. He’s the nicest guy I know, but he’s a demon. Why don’t you hate him?” Anya asked, looking him directly in the eye.

Xander shifted away from her gaze, preferring instead to stare at the wall. “It’s different.”

“How? Why give Clem the benefit of the doubt, but not Spike? Not Hallie?” She wanted him to think about this. She needed to know. She had to know because deep down she believed this hatred, this prejudice against demons was the real reason behind their breakup.

Xander stood. “I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do, Xander. Tell me why you can’t forgive me. Why you can’t see the good in Spike? Tell me. I want to know.”

Xander lowered his head. “I never knew death until Buffy arrived. People died all the time, but I never knew the feel of it. I never knew the taste of it, till she came and brought the Master and his minions with her. Those people who died. They didn’t touch me. I didn’t care. It wasn’t my concern. But they got Jesse. He was my brother. I loved him. And those blood-sucking demons got him. They turned him into a creature that was willing to bleed me dry. He didn’t care. He didn’t feel. He didn’t love. He only hated. He only wanted death and destruction.” He was crying hard, but Anya made no move to comfort him. He probably wouldn’t have accepted it anyway.

“Tell me why I should forgive Spike for that. They took away my friend. They took away everything and turned my world upside down. They...”

“Spike didn’t kill Jesse, Xander. You know he didn’t, but you’re grouping him with all vampires. You hate that they turned Jesse, so you take it out on Spike. He’s earned your respect, Xander. He’s saved your life, my life, Buffy’s life. All of our lives.” Anya walked over to him, her arms wrapped around her tiny waist.

“If you hate demons so much, how did you ever fall in love with me?”

Xander looked up at her, his brown eyes swimming in a pool of unshed tears. “But you aren’t a demon. You are human.”

“I am a demon at heart, Xander. I can’t forget my past. I won’t forget it. I lived for a thousand years before I was made human. I didn’t ask to be human. I wasn’t happy to be human. In a way, I was like Spike. He didn’t ask to be a demon, but he made the best of his life. I have too.”

Anya reached out and touched his cheek. He leaned into her caress and nuzzled her hand. “You are so naive, Xander. If you don’t let go of this irrational anger, this need to draw lines in the sand between what’s good and what’s bad, you’ll never be able to find happiness in this town. It’s all about the gray areas. You have to let the lines blur or you’ll be stuck on one side forever.”

Anya pulled her hand away and strode out the door and into the main area. Giles had returned, and she smiled broadly at him. She hoped Xander took to heart what they’d spoken about. Sunnydale was a city where everything wasn’t cut and dry. There were people on both sides of the fence that weren’t entirely good or bad, and if you couldn’t bend in either direction, you weren’t going to get anywhere.

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

“Want me to carry you up the stairs luv? We might get to the front door faster.” Spike teased as he walked behind a waddling Buffy.

“Aren’t you funny mister? Let’s see you carry a basketball around in your belly for 6 and a half months. And she’s a kicker too. Did I mention she likes to wail on my kidneys?”

Spike stifled a snicker. “Yes, dear, you did mention that once, twice, maybe, fifty times in the last few weeks.

There was an envelope on the front porch addressed to Buffy. They looked around the yard to see if they could sense anyone nearby, but there was nothing there. Spike took the envelope from her and shooed her inside. If it were a letter bomb or something, he’d rather take the hit than to let her be harmed.

“Go inside, Buffy. I’ll open it out here.”

“Spike, it’s too thin to be a bomb. Just open it!” Buffy ordered. At Spike’s imploring look, she unlocked the door and stood just inside.

Spike bent and pulled a knife out of his boot, and slid it under the flap. He didn’t need to look inside to smell the blood. Human blood, to be exact.

“Spike? What is it?” Buffy inquired.

Spike pulled the photo out and nearly bit his tongue in two. It was there wedding photo. He recognized it as one of the ones from their album. This photo, though, had been altered. Words were added in blood and the sender had slashed them.

Buffy stepped outside, tiring of waiting on Spike. She pulled the photo from his hands and nearly lost her dinner. There was a huge X carved into her belly.

That wasn’t what had her shaking in fear. Written in blood was a message. A message from an old nemesis.

Sorry, I couldn’t make the ceremony, but I‘ll see you soon!!!! Warren.

TBC

Part 24:

~~Spike caressed the pink-hued cheek softly, smiling as the tiny mouth started to suckle.

“Just like your Momma. She likes to eat all the time too.” He whispered softly. Leaning down, he kissed the blonde head, trying not to wake her, hoping she did. Buffy would dust him if he woke the littlest Bit, though. Both of them had just fallen asleep, and even though, Spike desperately wanted to see Bitty’s blue eyes laughing at him, he knew they needed their rest.

Whoever was up there looking out for creatures like him had blessed him with the mother lode. He had a woman who loved him, trusted him with her life, her heart, and this child, his daughter. She was his greatest creation.

He laid down beside his daughter, feeling her breath tickle his cheek. Her scent was like nothing he’d ever smelled before. So full of innocence, it made his heart swell with pride that she was his. Looking up at Buffy, he was reminded again of her beauty. She was his anchor in this world, and he was humbled by her love. He reached out to push her hair over her shoulder. She mmmed in her sleep, snuggling closer to his touch.

Yes, he’d been blessed. He closed his eyes, a feeling of peace suffusing his being. He woke up to a nightmare. They stood next to the bed, blood staining their clothes and fingers. He was paralyzed with fear and terror, not knowing where his girls were, if they were safe. He knew the truth, could taste it, bitter and cold on his tongue. They were gone.

“You are an utter failure, as a father and a husband.” Travers mocked, wiping his hands on the baby’s blanket. “You couldn’t even protect them.”

“You should have heard Buffy scream.” Warren told him, sitting down on the bed. “When we took the baby, she begged. Buffy Summers begged and pleaded. Her life for her child’s. I told her yes, I would take her life and her child’s. Oh, I mean your child. Strange that you didn’t awaken.”

Warren stood and walked to the end of the bed. He looked down at the floor, his head moving back and forth. “I thought she would wake the dead when I slit the baby’s throat.”

“Of course, she didn’t suffer for long, Mr. Spike. Once Warren stabbed her in the heart, she only whimpered for a few minutes, then she closed her eyes. Almost in relief, wouldn’t you say, Warren?” Travers asked his companion.

“Yes, I think she was relieved to be free of this mortal coil again. I don’t think it’ll be so easy to resurrect her this time. Look what happened with? Her child murdered as her husband slept. But we know, don’t we Spikey, that you wouldn’t have been able to save them even if you were awake?”

“We should leave, Warren. Allow Mr. Spike time to mourn his dead. Sunlight’s in a few hours. I trust you’ll take the coward’s way out. It was good to see you again.“ Travers said, patting Spike amiably on the shoulder. “Come Warren. I have a fine port back at my flat.”

As soon as they cleared the threshold, the force holding Spike to the bed released, and he jumped off. He collapsed to his knees, his eyes blurred and hazed over with red. It was everywhere. The blood of his girls stained the floor, the spread, the walls. He screamed but he couldn’t hear it. He grabbed Buffy, pulling her dead body into his lap. Bitty lay in a pool of blood next to her mother.

“Oh, god. Oh, god. NO!! NO!!! NO!!!”~~

Buffy awoke to the most awful wail she’d ever heard. She looked around for Spike, but he wasn’t in the bed. She found him kneeling on the floor, caught up in a nightmare. She flung the sheets off, moving quickly to awaken him. She grabbed him, holding his withering body tightly. He recoiled from her touch, still fighting the dream world.

“Spike, wake up. It’s me, Buffy. Wake up!” Buffy screamed.

~“I’m so sorry, Buffy. Bitty, Daddy is so sorry.” He cried.~

“Spike, you’ve got to wake up, baby. You’re scaring me. Come back to me, my love. Come back to us.”

~Spike caressed Buffy’s blood-stained cheeks and swore he could hear her talking to him.

“I’m so sorry, Buffy. I couldn’t save you my love.”~

“I’m right here, baby. All you have to do is open your eyes. We’re here. Open your eyes, Spike. Will, open your eyes, right now, damnit!”

Spike’s eyes flew open, and he stared wide-eyed at Buffy.

“Buffy?” He said, aching. “Buffy?”

Dawn raced into their room, shocked by the scene she found. The sound of his voice, almost brought Dawn to tears. She recognized the need to leave them alone, and left after placing a kiss on Spike’s cheek. Buffy shifted till she sat on the floor, with Spike’s head pillowed in her lap.

“Shush, my love. Shush. I’m here. I’m here.” Buffy cooed. Spike’s face was awash with tears. He shuddered in her arms, and for that alone, she wanted to torture Warren to within an inch of his miserable life. The dreams had been increasing in their intensity. Every night, he twisted and twisted, waking her, scaring her. She hadn’t said anything to him about them, knowing he would remove himself from their bed so she could sleep. Silly man, didn’t he know, she only slept when he was there.

“I’m sorry Buffy. I didn’t mean to wake you.” He croaked.

“Hush, now. It’s alright.” Buffy told him, bending down to bestow a kiss to his brow. That act was an impossibility, so she kissed her fingers and pressed them to his lips.

“I love you, William. I love you so much. I’m not going anywhere.” She reassured him, caressing his cheek softly.

“It was so real. I couldn’t save you. I couldn’t save Bitty. Oh, god.” His voice broke.

“It was a nightmare. We’re here with you, safe. See?” She said, pressing her belly to his ear. Thump, thump. Bitty’s heartbeat strong and very much alive, finally pushed the terror he felt back, stamped down.

“I can’t protect you from him.” He whispered raggedly.

Buffy didn’t need for him to specify who he was. Warren. That little bastard. For 4 straight days, he’d sent something of theirs, terrorizing them with their own memories. At first, Buffy was afraid. Now, she was just pissed. Warren was a coward. A spineless, little twerp hiding behind his magic and his machines. When she found him, he was going to pay for hurting her family, but especially for scaring Spike. For someone who’d never known happiness, true happiness until recently, to have it threatened, knowing he could do nothing to prevent it. Warren was driving Spike slowly insane, and Buffy would be damned if she’d sit patiently by and allow it.

“Spike? My butt is asleep.” She joked. She was rewarded with a slight smile. She sighed her relief that he seemed back to himself. She hoped he would talk about it with her.

Spike nodded, and turned to look up at her. Damn those blue eyes. She would never get used to their intensity. How they could change from the softest blue to almost black with passion?

Spike rolled off her lap, and helped her to stand. They stood in the moonlight. Buffy’s head rested on his chest.

“That entire week you were in the hospital I had nightmares. I didn’t sleep unless I was with you at the hospital. Even then, I was so afraid something would happen if I closed my eyes.” He told her.

“Warren triggered this new round of them, huh?” She said, resting her chin on his pecs. “The threats, the letters, the pictures, all of it. It’s bringing that fear back.”

“It never left, Pet. I’m always afraid I’m going to lose you.” Spike admitted.

Buffy nodded. She felt the exact same way. Had for so long till she hid it behind threats and taunts. Now, it was impossible to hide her love for him. She loved him. End of story. Or the beginning of a great one.

“Let’s get some sleep.” She suggested, pulling him reluctantly back to the bed. She laid on her back, drawing Spike up till he was draped across her body, his head resting in the crook of her neck.

“I’ll watch over you while you sleep, my love.” Buffy crooned softly. Her hands caressed his shoulder, his back, willing him to rest his weary bones. “It won’t be much longer, Spike. The chip will be out, and you won’t feel like this anymore. I promise you.”

Spike chuckled humorless. “I’ll always worry about you and Bitty, Buffy. Being chipless won’t make that much of a difference.”

“It will to you. You’ll feel better about yourself with that damn thing gone.” Buffy said, leaning her head over to rest on his. “When I felt helpless and out of control of my own life, you gave me strength, hope, to believe that we can face anything together. Take my strength and believe that too.”

“You won’t let me believe anything else.”

“You’re right.” She admitted, stroking his face till he fell asleep.

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

Smug and satisfied. That described Warren’s attitude since his arrival in Sunnydale. The Slayer was afraid of him. She was running and hiding from him. God, he got hard just thinking about it. It was definitely all about power. He had it. She didn’t. And it was the sweetest aphrodisiac he’d ever known. Even being cooped up with only muscle boy for company couldn’t bring him down. Buffy was afraid. She was afraid of him. It was about time she learned her place. He was the smart one. He was the one who would control whether or not she lived. Well, maybe, not that last part. She would live unfortunately. How she would live would be at his discretion. He felt like humming a tune. He was so happy.

Mike watched Warren flit around the room, like some gnome on acid. If he’d known he was going to be paid to baby-sit such a pathetic, little prick, he would have joined his dear old Mum in Cannes. Mike took the whetstone out of his pocket, and picked up his knife, which lay on the table in front of him.

Warren tried not to flinch as the sound of the metal gliding over the stone.
“Which Slayerette should I go after next?” Warren asked. He knew the man in the chair wouldn’t answer him. Just as well. He was never a team player. Just ask Jonathan and Andrew.

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

Giles slammed the drawer closed with a bang, causing Anya to glare at him.

“Rupert, what’s wrong now?” She asked, her nerves on edge.

“This blasted drawer continues to stick when I try to close it. I thought you were going to get some WD-40 for it.” He said angrily.

Anya stomped over to where he stood and pushed past him, bending down to grab the can of spray. She slammed it down on the counter, huffing as she stalked away. “Thank god that wasn’t a Sukov demon or you’d be missing a part of your anatomy that helps you mate.”

Giles’ eyes widened and he cracked a grin. He quickly tried to squelch it, but laughter soon followed. Anya’s face flashed briefly with rage, before she, too, was overcome with the giggles. That was how Willow found them.

She stood in the doorway, watching as Anya and Giles, tearfully and laughingly apologized for snapping at each other.

“Oh, my dear, I apologize profusely. This situation with Travers and Warren is making me very cross and short-tempered. I didn’t mean it.” Giles reassured her, brushing his thumb across her cheek.

“I’m sorry too. I would not want a Sukov demon to take your penis. I like it too much.”

Willow’s face turned the color of her hair, and she desperately wished she’d gone to get that Gingerbread Latte like she’d planned. She coughed loudly, announcing her presence before Anya complimented any of the parts of Giles’ body.

“Willow!” Giles blushed. “Ah, when did you get here?”

“Just now. How ya been?” She lied.

Giles knew she was lying, but was grateful that she wanted to avoid acknowledging what she’d heard more than he did.

“Good. And you?”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake, you’re adults. Willow knows we’re having sex. Why you people pretend it’s not happening is beyond me?” Anya mumbled, shaking her head as she went to help a customer.

Giles looked after her with a mixture of love and exasperation. Willow patted him on the shoulder in mock sympathy. “You love her. Just keep saying that when it gets to be too much.” She suggested.

Giles smiled ruefully. “God help me, but I do.”

Willow plopped down in a chair, sighing with relief to be done with school. Now, all she had to do was head an operation to remove a government chip from her friend‘s head. Ha! And she thought Advanced Physics was difficult. Who knew that wasn’t quite the truth?

“What did you find?” Giles asked, while writing his real question on a piece of paper. He slid it over to Willow, who replied.

“When Buffy and Spike get here, I’m going to tell them that everything is legit. The plans are for the behavioral modification chip. My friend in the electronics lab looked over them, with envy, of course, but said they were indeed the real thing.”

Willow scribbled on the paper. Giles had asked her if she had found a spell to help remove the chip. She wrote back that she’d found a teleportation spell that could be tweaked to do what they wanted.

“I hate to admit it, but Travers was actually being helpful.” Giles answered. Willow pushed a book across the table to him, and pointed wordlessly to a passage. Giles cleaned his glasses and read the spell hurriedly.

“Do you think Spike and Buffy will agree?” Willow asked honestly. “With all that’s gone on with Warren in the last few days, I can’t see them walking up to Travers and accepting his help.”

Anya walked over, reading the spell over Giles’ shoulder. “Well, they won’t have a choice.” She answered. “You are going to need equipment and people to help you remove that chip. And last time I checked, none of us had that kind of experience. We’ll have to get them from that odious man.”

She picked up the paper and wrote down that she would have to order one of the items needed, unless Giles wanted to take a trip to LA tonight.

“You’re absolutely right, Willow. And you too, Anya. But Spike and Buffy value their child’s life above their own safety. They’ll do what they must to protect her and Dawn, even if it means working with the Council again. And we’ll be there for them.”

“Willow, make up a list of what you’ll need and we’ll take it with us to Travers.” Giles directed her.

“I’ll get started. Anya can you help me?”

Anya pointed to her chest, confused. “Ah, sure.”

Giles shrugged and patted her hand as she walked away to join Willow.

Willow worried at her bottom lip, afraid to start this conversation, afraid not too. She needed to know, and she didn’t want to jump to any conclusions that would hurt Anya’s feelings.

“I talked to Xander. He told me about your conversation. And I just wanted to know, if you’re going to tell him about Giles or are you going to keep him in the dark? I’m not accusing you or admonishing you. I just need to know because I love him. And I… I like you. You make Giles happy.” Willow admitted. Her face had started to turn red again, and Anya for once, felt accepted.

Anya smiled slightly. “I hated you.” She told a stunned Willow. “I really did. When we started seeing each other, I hated you. He loved you better than he loved me, and I hated you for it. It made me feel inadequate.”

Willow’s eyes were wide with shock, but she understood where Anya was coming from. “I hated you too.” She shrugged. “I got over it. It took awhile, though.”

“I know.” Anya laughingly admitted. “I know you only have his best interests at heart, and we probably should have listened to our hearts before we let things get so bad, but we didn’t, and that’s that. It’s over. But the love and concern, it’s still there. I wanted to hate him, and for a small amount of time, I did. I don’t want to see him hurt, Willow. I really don’t. When is there a good time to tell him that I’ve fallen in love with Giles? You tell me. How do I say those words without all the nastiness of our past coming back and making things worse?”

Willow pulled up a stool and sat down at the counter. She played with the chicken foot on the counter. “I don’t know. Whatever you say to him, is going to hurt like hell. He’s going to be devastated. He thinks you’re getting back together or at least attempting too.” She added when she saw Anya about to protest.

“I know you’re not leading him on. I know you’re not doing anything on purpose to hurt him. You’re just living your life. We all are the best way we can. I just want you to know if you want me to be there with you, I will be.” Willow promised, squeezing Anya’s hand in support.

“Thanks, Willow.” Anya answered, touched.

**************************
There was one short rap to the door before it opened. The men and women gathered inside looked to the newcomer with faces identical in their curiosity and expectation of the news she would bring.

“It’s started.” Olivia told them. “Travers has made plans to steal the Prophecy child. Reginald informed me earlier today that a doctor has been brought to Sunnydale. Travers has everything in place to deliver the child.”

“Does Reginald know when?” A woman’s voice asked from the back.

“No. He says Travers has been rather secretive about his plans, only confiding in his associate, Mr. Shackleford. Reginald is due to call me again tomorrow, so hopefully, he will have some more information for us.”

“We have perused the transcripts he sent. There has been a grave error on the part of Mr. Giles. The ritual can be performed before the child is born. She can borrow strength from her mother to survive.” Edmund Weeves announced from his position at the head of the table.

“I cannot contact Giles without fear of being discovered. Travers’ men have been far too clever in their surveillance.”

“We’ve discussed this Weeves. You know we cannot risk Reginald’s assignment nor this organization. Travers has far too many under his thumb. One slip, and all will be lost.” Yvonne Spencer shook her head, her gray locks shimmering down her back. “He would pick us off. One by one, until there was little or no opposition to him. Any that were left would be too frightened to oppose him. We have to trust that Mr. Giles and his group are able to discover that caveat before Travers makes his move.”

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

Xander rubbed the back of his neck and tried to concentrate on the designs in front of him. It was difficult. He couldn’t get Anya’s words out of his head. He knew she was right. Knew what she said made sense. No, not just sense, it was the truth. But he couldn’t just forget all that had happened to him, to them. He shook his head to clear the sight of Anya’s face, her lips, her eyes out of his conscience.

Dewey studied his mark carefully, waiting for the right time to approach him. They’d listened to his conversation with his ex over and over, trying to pick up on anything that would give them an advantage. There were so many things they weren’t sure which one to use. It had been decided that a little nudge was in order. They couldn’t let Xander get too philosophical on them.

“She must have rocked your world.” Dewey commented, a knowing look and wink delivered to Xander. “So, the two of you back together?”

“What? No. No. Anya and I aren’t back together. Why would you think that?” Xander snapped, rolling the plans up.

“Sorry, man. My bad. I’ll just get out of your way.” Dewey’s face dropped convincingly, and he walked away, shoulders hunched.

Xander rolled his eyes. “Dew Man, sorry. You just caught me off guard. I’m sorry.”

Dewey stopped and grinned. “Hey, none of my business, anyway. But I understand. Women are in a species all their own.”

Xander grimaced. Species. Demons. It was all the same, and at the same time, it wasn’t. “We didn’t get around to discussing us. We talked about our friends and how things aren’t always what they seemed.”

No, they aren’t, Harris. And it’ll be too late before you figure that out. “Well, it’s progress. The two of you talking, and not arguing. Maybe you should go back and talk to her some more. Surprise her with flowers and take-out.”

Xander smiled, like the gullible fool he was. “That is definitely not a good idea. You don’t know my ex. I’ve only given you a glimpse of her. We may be talking, but if I even thought about approaching her now with romantic intentions, she’d remove part of my anatomy.”

Dewey shook his head, confused. “Xan, do you want your girl back or not?”

“I do, but I hurt her. It hasn’t gone away. She’s still holding back from me, and I’m sure my fight with Buffy and Spike didn’t made things any better.”

“I’m sure if the two of you sat down and discussed things rationally, without all the past anger and stuff, she’d see your point of view. Hey, and what do you have to lose? She’s already mad at you. It can’t get much worse, but it can get better.”

Inwardly, Dewey cringed. Love advice from him, a hired mercenary. He had sunk to new depths, but this was definitely better than being gator food. Poor Lande.

“I’ll think about it. I’ll see her tomorrow at Buffy’s anyway. Have they cleared that wall on the west side of the school?” Xander asked, putting the subject of Anya to rest.

“Yeah, boss. They were loading the receiving bins when I last checked.” Fuck, Dewey screamed, almost had him. That’s okay. After tonight, buddy, you won’t hesitate to run and tell the ex she was right.

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

Shackleford hung up the phone, smiling as he rejoined his boss at the table. “Is everything set with Warren tonight?”

“Yes, he knows where to be and what to do. Mike will shadow him just in case. We wouldn’t want the little eager beaver to kill our patsy before we got a chance to use him.”

Travers nodded his head in agreement. “Yes. You were quite right to do that. We don’t really need Mr. Harris’ assistance. I know you would be able to get me the Slayer if I wanted her taken, but I like this so much better. Takes some of the pressure of us.”

Travers took a deep breath. “Everything has been prepared at the house. Once Ms. Summers, Mrs. Develin,” he sneered, “is captured and her sister’s blood extracted, we will leave for Scotland. I have installed a full staff to see to the tot’s every need. We will wait till things have settled down, and then, we’ll perform the ceremony. I would hate to go to all this trouble, only to have the child die on me.”

“That would be tragic.” Shackleford admitted sarcastically.

“Then, we will inform the full Council of her birth and my custody of her. My position will be solidified. Buffy and her group will not be able to touch me. They’ll never see the child again, and I’ll have the Council’s blessings.”

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

Spike watched the butterflies and flowers sway as he rocked in the chair in the nursery. Bitty would soon sleep in this room. He closed his eyes as remnants of the dream from the night before flashed before his eyes. He felt the demon surge, desperate to protect what was theirs.

He took a deep breath, and tried to remember Buffy’s words. It wouldn’t be long now. It wouldn’t be long before the Warrens and Travers of the world would have to worry about him again. He wouldn’t let anyone harm his family. He’d rip them to shreds before he let that happen.

“If you keep frowning like that, your face is going to stay like that. Forever. Well, that’s what Mom always told us.” Buffy said from the doorway. She held several folded items and took them to the little dresser and added them to the multitude of blankets and shirts and stuff that their daughter had already amassed.

“I swear you’re already turning her into the Most Fashionably Dressed baby of Sunnydale.”

Buffy smiled broadly. “Nothing wrong with having a versatile wardrobe. You should look into one.” She joked.

“I have one, but you keep ripping it off me.” He smiled, the dimples, rarely seen, gracing his face.

Buffy closed the drawer and walked over to him. The urge to touch that smile, to feel his laughter, was overwhelming. “It’s good to see you smile again.”

Buffy gingerly sat in his lap. She didn’t want to break the rocker or send them sprawling to the floor.

“Sorry, I’ve been, how do you say it? Depresso boy.”

Buffy snickered. She laid her head on his shoulder and kissed his neck. “That’s okay. You loved me when I was Depresso girl last year. So, we’re a matched pair.”

“Always.”

“Martine’s journal?” Buffy asked, fingering the book Spike held.

Buffy swore he blushed, but she couldn’t be sure. She was too surprised by the shy look in his eyes.

“No, it’s for Bitty. Just some stuff I wrote to her, so she would know me and you.”

Buffy closed her hand over his, and smiled. “I saw this months ago. You were still living in the crypt, and I came to visit. It had to be before we discovered the prophecy. You were sleeping, and it was on the floor. I opened it. I saw the first letter.” She told him, leaning back to gauge his reaction.

“I wanted to cry. The few words I read, just touched me so. I knew you’d love Bitty as much as you loved me. You would take care of her. I would never have to worry about you ever leaving her. It’s a wonderful feeling.” There were tears in both of their eyes after she finished her admission.

“I love you, Buffy. I love her.” He said, turning slightly to kiss her. His arm tightened around her waist, and hers crept up and around his neck.

That was how Giles found them, kissing and crying in their baby’s room. He turned away, unwilling to disturb them. It made his heart warm with the knowledge that Buffy had found her happiness. No matter what was thrown at her, she would always have Spike’s love and strength to protect her, cherish, and support her.

“I guess I’ll make me a spot of tea.” He said to himself, heading for the kitchen.

Buffy pulled away with a sigh. “Giles is here.”

“I know.” Spike grumbled. “Can we stay like this a little longer?”

“You read my mind. I think Giles can handle tea duty without us.” Buffy said, smiling as she pressed her lips to Spike’s again. “We have to get all the us time in before the baby’s born.”

“You are so right.”
****************************

Dawn waited inside the school building till she saw the familiar compact pull up into the drive. Tara got out, scanning the mass of laughing and shouting teenagers for her. Dawn waved, and raced for the car, in a manner, which would not lose her any cool points. God, she hated being a sophomore.

“Hey, Dawnie! How was school?” Tara asked, pulling away.

“Oh, you know, the usual boring montage of endless classes and stuff. Forget about that. Anything new with the diaries?” She asked, eager to put all this behind them and move on to the good part. Her niece.

“No, but I could use your help with some of the reading. I know you’re interested in what Mr. Jayme had to say about you. So, I thought we could work on it together at the apartment.”

Dawn nearly whooped in excitement. She’d been dying to read it, since he talked about her Keyness, but Buffy had been quite adamant in denying her request. It wasn’t fair. She was 16 and the Key. She was the one receiving visits from her niece. She was the one who was going to have to be bled to help her niece. When were they going to realize, she wasn’t a child anymore that needed to be protected from things that go bump in the night? Well, some things.

“Would you like to see the journal?” Tara asked again.

Dawn’s blue eyes, so like Spike’s, widened. “Really? You’re not pulling my leg are you?”

Tara’s eyes twinkled with laughter. “No. You can read it. Maybe, you can find what I’ve been unable to.”

“Buffy and Spike will read Martine’s journal to me, the early stuff, but they won’t let me read this one. Sheesh! Martine’s is more depressing because you know what’s going to happen.”

Tara felt the need to defend her friends. “They just want to protect you, not from yourself, but from Travers. The less people who know what’s actually in this book, the less people in danger of being snatched for it.”

“Oh, I didn’t think of that.”

Tara turned onto the main street, rolling past Doublemeat. “Did you want to stop?”

Dawn shook her head vigorously. “No! I can’t stomach their food anymore. After the finger incident, it lost it’s appeal. But Taco Bell is always good. Yo quiero Taco Bell.”

“Taco bell it is, then.”
************************
Tara pulled the journal out of her backpack and handed it to Dawn.

“If you feel anything, anything at all, you let me know.”

“I will.“ Dawn picked the heavy book up, and began thumbing through the pages.

Tara sat next to her, lending her support. “Giles tabbed the parts where he talks about you. They are the green ones.”

“Thanks.”

Dawn opened the book to the first tab, and settled back to read. She had been at it an hour, when she felt the prickly sensation that announced Bitty’s arrival.

“Hi, Auntie Dawn.”

Tara gasped as she felt the electricity in the air. Dawn had a smile on her face, and her lips moved, but no sound emitted from her mouth.

“Hi, Bitty. I’ve missed you. Where have you been?”

A little giggle erupted. “In Mommy’s stomach.”

Dawn wished she could see the little imp. “I’ve got the book. What did you want me to see?”

“The truth. The time is now, Auntie Dawn. You don’t have to wait. You’ll see. You just need to look.”

Dawn looked down at the page she was on, and read the passage again. Nothing stood out, but obviously there was something there or Bitty wouldn’t have mentioned it.

~The Key’s essence, strong and pure of light, is the only force that can open the power within the child. The essence knows no shape nor boundary, and neither shall the child. The child shall come into its power once the essence is received. It will weaken the vessel, but the strength shall be there to carry the child through the storm.~

“I’ve got to go, Auntie Dawn, but I’ll see you soon.”

Tara shook Dawn lightly, trying not to startle the young girl. Dawn took a deep breath, and the room returned to normal.

“Tara? She was here.”

“I know. What did she show you?”

Dawn pointed with a shaky finger to the passage. Tara pulled the book over onto her lap, and reread it.

“She said we didn’t have to wait. Do you think this means we can do the ritual before Bitty is born?”

Tara read it again. ‘The child shall come into its power once the essence is received. It will weaken the vessel, but the strength shall be there to carry the child through the storm.’ You might be right Dawn. If Buffy drinks your blood, the baby would receive it, of course. And the baby would have Buffy’s strength to survive the ritual. That’s why Travers is here.” She said as the light bulb went off.

Dawn looked at her confused. “What? What does Travers have to do with this?”

“This has to be it.” Tara continued. “He knows he can perform the ritual before Bitty is born. He’s going to go after Buffy before she delivers. Come on, we have to let them know.”

************************
Buffy placed several more kisses to Spike’s lips before allowing him to push her off his lap. Willow was downstairs with Giles, so they couldn’t be rude any longer. Even though, the subject they were about to discuss was far less enjoyable than the snogging they’d been doing.

Buffy squeezed Spike’s hand as they walked down the stairs. Willow had set up shop in the dining room. Her papers and things were strewn over the mahogany table.

“Buffy. Spike. Hey!” Willow greeted them cheerfully. She was way too perky, which put both blondes on guard.

“Willow is something wrong? Is it the chip?” Spike asked.

“Oh, no. Too much Latte. I’ve been downing them since six this morning. I’m still coming down.” She admitted with a laugh.

Buffy let out the breath she’d been holding. “Will. You and coffee are bad. Switch to decaf if you have to have it.” She laughingly admonished.

“Tara and Dawn will be over later. They are at Tara’s apartment doing some work on Jayme’s journal.”

“In other words, Rupert, keeping Dawn occupied.” Spike guessed correctly.

“Yes, Spike, I didn’t want Dawn to worry, and I felt it was your call as to what you will tell her about the operation.” Giles said, handing Buffy her vitamins and a glass of water.

Buffy took them wordlessly, her mind already beginning to panic from Giles’ words. “I thought we’d discussed the specifics already. Is there something else we have to be concerned about?” Buffy said panicked.

Spike took the glass out of Buffy’s hand before she shattered it. He leaned down, smiling up into her hazel eyes. “Hey, Goldi, it’ll be alright. Remember? Whatever happens, we’ll work through it.”

Buffy nodded. “Go on.”

Giles cleared his throat, looking expectantly at Willow to begin.

“Remember what I told you about the location of the chip?” Both blondes nodded their affirmation. “Well, I’d hoped the spell I was working on, would be able to remove the chip without me actually having to cut into Spike’s scalp, but...”

“You’re going to have to. We were prepared for that, Red. What else? Is it the blindness?”

Buffy shuddered. She would love Spike sight or no sight, but he would still be limited as a vampire. And he’d be miserable.

“The blindness may last longer than I thought. It could be a day with your accelerated healing or a week.” Willow answered. “And I’m not sure if this wasn’t part of the Initiative’s plan.”

“To blind a demon if they ever got it out? That would make them easier targets to recapture.” Buffy added.

“To kill.” Giles told her. “The Initiative would kill those that attempted it. There would be no further need for them.”

“But you were able to concoct a spell to remove the chip?”

Willow blinked. “Yes,” she answered, losing her place briefly in the conversation. “I was able to find a spell. It’s sort of a teleportation spell. Once we have remove the scar tissue from around the chip, it’ll bring it of his head.”

Spike remembered the sniveling, duplicitous doctor that had pretended to remove it before, and felt the keen need to kiss the man. If he’d removed it, he never would have had the dream, and realized he was in love with Buffy. Things might have worked out differently.

“We were able to find most of the ingredients in town. The final one was ordered and is due in today.” Giles added. “So, we should be able to have everything set up and ready to go in a few days. Is that soon enough for you, Spike?”

Spike looked at Buffy, who had a huge smile on her face. She really isn’t worried about post-chipped Spike. There’s no fear in her at all. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“What about Warren?” Buffy asked. “You weren’t planning on doing the surgery here. And Spike doesn’t want me to go, so who is doing what? And how are you going to skip town without Travers knowing about it?”

Giles lowered his head. “Good question. We still need to decide where we can go that won’t be too far from here. I don’t want to leave you or Dawn alone for very long. Especially with Warren and Travers working against us.”

“We could go to the mansion.” Willow suggested. “It’s on the outskirts of town, but we can get to the house within 15 minutes, if something happens.”

Spike took the seat next to Buffy. “The mansion could work. Enough room, water, and electricity. It’s accessible through the tunnels. It’s perfect.”

“It’s also big enough for me to come along. Dawn and I could stay in another wing.” Buffy argued. “I want to be with Spike. I don’t want him to be alone.”

Giles grabbed for Buffy’s free hand. “Buffy, we don’t know what will happen once the chip is removed. Spike has said himself, he doesn’t know if the demon will try to gain control while he’s weak. We may not be able to contain him.”

Spike said nothing, knowing his voice would crack, and he’d scare her with his lack of control. He wanted her as far from him as possible, but there was a part of him, that wanted her by his side when he woke up.

“He. Won’t. Hurt. Me.” Buffy gritted out. “I know him. He loves me. He won’t do anything to hurt me.”

Willow came around the table, till she stood at Buffy’s side. “We know that, Buffy. We just want to make sure. I can’t give you any guarantees how Spike’s going to be once this is done.”

Buffy pulled her hand from Giles’ grasp. “I don’t need your guarantees. I already have one.” She said, patting her belly.

“The demon, the man, and me. We all made this child. She’s our miracle. She was created because we love each other.”

Spike had to smile at her logic, but he still didn’t want her there. “We did that, Pet.” He said finally.

Buffy turned in her seat. “I believe in you and it. I believe in the man you are.”

Spike lowered his head, humbled by her speech. “Thank you, my love. But the thought of you being in that mansion does crazy things to my head. Makes me think the Poofter is going to swoop in and carry you off to LA. It’s dirty and dusty, too. Not good for the baby. I won’t be gone long. As soon as we’re sure I’m not going to turn into a murderous maniac, I’m back in our bed, with you playing Florence Nightingale.”

Buffy caressed her hand over her head. “But...” She started, only to be silenced by one long, pale finger.

“I can’t worry about you, Buffy, and go through this. Stay at the house, pretend everything is normal. I’ll be back before you even miss me.” He said, nuzzling her hand.

“That’s not quick enough.” Buffy closed her eyes tightly, knowing what they said made sense. “Okay. When do we do this?”

Giles had watched the talk between husband and wife, and for some reason, was overcome with a sense of dread. There were unknowns, but they weren’t what frightened him. Warren’s return didn’t frighten him either. Travers did. Why did he get the feeling that all this would be for naught?

“We can do this next Monday. 4 days from now.”

Four days and counting, and their world wouldn’t be the same. Spike thought, his eyes on Buffy’s face.

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