Chapter 20 – Provisions




Buffy slowly woke up, sated and well rested. She enjoyed waking up with Spike’s strong, protective arms wrapped around her. She snuggled into him, knowing that soon they would be running into battle.

She prayed to the Powers That Be for Spike’s safety, the baby’s safety, and that she would have the strength to do what she needed to end their nightmare with Angelus.

She saddened at the thought of Angelus, her Angel. He was her first love, he showed so much potential to make a big impact not just on her world, but the earth itself.

He just did not have the strength needed to persevere when the going got rough. Spike taught her that clearly the soul did not make the vampire. The soul was not the only guide to making a decision, hence when Angel lost his soul he should not have taken the path he took.

That made her angry. Angry for Jenny Calendar, angry for everything her friends and family have been through.

On the other hand she was grateful, because if Angel had not headed on his downward spiral, she would not be in the arms of her mate.

Eternal happiness, well for as long as she was alive, which surprisingly did not concern her. In her heart, mind, body, and soul she knew her and Spike would last forever.

In the midst of her inner thoughts, she had not noticed her mate had awoken. Spike had begun to pepper kisses on the top of her head.

‘Love we are forever’

‘Good Morning Spike. Love you so much. I see we can still do the mind talky thing.”

‘Good. Means I can keep you quiet while I have my wicked way with you love.’

‘Spike, as nice as the idea of that is, we’ve got to get into battle mode.’

He held her tight in his arms, and laid a kiss on her cheek. He felt the tears starting to run down her face.

‘Luv, what’s wrong? What did I do?’

‘You didn’t do anything, I’m just scared.’

‘Slayer, you have nothing to be scared of.’

‘What if we don’t make it, what if something happens to our baby?’

‘Don’t think about that love. Nothing is going to happen to you or the bit. I’ll protect you with my unlife.’

‘Spike, my life will be nothing without you in it. I don’t know if I can raise our baby alone.’

‘You won’t be alone. You have your mom, your friends, and your watcher. You have their love and support, that’s what kept you alive so long. But no worries, yeah?’

‘Just hold me until we have to get up Spike. Please. I just want to imprint the feel of being in your arms in my memory.’

‘Of course, pet. Don’t worry; we’ll have many nights like this. Starting tonight after we win…I love you Buffy, don’t you forget it. I love you always.’

Spike nuzzled his marks on her neck to comfort his mate. He glanced at the clock, 4 p.m. They wouldn’t have much time for this, everyone should be home soon. The best time to hit Angelus would be right before he awoke.

Buffy turned onto her side and looked into his eyes. She was lost in his pools of cerulean blue. Her love, her mate. She could feel his love for her as it emanated through their bond. She let it consume her.

The sound of car doors closing outside signaled the battle was about to begin. Buffy’s face scrunched up as the reality hit her. Spike leaned forward and kissed her softly on her lips.

“Time to get up now love. Time to go be heroes.”



~~~~~~



Joyce managed to get the pizzas out of her Jeep without dropping them. The next step was to try and get them in the house. Luckily, everyone seemed to have pulled up at the same time, saving her from embarrassment. Everyone walked up and grabbed a pizza off the top of the pile, Joyce was able to pull out her keys, and opened up the back door.

“Thanks for picking up food Mrs. Summers!”

“Oh it was no problem Willow. I wanted to make sure you were all properly fed before your big fight tonight.”

Cordelia and Giles helped set up the table, while Oz and Willow helped Joyce set the pizza up on the kitchen island.

The entire house filled with the scent of pizza, and that motivated the Slayer to cleaning up and dressing. Luckily, she had some oversized t-shirts in her wardrobe that would accommodate her growing belly.

“You can go ahead downstairs Spike. I’ll be down in a minute.”

“Are you sure Buffy?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Besides, you’re not doing a good job right now at hiding your thoughts. I know you want to go hit that pizza.”

Spike ducked down, ashamed that he had let that pass through the link. She should be his first and only thought.

“Spike, don’t worry about it. Besides, I need you to go down and make sure they save me some. Please?”

Buffy displayed her best pout face, which would be sure to win Spike over.

“Alright luv. Just holler if you need a hand.”

Spike gave her a kiss on her head before he left her room to make his way downstairs.



~~~~~~



Oz looked up at Spike as he walked into the dining room. ‘Man he’s so lucky. Someday maybe I’ll be just as lucky with Willow.’ Oz reached under the table to give Willow a gentle squeeze on her leg. She turned to him, with her pizza slice in her hand and smiled. He winked at her and then nodded towards Spike to let her know he was here.

“Oh hi Spike. Sit. Have some pizza!”

“Thanks Willow. Love some. Buffy will down in a moment. She put me in charge of making sure you lot saved her some.”

“I bought plenty Spike,” Joyce replied, “so do not worry about that daughter of mine. You eat up; you are going to need it to protect her.”

Spike did not correct Joyce. She did not need to hear that what humans consume would do him no good, except for his taste buds. He gave her a big smile and grabbed a slice of pizza, with all the works on it, and shoved into his mouth. He let out a moan of pleasure that sounded similar to what the gang heard earlier.

“Ok Spike. We get you like the pizza, and you must really like it since that sounded very similar to the noises we heard coming from Buffy’s room this morning.”

Giles emitted a ‘dear lord’ from his lips as he took his spectacles off to cleanse them. As he put them back on, he felt comfortable enough to speak up and stop this conversation before it got out of hand.

“Cordelia now is neither the time nor place to have this discussion. If we make it through tonight’s activities, I expect Joyce will speak to Buffy and Spike about using better discretion.”

Cordelia let out a ‘humph’ before she grabbed another slice of pizza. Spike suddenly became shy and ducked his head down.

“’Bout that Joyce, ‘m sorry, we’ll be more careful next time.”

Just then, Buffy entered the room.

“Be more careful about what Spike?”

She did not understand from all the looks at the table what the big deal was. Then she heard Spike in her head.

‘Let’s leave this for later, pet. Apparently we were a little too vocal this morning.’

‘Oh. Yeah your right, not a good idea’

Buffy quickly redirected the subject at hand. “Yum, pizza, thanks so much mom. There’s nothing like having a good meal before going out and kicking major ass!”

“Buffy, language!”

“Sorry mom.”

“So everyone had their fill?”

A collective ‘yes’ filled the dining room.

“Good. You all got the weapons stashed?”

Again, another shared affirmative response from the group.

“Great. Sundown is coming soon. That means after I eat two more slices of pizza, we are leaving.”

“What about Spike?”

Spike was happy that the wolf boy was thinking about his welfare.

‘Yeah, pet what about me.’

Buffy squeezed his hand under the table.

“Well we have the UV blanket that he can use. We’ll take two cars.”

Buffy shoved the last sliced of pizza in her mouth.

‘Good plan luv, hadn’t thought of that myself.’

“Mom, where do you think your going?”

“To help protect my baby.”

“No mom. I need you to stay here. I won’t be able to do what I need to do if I’m worrying about you.

“But I worry.”

“Don’t mom; I’ve got the element of surprise on my side. He won’t expect Spike to be helping me, and neither will he expect to be attacked in his sleep.”

Joyce gave Buffy a hug as she walked out to the Jeep. Joyce stopped Spike and gave him a hug.

“Spike you take care of my little girl and little grandbaby she’s carrying. She means the world to me.”

“Don’t you worry Joyce, I swear on my unlife she will be brought back safely.”

Spike turned around, his leather coat flaring out from beneath him. He grabbed the UV blanked that Giles handed him and rushed out to battle with his mate.


Thanks to Meli for betaing the fic!
Thank you all for your kind reviews.
Cheers ~ Opal



Chapter 21- Blood

Angelus confidentially walked around the statue of Acathla. He stared at the stone statue, and then glanced around the cold, dark room. The room that would create the portal to infamy, the room that would make tonight his night, his time of glory, and his triumph for all evil.

It would be the ultimate act of evil, because after destroying the world and humanity with it, there would be no other act to top that.

He stopped before the statue and touched it with his hands. Angelus could feel the energy radiating off the stone. Energy which when fully unleashed would decimate the planet into particles.

Of course, Angelus only hoped that Acathla would make him a powerful being to rule alongside. If not, well he would be dust with the rest of the earth. As long as he did not have to deal with the Slayer and her stupid Scoobies, his death would be worth it. No more of her bouncy blonde hair, silly outfits, dumb large doe eyes, and her geeky friends.

All of the dimensions would know him as the great Angelus. The followers of the dark would speak of his name for eons thereafter. Certainly, this would top being known as the “Slayer of Slayers,” in fact no one would ever use Spike as the benchmark for evil again.

Angelus smirked to himself knowing that reputation would be one more thing he took easily from the pitiful excuse of a grandchilde of his. He should have never let that crazy childe of his make her dolly out of William. He shrugged his shoulders and continued to think of all the glory he would find at Acathla’s side.

Angelus was preoccupied with his ego and did not even hear a group of minions approach until they were in front of his face.

“Master! Master!” The minion tried to keep his voice down, but his Master’s lack of responsiveness warranted the volume.

He was snapped from his reverie; Angelus was agitated and contemplating taking it out on the vocal minion. Until he felt the presence of family, ‘Well speak of the devil.’

“Can’t you see I was deep in thought? This better be something good that you’re bothering me about.”

“Yes Master. Of course it is important.”

“Well what are you fucking waiting for, to turn to dust? Get on with it!”

The minion shuddered with nervousness, unsure of how his Master was going to react at the news. He was only a fledgling, and did not understand the strength of the Aurelius bond shared between the master vampires.

“Well it would seem that Spike has decided to come back to the mansion.”

Angelus decided to play with the minions mind. He figured ‘What the fuck, some quick entertainment was better than counting down the time until the symphony of destruction began.’ He paused for a moment as a light bulb went off in his head. ‘What a wonderful phrase ‘Symphony of Destruction,’ it’s a shame some human created it. Oh well, he’ll be dust along with all his sorry records soon anyways.’

The minion could tell Angelus was deep in thought again. Rather than agitate the master vampire more, the minion just waited patiently for a response.

“I don’t smell burning. That bastard grandchilde of mine should have burned up trying to get in here. There is no other access except through the sunlight at this time of day. Where is he?”

“In his room sir. The one he shared with the crazy one.”

Angelus stopped reveling in his ego and decided he better take the situation seriously. Then he started to worry. If Spike was back, that meant the Slayer would be with him. He did not have much longer to go until the sunset for him to start his mission. ‘Fuck!’ Angelus thought. ‘Leave it to the fucking white hats to come along and waste my fucking time right at when the crucial moments come along.’

“Master, what would you like us to do?”

Angelus thought about it. He only needed to buy time until he could begin the ritual. If he remained hidden, along with the minions then the Slayer would waste time searching them out. There was no way she could sense him specifically, because with so many vampires around her slayer senses would be going haywire. Spike would be a problem, but just a small delay tactic. Angelus knew he could handle Spike.

Angelus kept his voice low to deter any vampire that was not within his arm reach from overhearing.

“We won’t do anything. Tell the others to hide in the shadows and avoid confrontation until it is time to start the ritual.”

“Master, certainly they’ll find us.”

“Yes they will. Some of you will become dust, but that should not really matter to you because either way in fifteen minutes you will become dust either way. Let them waste time looking in the shadows.”

The minion nodded his head and skulked into the hallway to spread the word. Within moments, the mansion was quiet.

Angelus used his power as the head of the line to subtly close off his familial bond with Spike. He did not want the bastard childe to be able to find him just by using his senses. Angelus looked around the empty room, and then moved into the furthest corner of the room into the shadows, murmuring ‘this night will be mine.’



~~~~~~



Spike breathed a sigh of relief. They were not anywhere near safe, but the temporary glamour that Giles put up had lead the minions to believe that he was the only one is his own room. It had been difficult enough for them to sneak in during the daylight but luckily, the minions still had not figured out there was a secret passage into his room. This enabled them to penetrate the mansion undetected.

The room was dusty. The same as the day he had arrived with Dru, but she had decided to go on one of her cleaning obsessions. He certainly did nothing to stop her. He had rather a tidy abode than her talking at her dolls .Unfortunately, she was quite efficient so she could have a well-kept house, and have time with her dolls and her daddy.

All that time wasted now, because she was not here at all. Despite that, she would probably mock him for being with the Slayer or try to claw his mate’s eyes out; he was still saddened that she was gone.

If Angelus, or any of the minions chose to come down to find out the purpose of his visit, he would just simply tell them he was gathering the rest of his belongings. Of course, he had all of his belongings thrown out of his trunk and strewn across his bed. Spike decided that perhaps he could make this masquerade useful and set aside the items to take with him once this was over. He stopped when he noticed Buffy holding his old, worn, black leather folio of portraits.

“Luv, be careful with those.”

“I’m sorry, Spike. I shouldn’t have started touching your things.”

“No worries pet. It’s not that I don’t want you touching them. It’s just they are very old and the only pictures I have of my family. I want our bit to be able to see pictures of my mum and sis.”

“Oh.” Buffy carefully placed the folio back down on the bed. She glanced around and took note that there were two piles. “So what are the different piles for?”

“Well pet, that pile close to you is what is important to me and what I want to pass down to our nibblet. The other pile is just meaningless rubbish.”

“It’s bigger than your keep pile though.”

Buffy could sense Spike’s feelings through the claim. Feelings of sadness, because even after all these years he still missed his human family that was long gone from the earth.

“Yeah, luv, well the throw out pile is stuff that I’ve accumulated as a vamp, to make me feel big and bad. The small pile, well it’s the personal stuff. Stuff that’s been mine since before I was turned; you and I will look at it after we kick the poof’s arse, yeah?”

Spike realized this conversation was getting a little too intimate to share with the rest of the room. He looked into his mate’s eyes, and silently let his words flow through their bond.

‘Because I want our child to know where they came from, not just from a vamp but my real family, my mum and sis’

‘Your right, they should know. I want to know all about your family, you loved them so much and I know that it isn’t even an inkling of how much your love our baby.’

Spike reached across the bed and grasped Buffy’s hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it.

‘I love you Buffy.’

‘I love you, always, my big bad.’

Giles coughed to remind the blond couple that they were not alone.

“Sorry Giles kinda lost focus there.” Buffy whispered, noticing how quiet the mansion was all of a sudden.

Giles lowered his voice and gestured for the group to come closer to him.

“Indeed, well now that I’ve got your attention I want to remind you that this glamour isn’t going to last much longer. I also think that your reason for being here is being considered suspicious, because this whole mansion has gone from buzzing with activity to being so quiet you could hear a bloody pin drop.”

“Well Giles, I say we make our move now, before Angelus awakens, just like we planned.”

Spike tried to use the familial bond to locate Angelus, but it was no use.

“Luv, he may already suspect something because I can’t use the clan bond to find him. We need to be careful and anticipate that he may be expecting us.”

“Your right Spike.” Buffy leaned up and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. “Everyone check for your weapons, stakes, and holy water?” The group nodded affirmatively to her. “Great. Let’s go dust some vampire ass!”

The Slayer led her army out of Spike’s room into the halls.

‘Try to avoid dusting my ass luv!’

‘No problem Spikey, but I promise you I won’t be avoiding your ass later tonight.’

‘Minx.’

‘Vampire.’

‘I love you Buffy.’

Buffy stopped and pulled Spike close to her. She placed a gentle kiss on his lips to dissolve the glamour and let the whole mansion know who her mate was.

“I love you, Spike.”

She knew damn well if Angelus were awake, he would hear that!



~~~~~~



Xander heard his friends searching the hall. He knew he could yell for them, but he remembered Dru told him no to interfere with the course of the night. He stayed still, so his chains would not rattle.

Xander could feel the cold stones against his back and legs. It was as if the cold was traveling up and down his body on his own. His breaths were now quiet and slow, his demeanor was calm, even as he heard his friends walk by his prison.

Dru had not failed him yet, why would she now? He had the utmost faith that tonight Buffy was going to send Angelus’ ass to hell.

Tomorrow they would talk about the recent events that lead up to her victory, mourn the death of Giles beloved Jenny. They would savor the victory over donuts and coffee.

“And blood Xander, don’t forget William’s blood.” Dru whispered.

Even with Dru whispering in his ear, he did not use that as an excuse to freak out or cry to Buffy for help. Instead, he took comfort that his benefactor was right by his side looking after him.

Looking after Buffy and Spike too. That is when a big grin made its way across Xander’s face.

‘Angelus is so gonna die!’



~~~~~~




Angelus heard the Scoobies approaching. He could feel the night sun as it slowly slipped its way towards dusk. Just a few more moments he would seize the day. He brought his hand down towards his belt with the knife he had hidden in its sheath.

Slowly he began to extract it, and then he hid it up the sleeve of his coat. If he were lucky, he would be able to kill the Slayer, before he unleashed Acathla.

Angelus looked up when he sensed Spike walk into the room. He waited for the Slayer to follow, but she never came.

“Well, well it looks like at least my BOY showed up for the party.”

“I don’t see any bloody streamers, mate.”

“Oh Spikey, you know better than to piss Daddy off. Besides you know I don’t do streamers, I do screamers. Oh and your ripe wicked plum, she’s a screamer.”

Angelus wickedly grinned. He could tell he was getting under Spike’s skin.

“Baiting me old man; not gonna work. You could fuck Dru right in front of me under this disgusting statue for all I care. Let her scream your name.”

Spike and Angelus started to walk towards each other, circling one another. Feral looks in each other’s eyes; each waited for the other to make the first move. Angelus was puzzled with Spike, because he expected Spike would have attacked. Instead, Spike let the comments role right off of him. That is when Angelus realized something definitely was not right, but he could not quite pinpoint exactly what it was yet.

Angelus went into game face to improve his sense of sight and smell, getting the first leg up on Spike. He had hoped his vampiric abilities would give him the edge he needed to figure out Spike’s game. Quickly, Angelus realized why Spike was so nonchalant about Dru screaming her Daddy’s name.

“Boy you fucking mated to what’s mine! You know not to fuck with what belongs to the head of the clan.”

Spike vamped out, ready to defend his love, his mate, and their bond.

“Please, you hadn’t the stones to mark her as yours when you were the souled poofter. You had the opportunity to claim her when you had your way with her, but instead you ran off like a pussy. The reality is she was never yours, never meant to be yours.”

“Silence! I will not have you mock me, I am your elder you will respect me.”

“Angelus let me quote your favorite phrase. Oh how does it go? Yes, I believe its fuck off!”

Angelus could not hold back any longer. He launched himself at Spike. They became a blur of fists, fangs, and blood. One would get the upper hand for only a moment until the other would become dominant.

Buffy felt her mate starting to weaken through the bond. She knew it was risky, being with child, but she had to protect him. She knew she would die having to raise their baby without him. She knew she would die just from the loss of his love, his touch, his comfort. Buffy ran into the room as sunset began to fall outside of the mansion.

She saw Angelus hovered over Spike, ready to maul her love’s neck with his fangs. Without thinking, she ran over to grab Angelus, only to find that Angelus prepared for her approach.

Angelus grabbed Buffy, lifted her up and threw her clear across the room. Her head slammed against the stonewall, fracturing her skull and splitting her head open.

“Stupid bitch, how dare you.”

Buffy blacked out as she saw Angelus cross the room to finish her off. Giles, Cordelia, and Oz took out their crosses and vials of holy water. They ran between Buffy and Angelus, pushing the crosses in his bloodied face.

Willow ran over to Buffy, and cradled her friend’s body. She checked Buffy’s pulse it was fine. She looked at Buffy’s head. Carefully, she moved the bloodied strands of blond apart so she could find the cut. Willow could not believe her eyes when she found it. ‘Oh goddess, I knew she had slayer healing powers but I’ve never seen her heal like this!”

It seems Buffy’s bleeding had already stopped, and her skull was knitting itself back together. Willow continued to hold Buffy, offering the one thing slayer healing did not, the warm arms of a good friend.

Angelus howled in pain as the holy water they threw at him seeped into his wounds. He let out a sinister grin when he realized they exhausted their holy water, and the only weapon they had left was their crosses.

‘Fools, they think they can stop me with this crap! I’ll show them strength.’ Angelus summoned his might and plowed through the white hats and their crosses.

“Time to die you whore!”

Angelus raised his hand up to deliver the deathblow, only to have it caught and held in position.

“Not so fast mate. She’s mine, always will be. No one. No one hurts what is mine.”

Buffy smiled with pride as she started to come back to consciousness. Her mate was protecting her, and if he was protecting her, it meant that Angelus had not hurt him too badly.

She could feel Spike’s anger at Angelus through the bond. She knew that if she tried to communicate with him now, she would only break his concentration. She did not realize that he had felt her awaken through the bond; he just did not show it.

Spike threw Angelus’ bloody body into the stone statue in the middle of the room. Blood flowed out of Angelus wounds onto the statue. Acathla started to rumble and shake.

Spike ran immediately to his mate’s side, gently taking her from Willow. He purred and peppered kisses on her forehead. His happiness was short lived, when Angelus reminded him that they now had a much bigger problem to face.

“Boy! It’s about time you did something right. I had forgotten all about my little plan here. Thanks to you, I got my blood dripping all over this baby right now and just in time. Should I thank you or your piece of shit mate?”

Spike growled ready to launch himself at Angelus. Buffy placed a hand on his shoulder, and silently pleaded to him to hold back so they could asses the situation.

“Oh, whipped by the girl. Looks like you are someone else’s whipping boy now. Well since, I finally get to thank you for a job well done, guess how I’m going to do it. I’m gonna turn you, your mate, and everything on the face of this earth into a big pile of fucking dust. All thanks to Acathla, all thanks to you boy!”

Buffy clutched Spike closer to her when she thought about the life they would not have, the child that would never be born. Tears ran down her face.

“That’s right bitch, cry for your mommy. Oh wait she won’t come for you because in a few moments she’ll be dust with you too.”

“Not if I can help it.”

The two master vamps whipped there head up to the direction of the voice. Their faces showed complete shock, which was saying a lot considering the events that had taking place up to that moment.

Spike’s voice broke the silence, but it was barely a whisper.

“Dru.”




Chapter 22 - Prophecy



Buffy was not sure to she should be relieved or frightened that Dru had decided to join the party. She should have been scared that her life was about to end now. She was more afraid that the dark vampires had come to steal her mate away.



Dru sensed her distress before Spike, and walked over to the couple. Spike wrapped his arms protectively around Buffy.



“Tut. Tut. My boy, I’m not here to hurt her. I’m here to help.”



“Dru I know you’re off your soddin’ rocker, but if you want to help we need to deal with your poofter Daddy and his soddin’ statue.”



Spike was unsure what kind of game Dru was playing. She was always off her rocker, but her appearance was different. Gone were the Victorian clothes she normally wore, in its place an edgier, more modern get up. It complemented her much, much more. Still it did nothing to ease his mind that the crazy bint was going to go after his mate.



“William, I have news for you.” Dru got right up into Spike’s face, “I’m not crazy anymore. Still clairvoyant, and yes Miss Edith still talks to me, but I am not crazy. Now let me see how my little grandchild is coming along here.”



Drusilla gently pushed aside Buffy’s jacket to reveal her swollen stomach. Buffy looked up at Dru, and the moment they locked eyes Buffy knew she could trust her.



“Dru, is the baby ok?”



Dru put her hands on Buffy’s stomach, and then shut her eyes for a moment. A big smile formed on her face as she opened up her eyes.



“Yes dear girl, your baby girl is fine. Fine and healthy, she’ll have her mom’s petite body and her daddy’s blue eyes.”



Buffy smiled, but the tears rolled down her face. That is when Angelus reminded them for the reason of their gathering.



“So fucking sweet. Really, you are all pathetic. Even you Dru don’t know what I thought I was doing when I picked you. Oh yeah, I wanted an innocent girl and not a whore like your grandmother. You were so much fun.”



“And I’m not fun now. Such a shame you feel that way Angelus.”



The mansion began to shake wildly and the portal opening by Acathla was becoming bigger by the moment. Angelus stood and smirked.



“Looks like I’m still the one with all the power around here. Look at William, reduced to being the Slayer’s lapdog. She’s not even pretty. Nothing but a bleached out bimbo with superpowers, couldn’t add one and one if she tried.” Angelus pointed to her stomach, and raised his voice to hear him over the wind coming from the portal. “She can do one thing right though, she can be a whore. Now she’s knocked up. Stupid…”



Before Angelus could finish the sentence, Spike had launched himself again at Angelus. Fist and fangs at each other, Buffy tried to get up again to help her mate but it was just no use.



The ceiling was beginning to crumble in. Willow ran back over to Buffy.



“Buffy, I guess this is it. This is how it ends.”



“I’m so sorry Willow, I tried. I tried to save you all but I just wasn’t good enough. A failure, just like Angelus said.”



Giles moved over to his surrogate daughter and placed his arms around her too.



“No Buffy, not a failure. You were the best there was you never stopped trying. Ever.”



Giles brushed the tears away from her eyes and looked at her.



“If anything, I regret that you’ve had to live hard and now not enjoy the reward of enjoying being in love, being with your mate, and being with your child.”



“SEPARATE” Drusilla yelled, throwing Angelus and Spike across to separate sides of the room. Angelus tried to cross over to reach Drusilla, but he met a barrier.



“It was you protecting that whelp! You bitch!”



Drusilla realized that dusk was just about gone and night was official. Now it was time to exact her revenge.



“Oh my Angel, my Angel who has all the power now.”



“I’m not your Angel lunatic!”



“Oh yes you are. You’re one and the same.”



“I have no soul.”



“Oh really, didn’t I just tell you who has all the power now? You should learn to listen to me BOY!”



Angelus did not take being spoken down too lightly. He roared and tried to break the barrier. Dru walked up to Angelus, an arms length in front of him. He was furious he was so close to her and could not reach her.



Dru put her new vengeance demon face on.



“Now Angel, you know what I’ve become since I’m no longer part of the clan.”



“You wouldn’t do that to me. You don’t like your Daddy with a soul, do you princess.”



“My daddy is dead. You killed him. As for you, I don’t like you at all. You will never. Never ever ever be able to hurt me again.”



“Fuck you.”



“Oh harsh comeback, or is that all you could think of. Now hold still dear, I’ve got a present for you.”



Drusilla raised her hands in the air and began to chant.



“I request thee D’Hoffryn and Anyanka to come to my aid, as they did before, and see to it the wish they have granted has been completed.”



Of course, she was doing it just for show, since her wish did say Angelus would have his soul returned at night. With his soul freshly retuned, Angel was glowing she knew nightfall had come.



That is when Spike spoke up after he had rushed over and moved Buffy away from the crumbling walls.



“Dru, it’s good that you got rid of Angelus but how are we gonna stop this soddin’ statue! I’ve got a nibblet and mate to protect.”



“Oh you’ll see. You’ll see Spike.”



Angel turned around and looked at everyone in the room. He had remembered all of the events that took place since he lost his soul. He smiled when he remembered his moment with Buffy, then he felt pain when he realized the death and destruction he was responsible for.



Then he was distressed. He remembered Buffy was pregnant. Then he remembered Angelus distinctly mocking Spike for mating to a Slayer.



‘No, it can’t be. She loves me. She loves ME!’



He walked over towards Buffy, only to meet with a snarling Spike. Dru laid her hand on Angel’s shoulder to indicate him to stop. He turned and faced Dru.



“Angel, my wish for you came after they fell in love, forced to work together because of you. They found a love so intense, it overshadows whatever feelings you have for her. Then the powers so it fit that they be the guardians of peace.”



“Why Dru, why?”



“You took everything from me, but when you took my dignity that was enough. That was when I summoned Anyanka.”



“And you thought giving Angelus his soul was vengeance?”



“No. I thought giving you your soul and having it permanently anchored was one small part of it. The other part was to know that your love was no longer yours. To know that she will live with and be in love with your rival for the rest of time; not only that, she is now immortal as he.”



Angelus winced in pain, emotionally and physically. The building was disintegrating around them, with pieces falling on their heads.



Dru felt it was time for the piece de resistance.



“The final part of my wish was for you to see this.”



Drusilla walked up to Buffy, extended her hand and helped the Slayer up. Dru gently moved the coat aside. Angel winced. He knew. He knew from looking and the scent on her that she was carrying William’s child.



“Now Angel, she will never be able to enjoy her child or her mate because of this hell that is becoming unleashed on earth right now. This hell that you have caused.”



Angel looked at Buffy with tears in his eyes. He walked over to approach her, but she flinched away.



“Buffy. I’m so sorry. So sorry for this, for everything I did.”



“Angel, there is one thing you can do to stop Acathla.” Anyanka said as she strolled across the room out of the shadows.



“Who are you?”



Anyanka walked up to Dru and put her arms around her. She laid a chaste kiss on the dark vampiress/vengeance demon’s cheek.



“I am her savior.”



Buffy was in awe by the entire scene in front of her. She was about to die, but yet the soap opera playing out in front of her was better than any episode of Passions she had sat through.



Angel glanced over to Buffy and knew he would do anything to save her life.



“What do I need to do?”



Anyanka took out a sword and handed it to him.



“You and only you must close the portal. With your blood.”



“Just cut myself? That’s easy.”



“No. You must push this sword through your stomach and into the portal. That will center the energy of the portal into your body. You will be sent to a hell dimension, and the portal will close, the statue will crumble.”



Angel did not need to think twice about it. He had felt the pain Spike felt through the sire/childe bond, the pain of loosing your love, your mate.



Angel knew his pain was deep, but Spike’s was deeper. He accepted the sword from Anyanka. He walked over to the statue, and turned around to address the group.



“I know it will be a very long time, if ever, before any of you forgive me for what happened. I’m truly sorry. Buffy I love you, I truly do. It’s tough to accept you with Spike. I can’t break it now that you mated. He loves you, he can care for you, and will treat you as you deserve. Much better than I can.”



“Angel, you have to do this now or it will be too late!” Anyanka cried as a wall crashed down.



“I love you Buffy.”



Angels raised the sword and prepared to impale himself.



“I still love you Angel, just not in the same way. I’ll always love you as a brother or as a friend.”



Spike smiled. He was not insecure about being second best to Angelus. He knew that she could not just stop loving Angel, and that he would always have a place in her heart. The mating bond helped with that, as he knew now that she loved him more like a sibling than a lover.



“Thank you Buffy, you don’t know how much that means to me.”



“Yes I do. It will be a long time though, if ever, before I can trust you again ….that’s if we see each other again.”



“I understand Buff.”



“I also will defend my love with Spike until the end, so if you do come back and try to destroy what we have, mark my words, I will kill you.”



“Now Angel, Now!” Anyanka yelled.



“I’m sorry Buffy. I do love you.”



With that, he pierced his stomach with the sword and into Acathla; there was a quick flash of light. He was gone. The statue was gone, the portal was gone, and the shaking had stopped.



The dust settled to the ground, and the group let out a collective sigh of relief.



Then they heard a groan coming from somewhere inside the mansion.



“Xander!” Willow cried.


Thanks everyone for your kind reviews, I really appreciate them!




Chapter 23 – Immortal Love




“Don’t worry Dearies; he’ll be fine for a few minutes longer.” Drusilla assured everyone.

She walked over and brushed Buffy’s tears away from her eyes.

“There, there don’t be sad. He’s gotten what he deserves.”

“But he got his soul back.” Buffy whispered.

“Yes, and without his soul he wouldn’t have cared that he could hear the beating heart of your unborn child. You see, he positions going to hell as a notch on his road of redemption because he did it to save your innocent child”

Spike wrapped his arms around his Slayer tightly.

“Don’t worry luv, I’m sure he’ll fight his way through hell no problem.”

“It’s still sad that he did it as an act of redemption. He didn’t do it to take accountability for his mess.”

Drusilla gently laid her hand on Buffy’s shoulder.

“Buffy, weak men will justify anything. You’re lucky you have yourself mated to a very strong one. One who I am dreadfully sorry in retrospect for the horrors I put his heart through, but he was rightly never mine.”

“Dru, luv, what happened? You’re not off your rocker anymore.”

“Spike, yes I’m sane finally. After Angelus beat my sanity back into me, I just could not sit back and watch him try to take my childe and his mate down. Hell, I just was not going to let him ever touch me again. So I beckoned Anyanka’s aid.”

“That explains the different demon spell on you.”

“So no more blood sucking for me, we’ll at least it’s not required for sustenance.”

Spike felt Buffy stiffen up in his arms, which did not go unnoticed by Drusilla.

“Young Slayer, I know it is still hard for you to see things other than black and white, but you must understand a few things. I have been around a lot longer and not bound by society’s rules. I am not about to fight the good fight either, but always know that I will never inflict harm on those you cherish. Do you think you can learn to give a little with that?”

Buffy thought about it for a second. Drusilla made perfect sense, after all she was accepting of Spike.

“Dru, it will be hard, but I give you my word I will accept you and back you up when you need it.” She reached out her hand to shake on it, when Dru pulled her into a hug. She comfortably accepted Drusilla’s embrace.

Spike smiled in pride, his Slayer had grown so much in such short time. Of course, leave it to Drusilla to still have it in her to shock him.

“I’m so glad Buffy, because now that you’re mated to William, you’re going to be around a very, very long time.”

Buffy pulled back from Drusilla with a worried look on her face.

“I don’t understand?”

“You’re immortal, like us. Your child will be too, when she reaches her 18th birthday.”

The room was stunned into silence. It was then that they remembered their friend hanging in the other room.

“Guys,” Xander yelled. “Umm can someone come get me now, please….anybody?”

Drusilla turned to Anyanka, and without words, being exchanged Anyanka teleported out of the room to rescue the young man.

Giles finally collected his bearings, and found the courage to speak.

“By God, Buffy you are the Slayer that the council has feared for years. We must ensure that they do not hear of this.”

“Don’t worry about my lady,” Spike spoke confidentially. “None of them soddin’ tweed masters will get near my mate.”

“Spike, they can’t kill her but they can make her life uncomfortable. Then there is the child. Until she is 18, there will be a bounty on that poor child’s head, by the council and the demon world.”

Buffy was overwhelmed with emotion. They just finished dealing with Angelus, and now it seems they would have to continue to evade people who tried to interfere in their lives. She was comforted when Spike held her tighter, but all she wanted was to go home.

It was then that Anyanka and Xander entered into the room. Dru noticed the way that Anyanka was admiring the young man’s physique, but she was more concerned with how he would react to Buffy.

Buffy on the other hand was equally nervous. Tears rolled down her eyes as she surrendered to her emotions. Spike sensed her distress, but also sensed the whelp meant them no harm or disrespect.

“Luv, go see your mate. He won’t judge us.”

Xander wrapped his arms around Buffy and lifted her off the ground. He was so happy to see all of his friends, alive.

“Buffy, oh thank goodness. I knew you’d pull through.” He looked her up and down and noticed the big bump that he felt. He remembered Drusilla’s words and looked up with a big goofy grin on his face. “Looks like I’m going to be an Uncle Xan-man too!”

Waves of relief hit Spike through the claim. It soothed him that Xander’s support was helping take the edge off her nerves.

Buffy gave Xander a kiss on the cheek and a big grin of her own.

“I’m so glad you’re happy about this Xander. It means so much to me.”

Of course, Giles would stop the happy moment from lasting. He coughed to get everyone’s attention.

“Ahem, we still have to discuss this matter of Buffy’s immortality.”

“Oh hush Giles,” Xander replied, for once not using the dreaded nickname. “Buffy being immortal now means we’ll just have plenty of time to talk about it.”

“But the council…”

“The council won’t stop Buffy and Spike from having all the orgasms they want. I’ve placed a protection spell around them that will prevent anyone from using magicks to interfere with the birth of their child, so they have some time for now and the first few years,” Anyanka proclaimed.

“They have ways, ways you all can’t even imagine. Don’t be so foolish to not watch your back.” Giles sighed, finally able to get a word in edgewise.

Drusilla walked up to the watcher, and looked him in the eye.

“I’m telling you that Anyanka’s spell will protect them adequately. During that time you should prepare for dealing with what may come afterwards.”

Everyone was jolted when the heard the noise of several walls crashing on the other side of the mansion.

“Luv, it’s not safe here for us anymore. We better get out of here.”

“Spike, I’m so tired. Can we go home to rest now?”

He placed a soft kiss on her head.

“Of Course love. Anyanka, Dru could you teleport us out of here?”

The vengeance demons nodded in agreement, and in a flash, they were all gone from the mansion as the remaining walls crashed down where they had stood.



Thank You all for your kind reviews! Sorry it's been awhile since the last update...between work, traveling for work, and sinus issues...writing hasn't been a priority.

Extra thanks to Meli for betaing!

Chapter 24 - Homecoming

Temporarily blinded by the flash of light, Joyce prayed silently to God that this was a sign that her daughter made it through her confrontation with Angelus alive. In the blink of her eyes, her living room suddenly filled with people, some she did not recognize. She did not let the overwhelming emotions of the day hold her back from running to her daughter.

“Buffy!” Joyce cried as she embraced her daughter. “You’re ok.”

“A little bruised up, but I’ll be fine.”

Spike walked over to his mate. He grasped her warm hand in his and guided her over to sit on the couch. He was still wary of Dru and Anyanka. He possessively wrapped his arms around Buffy and nuzzled his mark on her neck. It was one way he could tell the demons Buffy was his mate, and he would protect her against them.

“Spike, there is no need for your display of possession. We’ve already told you that we are not here to hurt her or your child.” Dru said in reply to his actions.

“Can’t blame a bloke for protecting his girl now can you?”

Xander chose that moment to pipe up. “Enough with the PDA and the demon protection stuff. If we are all here, Acathla must have been defeated; after all, the big ugly statue was gone when I came in. But do we still have to fear Angelus?”

Joyce looked up at that moment; she feared that perhaps her daughter’s troubles were not over.

“He’s gone Xander. Gone to hell where he deserves to be.” Anya spoke up.

Joyce let out a sigh of relief. At least there would be some peace before the baby was born.

Buffy was not so optimistic, she knew if it was not the Council coming after them then it could be some other demon that wanted to get their hands on her baby. Angelus could also come back, after all this is the Hellmouth, anything could happen.

Spike sensed his mate’s distress, and stroked her hand.

“What’s troubling you luv?”

Buffy looked at Spike, and then turned her eyes to Drusilla. “Can Angel come back from this hell he is in?”

“It’s possible.” Dru said. “But you know that already, don’t you Sunshine? Just pay close attention to your Slayer senses and dreams; they will help save you from whatever comes your way. Even the Council.”

Drusilla’s last sentence angered Joyce. The Council would dare hurt her daughter, their charge. She shot daggers in her eyes towards Giles. Giles quickly coughed to get everyone’s attention so he could explain.

“Everyone you have my word I will not harm Buffy…” Giles saw the look on Buffy’s face and quickly adjusted his sentence “her baby or Spike. There have been Slayers that have mated with a vampire before. In order for the Council to get itself a new Slayer, they will kill the mate of the Slayer. Although the Slayer is immortal, she can will herself away from the mortal world into the spiritual realm. She does this at the death of her mate, because the pain is too much to bear.”

Buffy was horrified that the Council would dare try to take her mate away from her; especially after all she had done for them. She had saved humanity from two apocalypses. She balled her tiny hands into fists of rage.

“Damn it, that’s not fair! I will protect Spike with my life and if they try to take him from me, so help me, I will exact vengeance on each and every one of them.”

Anya’s ears perked up at the call for vengeance. “Oh I could kill them all instantly now, or make it a bloodbath, or…”

Drusilla gently laid her hand on the other demon’s shoulder, as a silent plea for her to stop talking.

Anya, or course, ignored it. “I think if Buffy’s thinking vengeance already that maybe she’d make a better vengeance demon than a Slayer.”

“NO!” The whole room yelled,

“Gee, you all act like it’s a bad thing.”

“Buffy is pure light, pure good.” Spike said, “And she’s the mum to our child. She is the balance to my dark side and her light will help guide our childe.”

Anyanka huffed, but gave up on her plight to bring Buffy into the vengeance fold. “Fine then. Well at least let me decorate the baby’s room.”

Willow, who had been quiet since they arrived back in the Summers’ living room, finally spoke up.

“So where are you and Spike going to live?”

“I hand’t thought about it? We can’t go to the mansion, it’s destroyed.”

Joyce looked over at the couple cuddled on the couch together. “You can live here. I’m gone most of the time, and really, the house is too much for me to keep up. Why don’t you guys live here and I’ll get an apartment downtown.”

Spike knew he love d Joyce. He did not think he could appreciate her any more at this moment.

“Joyce it’s so kind and generous to sacrifice your home for us, but really it is your home.”

“And my grandchild will grow up in this home.” She realized she did not know the name of the woman who offered to do the nursery for Buffy and Spike. She looked over at Anya and got her attention. “I’m sorry; I don’t think I got your name.”

“Anyanka Christina Emmanuella….”

Dru interjected Anya’s long winded, yet unnecessary name. “Just call her Anya.”

Joyce looked at Drusilla with relief. The shorter name would be much easier for her to remember.

“Anya, you said you would decorate the baby’s room. Would you be able to furnish it?”

“Of course, I’ll prepare the whole house for the baby’s arrival. It will be so much fun!”

“Anya, you seem so excited about helping. I really wish you would take care of those things for me. I’ll write you out a check so you know what the budget is.”

Anya was very excited she not only got to do the work, but she did not even have to entice Joyce to say ‘I wish.’ Before anyone could cover Anya’s mouth, she replied to Joyce. “No money needed. Wish Granted.”

Suddenly, the house transformed. There was a pile of gifts surrounding Buffy.

“It’s an instant baby shower!” Willow shouted.

“Do you think there is some Baby Dior in some of those presents?” Cordelia chimed in. “I’ve heard from my mother’s friends that is all the rage.”

“She has everything she needs, and more.” Anya said.

Anya picked up one gift and offered it over to Buffy.

Buffy graciously accepted the gift. It was a small package, but that only peeked her interest some more. She tore through the tissue paper carefully to reveal beautiful ring, a ring that was clearly too big for Buffy.

“Thanks Anya, I’m sure I could bring this to the jeweler to get sized.”

“Actually Buffy, the ring is for you but not for you to wear. It’s for Spike to wear.”

Buffy placed the ring in her love’s hand. Spike gasped when he realized what it was.

“Bloody hell, it’s the Gem of Amara. This isn’t supposed to exist.”

Drusilla walked up to Spike. She knelt in front of the master vampire and his mate.

“This ring will protect in the sunlight, and make you invincible against traditional forms of Vampire death. It will enable you to protect your mate and child during the daylight.”

Tears rolled down Buffy’s eyes. Not only did Anya and Dru give them the blessing of extra security, but the ability for Spike to live and walk with her during the daylight; to see their child playing in the sunlight.

It was a gift that would allow them to live an extraordinary life together.


Hope you liked the update! Don't forget, my muse loves reviews! Cheers ~ Opal